Lachlan Harders is trying to leave our Low Ecclesiology
Mar 25, 2023
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Lachlan Harders, a pastor from Queensland, discusses the concept of 'low ecclesiology' - how the church perceives itself. They explore the importance of church structure, constructive criticism, and fostering optimism within the church community.
Witness impactful life changes within church community.
Train to think optimistically about church's growth potential.
Deep dives
Striving for a Positive View of the Church
Emphasizing the importance of viewing the church positively, the conversation centers on finding a balance between acknowledging the church's shortcomings and fostering optimism. The dialogue delves into the significance of differentiating between being critical and thinking critically about the church, highlighting the value of intentional spiritual formation in shaping an optimistic outlook. Through personal stories and theological reflections, the aim is to inspire individuals to cultivate a sense of hope and optimism in their local church communities.
The Transformative Power of Positive Church Experiences
Reflecting on the transformative potential of positive church experiences, the episode explores the impact of witnessing individuals' growth and life changes within the church community. The speakers share personal stories of encountering individuals who found faith, creating a sense of belonging and spiritual reawakening. The conversation underscores the need for intentional engagement and investment in local church ministries to foster an environment where life-changing encounters with Jesus are possible.
Encouraging an Optimistic Approach to Church Involvement
Encouraging an optimistic approach to church involvement, the hosts discuss the importance of training oneself to think optimistically about the church's potential for growth and impact. Drawing parallels to sports culture and intentional spiritual development, the conversation advocates for shifting from critical viewpoints to belief in the church's ability to positively influence lives. The emphasis lies on engaging with the church community with genuine hope and faith in its transformative power.
Fostering a Culture of Positivity within Church Communities
Promoting a culture of positivity within church communities, the episode underscores the significance of reframing discussions about the church by focusing on its strengths and impactful moments. The conversation highlights the power of speaking up and celebrating the work of God within the church, while also recognizing the need for accountability amidst challenges. By fostering a community that uplifts and supports one another, the hosts aim to inspire individuals to contribute positively to their local church environments.
Balancing Optimism with Accountability in Church Discourse
Navigating the balance between optimism and accountability in conversations about the church, the hosts stress the importance of approaching critiques with the intention to improve and enhance, rather than simply pointing out flaws. Reflecting on theological perspectives and personal experiences, the discussion emphasizes the value of constructive criticism and critical thinking in fostering growth and transformation within church communities. The aim is to encourage individuals to engage in discussions that prioritize positivity, while also addressing areas that require attention and improvement.
This episode, we talk to friend of the show and fellow pastor, Lachlan Harders. Lachlan is ministering up in the Gold Coast of Queensland, but because he's an AFL fan we won't hold that against him. At least, Josh won't. Jesse has no such affection for that strange form of football so Lachlan will have to get by him with his charm alone.
Nonsense aside, Lachlan brings a fascinating idea to the podcast: his thesis is that the church has, over time, formed a low view of itself. Hence, "low ecclesiology". If you didn't know, ecclesiology is:
1. The study of churches, especially church building and decoration, or
2. Theology as applied to the nature and structure of the Christian Church.
That's according to Google, anyway. The "low" part is how we view ourselves and the church. So, let's talk about that.
Editor's note - this episode was unfortunately subject to a technical issue that we weren't aware of when we recorded. Our usually-high standard of quality isn't as well reflected in this particular episode and for that we apologise. However, rest assured that the problem has been fixed and our future episodes will return to the quality you expect of them.
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