Lee T. Oxford

www.circadiem.net 

1)  planting a church in an emerging/postmodern culture, what do you think are the key elements of a community of faith in an emerging/postmodern culture?  Key elements of a faith community are tied up in the not-so-overly-used-word "authenticity."  Leaders need to be authentic followers - authentic in the _expression of our strengths, authentic in the _expression of our weaknesses.  The real deal.  Followers of Jesus, not developers of the "new and better jesus show," not looking over our shoulders to see who is watching as we press the limits of Christian liberty, not looking down our pierced nostrils at the believers who laid or are walking in the traditional/modern _expression of the church before us.  Rather looking ahead and tagging the back of the sandals of the One whom we follow - Jesus of Nazareth.  Authenticity speaks against duplicity, disparity, self-consciousness, distance, self-promotion, pretentiousness.....

2)  what do you see as the four (because three is too traditional) to differences between the community of faith you are serving, and those churches in your area?  First, we are intentionally seeking to befriend those who have rejected the conservative evangelical message. Second, we are trying to be listeners of  and sojourners with other people who are on spiritual journeys of their own, but are not followers in the Way of Jesus. Certainly, we believe He is "THE" Way, not just "A" way, but we feel that assurance of faith and arrogance ride the same rails. Thirdly, I think we are perceived as being theologically suspect.  This may not be true, but because we are not in a larger urban area where other truly emerging communities exist we find ourselves explaining ourselves to furrowed brows.  Of course, most of those brows belong to folks that already consider themselves followers.  And FOURTH, we probably are less concerned with speedy growth than most other newly-planted churches.  We know we are swimming in uncharted waters and are somewhat content to paddle about until we get our bearings.

3)  is the community you serve connected with a denomination?  if "yes," what do you see as the benefits and problems with that relationship, and if "no," what do you believe are the benefits and problems without being connected?  We are not part of a denomination.  However, I have ministry credentials with The Worship Center Global Ministries in Lancaster, PA.  Like many of the churches and ministries whose leaders have credentials with WCGM, CircaDiem holds a close fellowship with that body.  Having been a pastor and church planter with another denomination for ten years from 1990-2000, the benefits of being independent are mostly wrapped up in a sense of being able to follow what we feel is God's schedule for our growth and development.  I feel more comfortable exploring and experimenting than I would have previously.  I do have good oversight through The Worship Center related to spiritual accountability.  It is as good as the oversight available through a my previous denomination.  The trade-off, however, includes the lack of funding, assistance with legal matters related to incorporation and tax status, etc.  But actually, that isn't an even trade.  I think when it all comes down to it, each individual leader has to make a decision on the benefits as it relates to his/her ministry.  But I don't think it is safe for someone to not have oversight as an emerging leader - there are too many potential pitfalls living out on the fringes.

4)  what would you say are the two hardest things connected to planting an emerging/postmodern community of faith?  Two hardest things. The first is a lack of local fellowship and conversation with other emerging church leaders - there are only one or two on the east side of the Chesapeake Bay.  The second would be that all of my machinery has to be retooled - unlike some younger leaders, I've already had a few years of doing ministry and have collected a portfolio of ideas and comfortable "ways".  I'm learning to do things over again.

5)  how does your community of faith develop connections with those outside the community?  Right now, our primary connection is through the CircaDiem Arts Cafe.  We are a venue for music and art each Friday night (www.ciradiem.org)  We have partnered with am artist couple, that don't follow Jesus but are definitely spiritual in a "zen" sort of way, and use their gallery.  We feature artists who are Christian but do other forms of music, as well as artists who are not Christian but are creative and positive.  We are attempting to foster partnerships in helping the poor and homeless, and are beginning to put together a business plan for a community computer technology center to teach underprivileged young people who to do graphic art, music and video production.  The plan requires us to partner with various people in the community.  We hope to be in operation a year from now with the tech center.

6)  what do you believe are the key elements in an emerging/postmodern worship service?  Again, authenticity.  Also, becoming more God-conscious and less conscious of the stuff.  Stuff like what accoutrements we are deploying to make the service new and different.  Comfort is important - helping people focus on God who is there.  One more - people "up front" who model the non-self-conscious worshipper/follower.  Oh yes, of course! --- candles, candles, candles! Did I make everyone happy?

7)  what two key areas of advise would you give to a person looking to plant a community of faith in your area, or any area?  Advice?  Well, don't take any advice from anyone you don't know and trust, and who doesn't have a vested interest in your success or failure. So, forget about what I just said.

any closing thoughts you would like to share?  Emerging leaders talking amongst themselves about what are the needs of an emerging people does not have as much eternal effect as when emerging leaders are in conversation with an emerging people.