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Shifting Culture

Ep. 113 Andrew Root Returns - When Church Stops Working

Jun 27, 2023
Andrew Root, a Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary and author of 'When Church Stops Working,' explores the church's challenges in today's world. He argues that innovation isn't the answer, urging a focus on spiritual guidance and community storytelling. Root emphasizes the power of waiting and reflection, advocating for deeper connections during times of sorrow. He suggests shifting from static mission statements to engaging 'watchwords' that prioritize genuine faith. Overall, he calls for a communal approach to embrace life's crises.
51:42

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Church leaders should focus on waiting for the Spirit's guidance and embracing spiritual crises instead of seeking innovative solutions.
  • The design of church spaces significantly impacts community interactions, promoting deeper spiritual engagement and connection among members.

Deep dives

The Crisis of Innovation in the Church

Innovation in the church has not resolved the underlying crises; rather, it has exacerbated them by deepening the church's entanglement with secular culture. The reliance on innovative methods to address church decline often distracts from the true essence of faith, which involves grappling with spiritual crises. Instead of seeking to escape from these crises, it is essential to acknowledge and embrace them as a part of the Christian experience. Engaging with this reality requires leaders to shift their focus from trying to innovate solutions to discerning how God is still active in the world.

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