So…why isn’t the local church invited to very many parties?

TRUE: The local church used to be the center of culture and now culture is running circles around the church.

FALSE: This is a problem of technology.

TRUE: Fewer and fewer people are connecting with Christ and each other through the local church.

FALSE: This is a problem of theology.

TRUE: This is a problem of communication.

Why does the church spend so much time chasing down conversations and looking for ways to get the public to notice? Because its communication models aren’t built for today’s reality – information overload, pressure to keep up, subculture alliances, global neighborhoods, mass distrust of big business and organized religion, etc.

The hope, encouragement, training and life transformation we have to offer is as relevant as ever. We’ve just made it too hard for people to find, even harder to be a part of and impossible to stay current. (That’s your answer—why nobody wants us at the party.)

It’s time for an extreme makeover—communication edition.

For the past few months, I’ve been in several mind, space and soul bending conversations about the future of church and why it’s losing its appeal.

One of those conversations has led me to join the advisory board for SoChurch—a game changing communication platform. There’s a long list of reasons why I’m so energized about this, but here’s a few:

• There’s a credible and diverse team involved with the scope and implementation of this solution; advisors, investors, developers, pastors, futurists, strategists, connectors and communicators. It’s not being birthed in a vacuum.
• It’s a tool that will be accessible to all churches; regardless of size, style, technical skills or budget.
• It's not a web site (destination) but a conduit (vehicle) that facilitates conversation from the church to the community and from the community to the church.

There’s going to be a steady stream of details coming about SoChurch and the people involved; you can follow it. For now, you can catch up on the story so far from John Saddington, Tony Morgan, Ben Arment and Tim Stevens.

Be encouraged. The church has a great future if we control less and influence more. This is a step in the right direction.

Comments

[Brice]

Speaking of SoChurch. I see Kem will be at Echo in July, any of the rest of you all? Or maybe some more of the SoChurch staff/gang?

Love to chat it up about all this comm stuff...

[Brice]

oops, I said "socal" I meant SoChurch...

[Brice]

"TRUE: The local church used to be the center of culture and now culture is running circles around the church."

Wait, so now we are in favor of how it used to be? I thought everything I read said the church is and has always gotten it wrong? From Popes to Edicts to Crusades to Slavery to being too stuffy in the 50s? Now we used to do be the center and that was a good thing?

Confused...

If we start communicating "correctly" then everything will be fine and the church will be invited to more parties. I guess that is what it is all about...being invited to more parties.

I could go on with more sarcasm but I shouldn't. I like the socal vibe for now as well its just, if people like me are guilty of strawmanning and overgeneralizing arguments what is the following...

"We’ve just made it too hard for people to find, even harder to be a part of and impossible to stay current. (That’s your answer—why nobody wants us at the party.)"

Keep up the conversation...

[STEVE DUNN]

A communication problem indeed. Last night I had a discussion with someone who didn't understand why we even need an attractional model of ministry as opposed to an incarnational one. Too many churches are ill equipped even to talk to themselves let alone get an invitation to someone else's party

[DC Curry]

This is good stuff! Love it!

[David]

I've been following SoChurch since you tweeted about them a couple of months ago. Thanks for the lead. Can't wait to see what happens with it.

[Paul Zeek]

I look forward to hearing and learning more!

[John (8BIT)]

stoked...!

[Graham]

I'm super excited about SoChurch! From what I've seens so far, it looks amazing! Can't wait to see how my church can implement it!

[Jonathan Cottrell]

It is good to have you on board the team, Kem! We look forward to furthering this message you have so aptly communicated to the Church at large.