Backstage with Dan, Sally, & Shauna

There has been some great discussion around Session 3 on some of the blog posts during and since the conference. Thanks to all of you who are asking questions. Thanks to everyone for the authenticity in your words. Thanks for the graciousness in your responses. I hope that we can continue to work this out together.

We recorded each of the panelists immediately after the session taking the conversation further and reacting to your comments & quetions. Here are video clips from Dan Kimball with Sally Morgenthaler and from Shauna Niequist. We'll follow up in the days ahead with a second clip from Shauna & others from Efrem Smith, David Loveless, and Brian McLaren.

It is tempting to move from this discussion & not deal with the truths we have been confronted with ... let's not do that ... let's keep encouraging, pushing, and inspiring one another to reach out beyond ourselves & the walls of our church.

My heart grew heavy as Dan discussed what people think about all of us and the church. When I have received criticism about the church or a service I have been a part of, people have told me to not take it personally but I think the key to growing is for us to take Dan's findings & our 'negative' experiences personally.

We need to ruthlessly examine how we are living - what we say, what we don't say, what nonverbal signals we are sending, how we spend our time & how we don't spend our time. It breaks my heart to think that I, in any way, keep people from seeing Jesus as He truly is.

We asked the panel to share anything they wanted to add to the Session 3 discussion or to address 3 specific issues that were sent by conference attenders by email or in the blog comemnts.

First, how do we reach out to homosexuals in our community? How can we let them know that they are welcome in our church? Second, what can we do so that 18 - 30 year olds want to come? How do we need to change so that they want to stay? And lastly, how do I change my church?

Listen to what they have to say & tell me what you think about what they said? What do you think was most helpful and what do you think still needs to be explored

Pam...
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Your response to Session 3?

So, how'd you do with that last session? While it was uncomfortable at times, I think it's really healthy that we went after some very complex issues and didn't wrap it neatly with "three steps to a brighter future" at the end! Instead, we were really wrestling with these issues as we enter into a post-Christian era.

In brainstorming this session several months ago, we grappled for several hours on whether the drama scene would work without the context of an entire service dedicated to exploring homosexuality. During the Willow service when the scene was first used, Gene did a masterful job of expressing a clear Biblical worldview on the issue; if you are struggling with how the Church should respond to this issue, I'd encourage you to download Gene's message as another avenue to explore the topic.
Ultimately, we landed on using the scene in the conference because of its raw honesty, the profound way that it moved us and the picture it painted of two people struggling with this issue....it took homosexuality out of the realm of statistics, labels and stereotypes and into the messiness of everyday life and relationships.

The rest of the session continued in that same vein: moving away from platitudes and easy answers and into wrestling with truth. For example, I resonated with the whole "Christian subculture bubble" that Dan talked about...the church plant we were a part of in Orlando really grappled with that: how do you clearly define the line between cultural traditions and biblical truth? I know in my background, there wasn't always a clear distinction between stylistic choices and a sound theology of worship.

I loved Efrem's emphasis on knowing who we are naturally as well as supernaturally, leading into the turn at the end of the session to discuss being the Church outside the walls...as David put it, not just being attractional but also missional in nature. And Brian solidified that thought for me with his comment: every week, people in the church should get fired up to love the world more.

What was your take-away from the various speakers? Hopefully, it led to lots of animated discussions around the dinner table. What stands out?...
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Session 3 - Live comment here...

This is a powerful session. Take a minute and share your thoughts.

In the drama, in Dan's message, in the panel - there is so much to process - what's on your mind?

The panel will be taking questions at arts@willowcreek.org - ask them anything!...
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They Love Jesus but not the Church: Session Three

I can honestly say that I’m truly looking forward to every session in this year’s conference. Session three is going to be a lot of fun! Dan Kimball has a great perspective on why many in this generation love Jesus, but not the church. A panel of phenomenal leaders will bring their unique perspectives to the issues Dan raises. Watch Nancy’s video and see who’s on the panel and why they are there. More than that, we want to hear what you are thinking. Shauna Niequist will be in the panel and will represent you. So give us your questions and comments on the blog when the session starts and Shauna will have the fun challenge or working them into the conversation with the panel. ☺

Is there anything you already know you would love to hear this great panel talk about?

Check out Dan Kimball’s responses to some questions we asked him last week.

Dan’s Responses.

Music: Who are you listening to these days?
Matisyahu - "No Place To Be"
Johnny Cash - "Ultimate Gospel"
The Smiths - "The Very Best of The Smiths"

Books: What are you reading
Live Fast, Die Young: The Wild Ride of Making Rebel Without a Cause by Lawrence Frascella and Al Weisel
The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
Protestant Worship and Church Architecture: Theological and Historical Considerations by James F. White
The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet by Eleanor Cameron (reading it to our daughters at their bedtime)

Movies, TV or DVD's: What are you watching? Or What do you recommend?
I have hardly watched any movies lately or television shows. So I can't think of anything off hand. I do think that the movie "Saved" is a good one to watch for all Christian leaders to see if there is any truth to what they portray in that movie. I just saw it on television last week, so it is on my mind.

People: Who would you like to have a cup of coffee with?
Bob Dylan, to ask him about the time period when he put out three very strong albums about his Christian faith and what he believes now
Madonna - and ask her about her spiritual beliefs
Criss Angel - and have him tell me how he does that levitation trick

Words from You: What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who are just starting out in ministry?
Sounds cliche, but walk with God and the art and leadership will come from that.

What is one thing you would say to artists and leaders who have been involved in ministry a long time?
Same exact thing. Sounds cliché, but walk with God and the art and leadership will come from that....
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Excited about Session 3

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