First Course: Ethics
Chapter 2: Terrior
“… You can never franchise the blessings of God.” Warren Wiersbe
THE TASTE OF THE PLACE. Slow Church is rooted in the uniqueness of a particular place, much like wine takes on the taste of where it is grown, its terroir. The reverse prayer of Jabez is appropriate for Slow Church: “God, shrink our territory and narrow our boundaries that we might truly be a blessing to all.”
THE CHURCH GROWTH MOVEMENT. The history of the church growth movement.
CHURCH TECHNOCRACY. The movement relied on homogeneity and a static vision of church life. Plus, it had to be measurable.
- Homogeneity. The church growth movement viewed homogeneity as a good thing and we see that in churches today. Programs are for segregated groups of people (men, women, kids, etc.O.
- Mission stations. Modern churches are often like mission stations—places to escape the locals and be isolated from the neighborhood.
- Countable people. Being able to count people is a key to the church growth movement. But, it is hardly a Biblical idea. And, in fact most church growth comes from switchers.
THE McDONALDIZATION OF THE CHURCH. McDonaldization is driven by 4 things:
- Efficiency. Efficiency is really pre-determined. That doesn’t always work in the church.
- Calculability. Slow Church is is not calculable.
- Predictability.
- Control.
TASTE AND SEE. Slow Church concentrates on taste, not speed.
THE GOSPEL OF THE COFFEE BEAN.