How often have you said something like, "hey, let's get together for coffee." Or "let's grab a quick one at the pub later." These phrases, on the surface, are about having a drink (adult or otherwise) with a friend - however, the underlying message, the not-so-hidden meaning is "let's sit down and have a conversation." "Conversation is the verbalization of concepts involving abstractions and concrete objects which make up the world we live in." (Wikipedia)
For most people conversations are the ideal form of communication, since they allow people with different views on a subject to learn from each other. "Conversation implies back-and-forthness, several voices engaged in considering, exploring, discussing and enjoying not only the subject but one another's company." (Eugene Peterson)
"A speech, on the other hand, is an oral presentation by one person directed at a group." (Wikipedia)
Our world is in a conversation with itself – constantly informing each person with opinions on politics, ecology, economy, morality, psychology, fashion – really about everything. It is this conversation that forms our personal beliefs, causes us to act upon them and directs ultimately how we live. On a smaller level, the conversation takes place in the coffee shops, the playgrounds, the living rooms, town hall meetings – and most seldom of all at church.
Why is this? Jesus, the founder of the Church, was great at starting conversation. He used it extensively throughout his ministry– asking questions, sharing stories, even eating meals in people’s homes (implies dinner conversation). Somewhere along the line (probably a topic for a whole other posting) the church settled on the sermon as the primary method for disseminating the life changing Gospel of Christ.
Sermons are great but by nature one sided; oral presentations spoken by one person directed at a group. They work well for giving information, even getting people fired up (if the speaker is really good!) but they are seldom life changing. In fact, the average person – who attends church all their life – will only remember, at most, 10 sermons.
It’s funny (not really!) how the church has moved away from conversation.
In my opinion, The Church should be the place where the conversation begins, not where it trails off into mumbling. We should openly discuss the issues of faith, hope and love, justice, environment and all the “ologys” we can – all from the perspective of the cross and the communion table, engaging our community in open conversation. If we don't, we will find ourselves in a very untenable position - standing on the outside of the conversation either standing in judgment or wishing we could enter in.
This blog is just that sort of conversation – one open to you, and the larger community. However, as I stated earlier – conversation implies two or more people, a give and take of communication on a topic. So, once again I invite you to respond – what are you waiting for? Join the conversation!
What do you think? How has the cultural conversation affected the church? Can the church become a viable part of the cultural conversation? How can we create space for conversation in our weekly services? Is conversation safe?
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1 comment:
Conversation implies an I-Thou encounter (see Martin Buber for more on this), that is to say, it requires that each side bring ALL of who each is to the conversation.
For the church to enter into "conversation" is to bring a presence to others outside the church that many in today's culture quite possibly might say is missing.
I often ask after leaving a conversation, "was I really present for that conversation, or was I more interested in saying what I think IS THE ONLY POINT, or did I simply accept the other's view point even though, inside, I have questions about what the other is saying?"
To me, to be present with another is to be open, to be curious, and to be willing to hear things that might and probably at times, will, be uncomfortable for me to hear. If my curiosity only takes me to places that are comfortable for me, am I open to being surprised, much like the mercy and grace of God surprises us all?
In short, dialogue requires RISK!
I am thankful for dialogue, for in dialogue I AM DISCOVERED BY ANOTHER, and I DISCOVER ANOTHER.
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