12.27.09
deep change..
It happens too often. You are speaking to somebody and trying to explain the paradigm shift required to move from church to kingdom, from ecclesiology at the center to the missio Dei. It seems like you connect partially on some things, but you leave with a sense of discomfort — that what you said could not be heard, because you were speaking across paradigms.
What has happened is that you were speaking English, but the filters were all Hebejebian–. You were speaking from one world into another: into a world which had no reference points, and therefore no way to receive what you were saying except by translation which distorted 90% of the content. Your round pegs have been forced into square holes, and into a framework that could not accept them. One way of thinking about what is required here is to consider epistemology — the nature of knowledge — and systems theory — how we change and why we resist change.
I am thinking of Bill Buker and his ancient article, “Spiritual Development and the Epistemology of Systems Theory.†Bill quotes Keeney: “the deepest order of change is epistemological change.†He then talks about first order change, which is common sense change. This is the kind of change that happens when your spouse has to cut back at work. It will mean an adjustment in your family. Either you spend less, or someone else works more.
This works fine when there aren’t powerful personal and psychological dynamics involved. However, when someone has become dependent on something and it shapes their very identity, this first order strategy will not succeed.
The second order of change involves becoming open to reevaluating the presuppositions that govern first order strategies. Bill describes this as a crisis where one’s world view may be in shambles. Then comes the clincher:
“In comparison with the rules and premises that previously governed their system, these new ones often seem paradoxical in nature. Instead of the commonsense idea that out of control drinking should be addressed by choosing in-control behavior, second-order change says that the complementary position of honesty is better. Instead of continuing to engage in the first-order strategy of exerting more willpower in a determined effort to prove their control over alcohol, it becomes important for alcoholics to recognize and admit that they are [powerless.] To genuinely make this admission, a shift in self-perception is required. Rather than exulting in pride, bowing in humility becomes appropriate. Such a change is generally made possible through the gift of hitting bottom.â€
The essence of epistemological shift involves three critical dimensions:
* an ability to embrace paradox;
* an inner quality of humility leading to surrender;
* the willingness to grieve the loss of the previous world and previous identity
This brings us close to one of the oldest frameworks for thinking about spirituality, articulated first by Gregory of Nyssa. Gregory characterized growth in faith as entry into a moonlit desert night, then movement to a fog covered mountain, and finally into the impenetrable darkness of a thick cloud (Moses on the mountain). The more darkness faith could embrace, he thought, the greater the light it gave. This is classic apophatic expression, as compared to the more positive and kataphatic expression common to most churches. We need both perspectives if we are to honor the weakness and foolishness of the Cross.
What does all this mean for established (attractional) churches attempting to become missional communities? What does this mean for established leaders looking to empower a new generation of missional leaders? Is it possible to “detox†an entire community? What is the role of crisis in change? Is it reasonable to expect entire established communities to make the shift? How do we empower change leaders? What is the relation of heart (affections) and mind (intellect) in change and growth?
Related: Forty Years in a Narrow Space
Related: Three Zones of Congregational Culture
Related: Q&Q with James KA Smith on his book “Desiring the Kingdom”
