Retelling the Story of the Church

Adapted from The Forgotten Ways Blog

A paradigm, or systems story, “is the set of core beliefs which result from the multiplicity of conversations and which maintains the unity of the culture.”  The ‘petals’ in this diagram are “the manifestations of culture which result from the influence of the paradigm.”   

When people try to change the order of things, they concentrate on the petals; that is, they try to effect change by looking at structures, systems and processes.  A lot of energy (and money) is put into the change program, with all the usual ‘selling the vision’ exercises, consultations, workshops, and so on. In the first few months things seem to be changing but gradually the novelty and impetus wears off and the organization settles back into something like its previous configuration. The reason for this is simple, though often overlooked—unless the paradigm at the heart of the culture is changed there will be no lasting change.  

Machiavelli was right, “Nothing is more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than achieving a new order of things.”

Try this: in the diagram above, put the word ‘Christendom institution’ at the center, and then ponder the impact on the ‘petals’.  Now, put the word ‘organic Jesus movement’ in the center. What happens to the ‘petals’?

Ivan Illich was once asked what the most radical way to change society was; was it violent revolution or gradual reform? He gave a careful answer. Neither. Rather, he suggested that if one wanted to change society, then one must tell an alternative story. How true. We need to retell the story of the church and mission in light of the organic living systems perspective.

Comments

[Josh]

Love the last quote! I believe that's how the church flourished in the book of Acts. Instead of telling the same story about Jesus being a blasphemer, the apostles told an alternative story about death, redemption, and the way to life in the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth.