Extreme Church - Reaching Postmoderns

Like it or not, Postmodernism is probably here to stay

What is Postmodernism? Good question huh? Most of us are greatly affected by this cultural phenomenon yet  know very little about it. Let's talk about it. However, instead of me trying to explain it, let's look at a few of its characteristics. After all, we need to understand it to impact it. 

Here’s a quick snap shot of  Postmodernism. Of course, these are is just a few of its characteristics : 

1. Postmoderns do not want to be fixed as much as they want to be heard.

I have a question, are we really called to “fix everybody?” Maybe a more biblical model would be to come alongside and help people take stewardship of their own life.  The soul has an innate need to be expressed, are you a listener?

2. Postmoderns thrive on authenticity.(realness)

Too often in the church we make everybody check their “realness” at the door, best foot forward is the normal protocol. Maybe we need to hear a few more war stories (i.e. real life struggles) from our pulpits. (No skeletons please)

3. Postmoderns enjoy experiencing the journey.

Is it any wonder we live in a culture that craves Extreme Sports? Bungee jumping, sky diving, X- Games? Maybe this needs to spill over into our dry, lifeless churches.  Maybe Extreme-Church would be good. You decide. 

4. Postmoderns crave community.

Text messaging, social networking websites like Facebook and Myspace tell the story don’t they? Too bad we don’t get the message in the church. People are looking for a sense of community. Maybe we need to create more of it in our lobbies and gathering places for starters. i.e. sofas, table, chairs. That's only a beginning place.

5. Postmoderns are high tech.

Overhead projectors are out; believe it or pocket calendars are on the way out, being replaced by PDA’s and fancy cell phones. For most teens, email is taboo, being replaced by text messaging. So do you Twitter? (You’ll get this later)
 
Conclusion:

So you've figured it out, the culture is not what it used to be, right?  I’m not saying that Postmodernism is right, just conveying that its probably  here to stay.  So what are we going to do about it?  Ignore it, pretend it doesn’t exist? Maybe it’ll go away.

Coach John

 

Comments

[Jerry Graham]

Hmmmmm...so do you do Twitter? Most are now speculating that Twitter will be bigger than Facebook. Pastors and churches need to be involved as well. BTW, follow me on Twitter by going to... http://twitter.com/docjerry
God bless,
Jerry

[Georgia Helmer]

Good article. I enjoyed seeing the picture of Becky and the "kids".

[Andy Chasteen]

Agreed dad. Can't ignore it, especially if the church wants to reach the world. The world has changed, especially how it communicates and relates. The church will have to adapt. We CAN reach people through "text messaging" and like it or not, we'll have to.