After spending some time re-reading all of my blog entries, I have come to the conclusion that I am on the verge of becoming a whiner.
Let’s look at where we are:
1. 572,000 people over 45 in Cincinnati Metro Area
2. 429 ministry openings for youth and teens…no openings for “Seasoned Believers” ministries
3. the most prominent church model is the “commissary” model
4. It is unlikely, for many reasons, that there will be any shift to the "caravan" model in the foreseeable century.
So, given those factors, what are our options?
Option 1
Continue to bang our heads against a brick wall and become more frustrated, or
Option 2
Become pro-active and enlist our fair share of the demographic in which we find ourselves.
I can hear it now: “But ________!! (fill in the Blank)
Do you mean that I need to encourage other “Seasoned Believers” to become a part of a “commissary” that has nothing of any significance me or them?? In a word YES!!
How do we do it??
First of all, the “Seasoned Believers” already a part of a local church must cease being passive, come down off the shelf, make it known that they are not finished yet and that they desire to become s significant part of the local body.
Secondly, if we begin to increase the number of people who are in this demographic, the significance factor will be recognized.
How do we do it??
I am so glad you asked!!
I will give some suggestions as to how this can be done.
Stay Tuned!!! Don’t touch that dial!!
The Boomer Blogger
Ron
Monday, July 21, 2008
If Not A Caravan, Then A Complete Commissary!!
Since it would be nearly impossible to transform a “commissary” modeled church into a “caravan” model, the best, in my judgment, one can hope for is a blend of each.
I have talked to several pastors who understand that they are pastoring a “commissary” model but recognize the need for some sort of “caravaning” effort.
If that is the case, then we must make sure that everyone is served by the “commissary”.
I would like to call your attention to a response, by Paula Clare, to a previous blog entry (7/12/08)dealing with this subject.
“I agree the Seasoned Believers have been put "in the wagons." It's really poignant when you think about the reasons the wagon train did this with the women and children:
1. They couldn't keep up and would impede progress
2. They were seen as "weaker" and couldn't contribute to the movement of the wagon train
3. They were never given weapons to defend themselves, but had to rely on the skills of others to be protected.
Wow. Double wow. No WONDER so many boomers are dropping out...we feel like a hindrance instead of a help!”
There are Children’s Departments, Youth Departments, Teen Departments, College and Singles Departments, Young Married Departments, Married with Children Departments galore. These groups have ample opportunities to be served by their particular commissary departments.
There is virtually no recognition nor effort to provide the “Seasoned Believers” with fellowship or resources to assist them in their journey.
I recently had conversations with several Bible College representatives about this lack of recognition of the “Seasoned Believers”.
Three responded with similar statements that they planned to begin graduate programs for “Geriatric Ministries”.
Paula was correct when she said “No WONDER so many boomers are dropping out...we feel like a hindrance instead of a help!”
Dr. Thom Rainer, in an article titled The Church In 2011: Catching The Age Wave, that appeared in Lifeway Biblical Solutions for Life indicated that his research showed that 2/3 of the Baby Boomers are unchurched.
If that is true, then out of the 858,000 people over 45 in the 9 metropolitan Cincinnati counties, there are some 572,000 unchurched and church alumni among us.
My guess is that, if we are not “caravaning”, then it would behoove us to develop some significant “Seasoned Believer” departments.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
I have talked to several pastors who understand that they are pastoring a “commissary” model but recognize the need for some sort of “caravaning” effort.
If that is the case, then we must make sure that everyone is served by the “commissary”.
I would like to call your attention to a response, by Paula Clare, to a previous blog entry (7/12/08)dealing with this subject.
“I agree the Seasoned Believers have been put "in the wagons." It's really poignant when you think about the reasons the wagon train did this with the women and children:
1. They couldn't keep up and would impede progress
2. They were seen as "weaker" and couldn't contribute to the movement of the wagon train
3. They were never given weapons to defend themselves, but had to rely on the skills of others to be protected.
Wow. Double wow. No WONDER so many boomers are dropping out...we feel like a hindrance instead of a help!”
There are Children’s Departments, Youth Departments, Teen Departments, College and Singles Departments, Young Married Departments, Married with Children Departments galore. These groups have ample opportunities to be served by their particular commissary departments.
There is virtually no recognition nor effort to provide the “Seasoned Believers” with fellowship or resources to assist them in their journey.
I recently had conversations with several Bible College representatives about this lack of recognition of the “Seasoned Believers”.
Three responded with similar statements that they planned to begin graduate programs for “Geriatric Ministries”.
Paula was correct when she said “No WONDER so many boomers are dropping out...we feel like a hindrance instead of a help!”
Dr. Thom Rainer, in an article titled The Church In 2011: Catching The Age Wave, that appeared in Lifeway Biblical Solutions for Life indicated that his research showed that 2/3 of the Baby Boomers are unchurched.
If that is true, then out of the 858,000 people over 45 in the 9 metropolitan Cincinnati counties, there are some 572,000 unchurched and church alumni among us.
My guess is that, if we are not “caravaning”, then it would behoove us to develop some significant “Seasoned Believer” departments.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
Monday, July 14, 2008
Constantine-Commissary Builder vs Moses - Cavaran Leader
To be part of a caravan is much more demanding than joining the clientele of a commissary. Given a choice, "the people" will go for the commissary every time.
That is why Moses got the reaction he did!!
After 450 years of captivity, Moses lead them out of Egypt. They were on their way to the Promise Land. The people were exuberant about being free from slavery. They rejoiced as they began their journey. Not So McGee!!
Three days after they were led out of Egypt, the people were fed up with their “caravaning”. They challenged Moses with taking them out of Egypt because Egypt didn’t have enough graves for them.
They complained that at least while they were in Egypt they ate red beans and rice. Oh yes, another question they asked was “Where is the water? Did you bring us out here to die of thirst!!”
Israel preferred the commissary of Egypt to the caravan of freedom. That is why the church is where it has been since the time of Constantine. The church is smart enough to see what works best with the people.
With that, the distinction between a commissary and a caravan church ought to be very clear. It is up to you to decide how this applies to your particular congregation and what is to be done about it.
But, as you do your analysis, be aware that the basic distinction has its effect on almost every aspect of congregational life and structure.
For example, the commissary model had 429 open ministries in the children and/or youth department. There were no ministry openings in the Adult or Senior (Seasoned) Believer’s Department.
Compare that to the Caravan model where no one is left behind.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
That is why Moses got the reaction he did!!
After 450 years of captivity, Moses lead them out of Egypt. They were on their way to the Promise Land. The people were exuberant about being free from slavery. They rejoiced as they began their journey. Not So McGee!!
Three days after they were led out of Egypt, the people were fed up with their “caravaning”. They challenged Moses with taking them out of Egypt because Egypt didn’t have enough graves for them.
They complained that at least while they were in Egypt they ate red beans and rice. Oh yes, another question they asked was “Where is the water? Did you bring us out here to die of thirst!!”
Israel preferred the commissary of Egypt to the caravan of freedom. That is why the church is where it has been since the time of Constantine. The church is smart enough to see what works best with the people.
With that, the distinction between a commissary and a caravan church ought to be very clear. It is up to you to decide how this applies to your particular congregation and what is to be done about it.
But, as you do your analysis, be aware that the basic distinction has its effect on almost every aspect of congregational life and structure.
For example, the commissary model had 429 open ministries in the children and/or youth department. There were no ministry openings in the Adult or Senior (Seasoned) Believer’s Department.
Compare that to the Caravan model where no one is left behind.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Characteristics of the Caravan
From 1957 to 1964, there was a popular TV series called “Wagon Train” which depicted the journeys of a wagon train as it left post-Civil War Missouri on its way to California through the plains, deserts and Rocky Mountains.
It was apparent that the caravan had professionally trained leadership to give it direction, protection and unity. This leadership consisted of the Wagon Master, Chief Scout and several other scouts who looked after the needs of the people on this journey.
The women and elderly always rode in the wagons. The men walked alongside. The children generally brought up the rear when the circumstances permitted it. When they were under attack or one of the men was injured, the wagon train stopped and made sure no one was left behind or put in harm’s way.
Because of the influence of Willow Creek and the emphasis on being “seeker sensitive” toward the Baby Boomers, the church has generally reversed the caravan model by putting the younger people (children, teens and 30-40 year olds) in the wagons and relegated the “Seasoned Believers” to walking alongside.
I can hear some of you saying, “HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!!”
After researching several Bible Colleges’ open ministry lists, I found that out of a total of 593 ministry positions (excluding pulpit ministries) that were listed on nine web sites, 429 (72%) were for people who were trained to minister to children or youth. There were no ministry openings for Adult or Senior (Seasoned) Believers.
Abraham, on his journey to the Promised Land, went as far as Haran. It was there he stopped. Then the account says, interestingly, that Tarah, his father, had died.
Why do you suppose Abraham stopped the caravan when he did? He did not want to leave his elderly and ill father behind!
We will explore other Scriptural examples in future blog entries.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
It was apparent that the caravan had professionally trained leadership to give it direction, protection and unity. This leadership consisted of the Wagon Master, Chief Scout and several other scouts who looked after the needs of the people on this journey.
The women and elderly always rode in the wagons. The men walked alongside. The children generally brought up the rear when the circumstances permitted it. When they were under attack or one of the men was injured, the wagon train stopped and made sure no one was left behind or put in harm’s way.
Because of the influence of Willow Creek and the emphasis on being “seeker sensitive” toward the Baby Boomers, the church has generally reversed the caravan model by putting the younger people (children, teens and 30-40 year olds) in the wagons and relegated the “Seasoned Believers” to walking alongside.
I can hear some of you saying, “HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!!”
After researching several Bible Colleges’ open ministry lists, I found that out of a total of 593 ministry positions (excluding pulpit ministries) that were listed on nine web sites, 429 (72%) were for people who were trained to minister to children or youth. There were no ministry openings for Adult or Senior (Seasoned) Believers.
Abraham, on his journey to the Promised Land, went as far as Haran. It was there he stopped. Then the account says, interestingly, that Tarah, his father, had died.
Why do you suppose Abraham stopped the caravan when he did? He did not want to leave his elderly and ill father behind!
We will explore other Scriptural examples in future blog entries.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
The Caravan Model
In the caravan model, the members are seen as integral, functional, and functioning constituents without whom the body cannot be the body it was meant to be.
But is the New Testament model all that anti-institutional and all that committed to caravaning? The earliest term used to identify the corporate Christian enterprise (before it was called "a church" or its members called "Christians") was "the Way," its constituents being simply "the followers of the Way," or "those of the Way." The term occurs eight or nine times in the book of Acts (9:2; 18:25, 26; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) and not elsewhere.
However, we should hardly expect to find it elsewhere, Acts being the only account we have of the primitive church. But whether or not these references in Acts can be taken as proof positive that "the Way" was the earliest nomenclature for the church, it is easy to demonstrate that this basic concept underlies much of the New Testament.
Stephen, in Acts 6:8-7:60, is determined to show that the church is called to be a "caravan"; the first characteristic of the people of God is that they ever are "on the way" and never secure in a state of accomplishment. He begins by using Abraham as a model and makes it clear that his significance is as one who continually has to get up and go in response to the forward call of God. He passed through much territory but had "nothing in it to call his own, not one yard." All he had was a "promise" of possession addressed to him and his posterity.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
But is the New Testament model all that anti-institutional and all that committed to caravaning? The earliest term used to identify the corporate Christian enterprise (before it was called "a church" or its members called "Christians") was "the Way," its constituents being simply "the followers of the Way," or "those of the Way." The term occurs eight or nine times in the book of Acts (9:2; 18:25, 26; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) and not elsewhere.
However, we should hardly expect to find it elsewhere, Acts being the only account we have of the primitive church. But whether or not these references in Acts can be taken as proof positive that "the Way" was the earliest nomenclature for the church, it is easy to demonstrate that this basic concept underlies much of the New Testament.
Stephen, in Acts 6:8-7:60, is determined to show that the church is called to be a "caravan"; the first characteristic of the people of God is that they ever are "on the way" and never secure in a state of accomplishment. He begins by using Abraham as a model and makes it clear that his significance is as one who continually has to get up and go in response to the forward call of God. He passed through much territory but had "nothing in it to call his own, not one yard." All he had was a "promise" of possession addressed to him and his posterity.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Caravan Versus The Commissary Model
The New Testament pictures the church as a caravan. This "caravan" understanding seems to have been normative until the time of Constantine, when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. This acceptance of Christianity by the world brought with it a different concept of the congregation--a concept that has dominated the church scene to the present day. According to this understanding, the church is pictured basically as a commissary.
A caravan, on the other hand, is something entirely different. It (and a walking caravan best fits our idea) is a group of people banded together as a community with a common cause in seeking a common destination. The being of a caravan lies not in any signed and sealed authorization but in the way it functions. Its validity lies not in its apparatus but in the performance of its caravaners--each and every one of them. A caravan is a caravan only as long as it is making progress--or at least striving to make progress. Once the caravaners stop, dig in, or count themselves as having arrived, they no longer constitute a caravan.
A commissary, for its part, is and has its existence simply in being what it is, what God has commissioned it to be. A caravan, conversely, has its existence only in a continual becoming (and in allowing that existence continually to be called into question), in a following of the Lord on his way toward the kingdom. With a commissary, the question is: "Has this institution a valid charter, and is it operating within the terms of that charter?" With a caravan, the question is: "How are the people doing? Is the group operating so that all are being helped on their common journey in discipleship?"
In this regard, it should be made very clear that we are not at all suggesting that the modern church should switch to a caravan model for the purpose of making the church more successful and attractive for Christians or people in general. On the contrary, to be part of a caravan is much more demanding than joining the clientele of a commissary. Given a choice, "the people" will go for the commissary every time. That is why Moses got the reaction he did. This is why Stephen's opponents reacted the way they did. That is why the church is where it has been since the time of Constantine. The church is smart enough to see what works best with the people. If there is to be a new move toward caravaning in our day, it can and should come only out of a sense that this is what Jesus asks of us.
RON
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
A caravan, on the other hand, is something entirely different. It (and a walking caravan best fits our idea) is a group of people banded together as a community with a common cause in seeking a common destination. The being of a caravan lies not in any signed and sealed authorization but in the way it functions. Its validity lies not in its apparatus but in the performance of its caravaners--each and every one of them. A caravan is a caravan only as long as it is making progress--or at least striving to make progress. Once the caravaners stop, dig in, or count themselves as having arrived, they no longer constitute a caravan.
A commissary, for its part, is and has its existence simply in being what it is, what God has commissioned it to be. A caravan, conversely, has its existence only in a continual becoming (and in allowing that existence continually to be called into question), in a following of the Lord on his way toward the kingdom. With a commissary, the question is: "Has this institution a valid charter, and is it operating within the terms of that charter?" With a caravan, the question is: "How are the people doing? Is the group operating so that all are being helped on their common journey in discipleship?"
In this regard, it should be made very clear that we are not at all suggesting that the modern church should switch to a caravan model for the purpose of making the church more successful and attractive for Christians or people in general. On the contrary, to be part of a caravan is much more demanding than joining the clientele of a commissary. Given a choice, "the people" will go for the commissary every time. That is why Moses got the reaction he did. This is why Stephen's opponents reacted the way they did. That is why the church is where it has been since the time of Constantine. The church is smart enough to see what works best with the people. If there is to be a new move toward caravaning in our day, it can and should come only out of a sense that this is what Jesus asks of us.
RON
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Are We a "Commissary" or a "Caravan"?
In the two blogs posted today (Review Parts I and II), there are two areas that I believe the church must address.
The first one is making preparation for the onslaught of almost 375,000 Baby Boomers, in Metro Cincinnati alone, who will reach the traditional retirement age by 2012.
As I have considered this phenomenon, there is a second area which, in my judgment, must be considered.
The Commissary Model
Since the early 80s and the advent of the “seeker sensitive” movement, most churches have evolved into many different segments (4 different age groupings of children, Jr. High, High School, College, Singles, Young Married, Married with Children, Empty Nesters and Seniors).
Instead of a body of believers, most churches have become a disconnected group of “body” parts where each one makes it a point to visit the “commissary” to get what they need or what they think they need for the coming week.
There is a major problem with the commissary model. The problem is, unlike a super store, they do not necessarily have everything their customers need.
The reality is that, unless the “Seasoned Believer” comes to the spiritual commissary looking for a monthly pot-luck and a quarterly trip to Branson or Gatlinburg, there is nothing else in the “Senior Department” for them.
The next blog entry will describe the Scriptural model to which we should pay attention.
Ron
The Boomer Blogger
The first one is making preparation for the onslaught of almost 375,000 Baby Boomers, in Metro Cincinnati alone, who will reach the traditional retirement age by 2012.
As I have considered this phenomenon, there is a second area which, in my judgment, must be considered.
The Commissary Model
Since the early 80s and the advent of the “seeker sensitive” movement, most churches have evolved into many different segments (4 different age groupings of children, Jr. High, High School, College, Singles, Young Married, Married with Children, Empty Nesters and Seniors).
Instead of a body of believers, most churches have become a disconnected group of “body” parts where each one makes it a point to visit the “commissary” to get what they need or what they think they need for the coming week.
There is a major problem with the commissary model. The problem is, unlike a super store, they do not necessarily have everything their customers need.
The reality is that, unless the “Seasoned Believer” comes to the spiritual commissary looking for a monthly pot-luck and a quarterly trip to Branson or Gatlinburg, there is nothing else in the “Senior Department” for them.
The next blog entry will describe the Scriptural model to which we should pay attention.
Ron
The Boomer Blogger
Friday, July 4, 2008
Review Part II
In the 9 metro Cincinnati counties, according to the 2006 U S Census estimate, there are 554,940 Baby Boomers. According to Dr. Thom Rainer, in an article entitled The Church In 2011: Catching The Age Wave, estimates that two thirds of the Boomers remain unchurched.
I do agree with him about the 2/3 figure (373,880), but I do not agree that all of them are unchurched. Many of this group are what would be more accurately defined as "church alumni".
In these same 9 counties, according to the US Census estimates(2006) , there are approximately 647,743 members of the “Silent Generation”. Many of these folks are still able to take an active part in the life of the Body. In many churches, they are recognized once a month when an announcement in the bulletin alerts them to the monthly potluck luncheon and a monthly or quarterly bus trip to either Gatlinburg or Branson.
In this era where we are constantly encouraged to recycle and conserve energy etc, I am concerned that we are wasting some of the most significant resources God has given us.
The next blog entry will address a legitimate solution to which I referred in Part I.
Ron
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
I do agree with him about the 2/3 figure (373,880), but I do not agree that all of them are unchurched. Many of this group are what would be more accurately defined as "church alumni".
In these same 9 counties, according to the US Census estimates(2006) , there are approximately 647,743 members of the “Silent Generation”. Many of these folks are still able to take an active part in the life of the Body. In many churches, they are recognized once a month when an announcement in the bulletin alerts them to the monthly potluck luncheon and a monthly or quarterly bus trip to either Gatlinburg or Branson.
In this era where we are constantly encouraged to recycle and conserve energy etc, I am concerned that we are wasting some of the most significant resources God has given us.
The next blog entry will address a legitimate solution to which I referred in Part I.
Ron
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Time for a Review Part I
During the past several months, I have made an attempt, through this blog, to challenge us to prepare for the oncoming boomer wave.
It is obvious, by any measure, that churches have not made provision for the thousands of boomers who will be approaching retirement age starting in 2012.
I decided to see if the churches of my own denominational background were getting ready to minister to the large number of adults in society. It seemed that one way to do that was by reviewing current ministry openings listed on the web sites of nine different Christian groups. They were seven Bible Colleges, CrossLink (which connects people and ministries) and a weekly national church publication.
There was a total of 593 ministry positions, excluding pulpit ministries, listed on nine web sites. Out of the 593 jobs listed, 429 (72%) were for people who were trained to minister to children or youth. There were no ministry openings for Adult or Senior (Seasoned) Believers.
An additional area of research included a web site of a week long national church convention. The daily program listed only one event for “Seasoned Believers”. It was a social event: a “Senior’s Luncheon”.
In an encouraging discovery, I found that the Assemblies of God recently appointed a part time National Director of Senior Adult Ministries.
My next blog entry will continue reviewing previous research in order to lay the goundwork for what I believe is a legitimate response to the oncoming boomer wave.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Ron
It is obvious, by any measure, that churches have not made provision for the thousands of boomers who will be approaching retirement age starting in 2012.
I decided to see if the churches of my own denominational background were getting ready to minister to the large number of adults in society. It seemed that one way to do that was by reviewing current ministry openings listed on the web sites of nine different Christian groups. They were seven Bible Colleges, CrossLink (which connects people and ministries) and a weekly national church publication.
There was a total of 593 ministry positions, excluding pulpit ministries, listed on nine web sites. Out of the 593 jobs listed, 429 (72%) were for people who were trained to minister to children or youth. There were no ministry openings for Adult or Senior (Seasoned) Believers.
An additional area of research included a web site of a week long national church convention. The daily program listed only one event for “Seasoned Believers”. It was a social event: a “Senior’s Luncheon”.
In an encouraging discovery, I found that the Assemblies of God recently appointed a part time National Director of Senior Adult Ministries.
My next blog entry will continue reviewing previous research in order to lay the goundwork for what I believe is a legitimate response to the oncoming boomer wave.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Ron
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