Discontinuous Change is Here to Stay

Experts tell us even the nature is change is changing

Like it or not, this generation is in the process of rapid change. As the old commercial used to say, “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.”

Sociologist have even coined a new phrase to describe this contemporary model of change, it’s called discontinuous change. In simple terms, it means that even change is no longer predictable.

My question to you is," how should the church respond to these shifting times?" Should we call for a return to an older era or should we go ahead and turn the corner? Or do we just hang on?  

Well, in the mean time, here are a few traits of the Postmodern cultural that is in rapid change: 

1. Postmoderns thrive on authenticity

Being transparent and real is a high priority for all Postmoderns. They don’t mind telling you they’ve had an STD or that they have been divorced twice and have an addiction.

Unfortunately, in the church we make everybody check their “realness” at the door. It’s best foot forward.

2. Postmoderns don’t like top-down lecturing

This means they don’t like to be looked down on. This does not mean they don’t like authority, rather, they don’t appreciate authoritarian rule.

They really like to arrive at their own conclusions, and that’s not all bad.

3. Postmoderns love narratives and stories

The movie industry has bought into this trend and the industry is booming, new theaters on every corner.  It’s about a story.

People relate well to stories, have you told yours lately?  How about the redemption story? It fits well too.

4. Postmoderns prefer dialogue over monologue as a way of teaching or learning.

Learning models are rapidly shifting in America and attention spans are growing shorter and shorter. High tech has drastically changed many of our learning models.

Dialogical models of learning are now in - monologue is fading away.

Conclusion

We must learn to embrace change as a friend in order to reach this generation. Discontinous change seems to be here to stay. Do I always agree with most postmoderns? Probably not completely, however that doesn't change the fact the world is changing.

Nevertheless, give us men and women, who like the Men of Issachar, understood the times... I Chron. 12:32.

Coach John

Comments

[Wade Thompson]

Great article John, transparency,authenticity,-genuine servant leaders..people are hungry for this in the church. A team of pastors here in Germany just ranked transparency as the top priority need.