S2 Ep1113: Rethinking Church, Discipleship, and Why We Do the Things We Do: David Kinnaman
Sep 21, 2023
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David Kinnaman, bestselling author and CEO of Barna Group, discusses trends facing the church, including the need to reassess church practices and rhythms. They explore the lack of discipleship in the church, societal shifts, reintegration of educational tools, impactful experiences, and the value of traditions and prayer.
Reassessing church practices is crucial for making meaningful connections with a rapidly evolving culture.
Deeper and holistic forms of discipleship are needed to address church hurt and disillusionment among millennials and Gen Z.
Churches should become people development organizations, empowering individuals to tap into their God-given potential and addressing issues like volunteer burnout and mental health crises.
Deep dives
Trends in Church and Culture
David Kineman discusses various trends that intersect the church and culture. He highlights the rise in spiritual openness, the disintegration of religion, and the need for a new wave of innovation in church practices.
Church Hurt and Disillusionment
Kineman addresses the issue of church hurt and disillusionment among millennials and Gen Z. He mentions theological questions, emotional connectedness, and dissatisfaction with certain aspects of church performance, suggesting the need for deeper and more holistic forms of discipleship.
Exploring New Ways of Engaging with God
The conversation delves into the idea of finding new ways to engage with God in a cultural landscape that is evolving rapidly. Kineman suggests the possibility of integrating podcasts and other digital platforms into the ecclesiology of the church, while emphasizing the importance of community, learning, and genuine conversations in fostering spiritual growth.
The Importance of Becoming a People Development Organization
One of the main ideas explored in the podcast is the opportunity for churches to become people development organizations and tap into the unique giftings and capabilities that God has given to individuals. Instead of solely focusing on volunteer programs and traditional church activities, there is a need to empower and activate individuals into their God-given potential. This entails a shift towards recognizing the importance of personal self-awareness and spiritual heritage awareness, where people can be equipped to flourish in their vocations and careers. By embracing this approach, churches can address issues like volunteer burnout and mental health crises among pastors.
Reevaluating Church Practices and Embracing New Models
The podcast delves into the need for churches to reevaluate their practices and consider adopting new models that are responsive to the cultural and societal changes happening today. It suggests moving away from rigid routines and formulas and seeking fresh ways to engage with God and the community. The exploration includes questioning the effectiveness and purpose of certain traditions and rituals within church services. It also invites leaders to embrace prayer as a powerful tool for connection and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of creating space for dynamic and responsive experiences within worship. The podcast encourages churches to blend historical liturgical practices with contemporary approaches to foster a thriving and impactful faith community.
David Kinnaman is the author of the bestselling books Faith For Exiles, Good Faith, You Lost Me and unChristian. He is CEO of Barna Group, a leading research and communications company that works with churches, nonprofits, and businesses ranging from film studios to financial services. In this podcast conversation, we talk about various interesting trends facing the church, including the need to "clean out the attic" of the church; that is, to reassess what it is we're doing and whether we should keep doing these things.