lifeasmission

The Ecclesia Network: Some Reflections and Resources

February 2, 2012 // 6249No Comments »http%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F02%2Fthe-ecclesia-network-some-reflections-and-resources%2FThe+Ecclesia+Network%3A+Some+Reflections+and+Resources2012-02-02+16%3A51%3A14JR+Rozkohttp%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D6249

Amidst the polarizing, fragmenting, and empire-building forces that seem to be rearing their ugly heads throughout evangelical Protestantism lately, the Ecclesia Network remains for me something of a refuge.  Ecclesia, as both a context and a family, is committed to and united by a modest, yet deliberate and substantive engagement with the various facets and issues of North American Christianity.  It’s this sort of posture that I believe sets Ecclesia apart in terms of its unique contribution to the lives of leaders, churches, and, through various initiatives and resources, the broader evangelical community.

To point to just a few things that excite me about Ecclesia, consider the following…

A yearly national conference (the next one being just about a month out), that seeks to help church planters and pastors wrestle with some of the most pressing issues of mission and ministry from the perspective of those who take seriously the challenges (perhaps better understood as happy opportunities!) of Post-Christendom.

Over the last 4 years, we’ve brought together leading voices, including those of women and minorities, to help us wrestle with the practical issues of incarnational expressions of ecclesial life.  In each instance, this has been done without pomp and circumstance, opting instead for a subdued environment where the focus is on encouraging one another, building relationships, and giving a good deal of attention to God’s presence and work in our midst.  In this way, our national gathering remains vitally connected to the rest of our lives, relationships, and ministry.

A leadership podcast that offers listeners a window into the lives and thinking of local church planters and pastors who are either in or connected to the Ecclesia Network.  Backed by the genius and savvy of Mr. Todd Hiestand and John Chandler, esquire, this podcast is just getting going, but there’s some good ones in there already.  Check out the latest podcast w/ Chris Backert, who, at long last, is offering to the world (in multiple parts no less!) some blog posts.  In part of the podcast, he talks a bit about Missio Alliance, an initiative I’m privileged to be a part of and will no doubt be writing more extensively in regard to in the future, but the rest of the podcast is a great introduction into the way Ecclesia has come about and what it “feels” like.

Aside from those things, Ecclesia is also involved in church planter training (here’s a bunch of great audio from the most recent training session), coaching, and publishing.  Ecclesia also initiates and sponsors regional events like this one in the Northeast, this one in the Northwest, and the Missional Learning Commons here in the Mid-West.

This is all good stuff.  None of it is completely unique; others seek to offer similar resources and opportunities.  What means the most to me, and what is simultaneously the biggest encouragement to me as something like the Missio Alliance gets underway, is the manner, character, and quality of all this work.  Like I tried to communicate above, as I look around and see so much discord and angling for influence across the evangelical landscape, I’ve just never gotten that taste from the people and work of Ecclesia and I’m grateful for this band of brothers and sisters.

Posted in church, church planting, Ecclesia Network, evangelicalism, leadership, missio alliance, missional, missional learning commons, post-christendom, western culture

The Future of Theological Education: A Groundswell of Conversation

October 18, 2011 // 61151 Comment »http%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F10%2Fthe-future-of-theological-education-a-groundswell-of-conversation%2FThe+Future+of+Theological+Education%3A+A+Groundswell+of+Conversation2011-10-18+16%3A18%3A46JR+Rozkohttp%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D6115

I have to admit, I am really struck by just how fervently conversations about the plight of seminaries and theological education in general seem to be bubbling up to the surface right now.

A few weeks ago my alma mater, Fuller Theological Seminary, went live with its, “Seminary of the Future” project that Andy Crouch (of Christianity Today) and Rich Mouw (the President of Fuller) have been collaborating on for the last year and a half or so.  You can follow the rolling out of their various Discussion Points at future.fuller.edu.  You can also follow them on Twitter @futureseminary or join a broader conversation using the hashtag, #futureseminary.

Then, yesterday, as I was running and getting caught up on my Homebrewed Christianity listening, I was struck by the closing discussion between podcast host Tripp Fuller and my friend, guest, Dr. (yeah, he finally finished) Tony Jones on the lingering problems of “residential seminary education.”  The whole podcast is worth a listen, though this wasn’t the topic throughout.  They just touched on it at the end.  Tony is nothing if not straightforward and provocative.  Check out this 4 minute clip.

Tony Jones on Residential Seminary [ 4:02 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Then, stuck in traffic on my way in yesterday, I noticed that Patheos, one of the most highly trafficked religious websites is convening a two-month online symposium on “The Future of Seminary Education.”  They have already solicited contributions from some great bloggers with more to be added.  This promises to be a fruitful conversation.

Clearly, this is an important conversation for a growing population of people.

As someone who has written on this topic from a missiological point of view (see sidebar on the blog), whose role at Northern Seminary gives me the opportunity to help develop programs, partnerships, and other initiatives along these lines, and who has been working with 3DM as they attempt to offer what they can to this conversation, I am really excited to see just how much momentum this conversation is gaining.

So here’s a final reminder about an event I mentioned a couple weeks ago, for those of you who are in (or who care enough about this to make your way to) the Chicago area, Northern Seminary is hosting a 3DM event on Thursday, October 27 from 7-9PM that will feature the presentation of a paper and video on the future of theological education.  These presentations will be followed by responses by those who can contribute from different perspectives (pastoral, student, academic), and then open discussion and dialogue.  The event is free, but you need to register here.

And feel free to stick around for the (also free) workshop that 3DM is hosting the next day on issues of discipleship and mission, and then the annual Missional Learning Commons.  More info and registration options for these events availabvle at missionalcommons.org.  I think God is going to do lots of great stuff during these events.  Hope you can join us!

Posted in 3DM, anabaptist, chicago, christendom, conference, culture, discipleship, Fuller Seminary, kingdom, missiology, missional, missional learning commons, missional theology, Northern Seminary, post-christendom, theological education, theology, western culture

Presentations & Dialogue About the Future of Theological Education – Join Us!

October 6, 2011 // 61013 Comments »http%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F10%2Fpresentations-dialogue-about-the-future-of-theological-education-join-us%2FPresentations+%26+Dialogue+About+the+Future+of+Theological+Education+-+Join+Us%212011-10-06+17%3A44%3A44JR+Rozkohttp%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D6101

Back in August I posted about a partnership brewing b/t Northern Seminary and 3DM as we share a vision for discipleship-oriented theological education.  I also intimated that I would be sharing about more work along these lines in the future.  I’m here to make good on that promise.

We all know that 3DM is coming to Chicago to conduct a workshop on discipleship and mission at the end of the month, right?  This is happening on Friday, October 28 in the morning and afternoon.  Following this will be the annual Missional Learning Commons, which starts that evening and wraps up around 3PM on Saturday.

Well, before all of this goodness, Northern will be hosting an event on Thursday evening during which 3DM will present a video and paper as a way to spark some conversation about the future of theological education.

From Mike Breen’s blog,

One of the things that has become abundantly clear in our work with pastors and leaders is that there is a devastating disconnect between the ways that our seminaries and theological schools train and equip leaders for ministry and the realities that these leaders are facing day in and day out.  Noticing this has caused us to begin asking (along with many others), “What is the future of theological education?”  While we don’t think we have all answers to that question, we do have some thoughts and would like to invite you to an evening of dialogue about this important topic in Chicago.

So here’s your shot, if you have thoughts, questions, concerns, or ideas about the future of theological education, we’d love for you to join us and contribute to the discussion.  The video and paper will be made publicly available in November, but those who join us for this event will have some advance access to them.

Note: We don’t anticipate this being a large event, but we really do want to advance the word to those who share a genuine interest in this topic, so please feel free to use the social sharing options below or your own avenues of social networking to let others know about this Thursday evening event as well as the workshop and Commons.  Here’s some additional details on the Thursday night event…

• When:  Thursday, October 27 from 7-9 PM
• Where: Northern Seminary, Lindner Conference Center
• What: Presentations of a video and paper on the future of theological education followed by responses by Dr. David Fitch and others and an open question and response time.
• Cost: There is no charge to attend this event, but we would ask that you register here, so that we have an idea of how many will be joining us for the evening.

Posted in 3DM, chicago, conference, kingdom, leadership, missiology, missional learning commons, missional theology, Northern Seminary, post-christendom, theological education, theology

Missional Learning Commons 2011

September 16, 2011 // 6000No Comments »http%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F09%2Fmissional-learning-commons-2011%2FMissional+Learning+Commons+20112011-09-16+19%3A09%3A52JR+Rozkohttp%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D6000

That time of year again – fall is in the air and pumpkin spice lattes abound. You know what that means right?  The annual Missional Learning Commons is right around the corner!!

I can’t say it with enough passion – I LOVE THIS EVENT!

I love that I get to come together with brothers and sisters who find themselves in the midst of leadership and ministry around the Mid-West to encourage, pray for, and support one another.  I love that the topics we look to address spring from the day-to-day issues facing our local churches and those looking to live out a missional existence in the midst of their jobs and neighborhoods.  I love that we get to learn from one another and I love the opportunity this gathering presents to build a truly relational regional network of Christian pastors, church planters, and other leaders who are all facing the vagaries of our emerging Post-Christian context.  I love it!  I need it and I love it!

We’ll be gathering during the last weekend of October again (Friday, Oct. 28 – Saturday, Oct. 29) at Northern’s, Lindner Conference Center.  The theme for this year is something that we feel has risen to the surface for many of us – DISCIPLESHIP.  We’re planning to try and facilitate some discussions around how we’ve come to understand discipleship & what it’s looked like in our lives, how discipleship relates to the gospel, how discipleship plays out in the lives of our church communities, and what relevance discipleship has for the formation of our leaders.  Lots of great people will be presenting and provoking conversation – hope you’ll come and add your voice.  Get all the details and register at missionalcommons.org.  You can also connect via the Facebook event here.  Care to spread the word via a web banner or a PDF flyer?  My buddy Ben went ahead and made that possible, get em here.

Oh, by the way, I want to mention an additional event that I am thinking some of you may really want to consider taking advantage of if you are able.

On Friday morning and afternoon of Oct. 28, Mike Breen and some others from the 3DM team will be offering a free (yup, FREE!) workshop on how, as a ministry, they try to get at the issues of discipleship and mission.  If those topics are of interest to you or if you are looking to learn more about 3DM and what they do (top notch stuff if you ask me!), this would be a great thing to be a part of.  Find out more and register here.

Posted in 3DM, chicago, discipleship, missional, missional learning commons, Northern Seminary, post-christendom, theological education, theology, western culture

Free 3DM Workshop on Discipleship & Mission Coming to Chicago

August 31, 2011 // 5980No Comments »http%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F08%2Ffree-3dm-workshop-on-discipleship-mission-coming-to-chicago%2FFree+3DM+Workshop+on+Discipleship+%26+Mission+Coming+to+Chicago2011-08-31+20%3A16%3A37JR+Rozkohttp%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D5980

I’ve already offered a couple posts on the partnership Northern is entering into with 3DM through the Learning Communities they do (part 1/part 2). Related to that, Mike Breen & other members of the 3DM team are coming up our way to offer a free workshop on the topics of discipleship & mission and their relevance for the life & vitality of local churches.

The workshop will take place on Friday, October 28 at Northern’s Lindner Conference Center.

More info and registration here.

Aside from the straight-up excellent content & discussion that will surely mark this workshop, it’ll be a perfect opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about 3DM as a ministry and what they do as well as ask any questions you might have about the academic partnership we’re beginning.

Hope to see you there.

Oh, by the way, this will kind of flow into the annual Missional Learning Commons event. I’ll post more on that real soon.

Posted in 3DM, chicago, church, discipleship, missional, missional learning commons, Northern Seminary, theological education, theology

Reflections (& Audio!) from the Missional Learning Commons 2010

November 9, 2010 // 56181 Comment »http%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F11%2Freflections-audio-from-the-missional-learning-commons-2010%2FReflections+%28%26+Audio%21%29+from+the+Missional+Learning+Commons+20102010-11-09+21%3A59%3A23JR+Rozkohttp%3A%2F%2Flifeasmission.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D5618

With the Missional Learning Commons just a week and a half behind us, I am still processing all the great conversations that took place and thoughts that were shared.

In trying to digest a book like Desiring the Kingdom and then tackling the topics of missional discipleship, missional family, and missional leadership, perhaps we tried to do a bit too much, but it certainly can’t be said that there was nothing good to think about!

I was really encouraged by the group of people that came – many that heard about the gathering from a friend who simply thought they would be interested and still others who were vocally thankful that we put it together in such a central location and offered childcare so that families could participate together.

We did our best to strike a compromise between being organized enough to value the time people were committing to being there and organic enough to allow our value for relationships and conversation to mark our time together.

During the weekend I met parents who were trying to get a grip on their role in the spiritual formation of their kids, church leaders who are trying to maneuver theological change in their congregations, urban missionaries, seminary students, and missionally minded business leaders.  Such a great crew to enter into dialogue with!

Some of the best time was spent informally connecting with friends new and old over meals…

But the opportunity to have discussions around tables was great as well…

At any rate, I’m already looking forward to next year.  We did manage to record the various sessions so if you are interested in any of the audio, head on over to missionalcommons.org to listen or download.  Also, if you were there and care to offer any feedback or (even if you weren’t there) and have suggestions for future topics, etc., you can post them as part of a thread on the same site, here.

Posted in missional, missional learning commons