"Narrative Teaching to Postmoderns" Workshop by Frank Couch - Wednesday afternoon July 23, 2008. Frank Couch led a great workshop, but it was not necessarily what spoke to me. Consequently, I have just a little takeaway from the first ten minutes of the session. Here are my notes:
- The term "Postmodern" is borrowed from architecture. It really refers to a borrowing from or combination of other styles or influences.
- With a modern mindset, the world revolves around linear, rational thought. It is birthed from the enlightenment of science (physics, chemistry, etc.).
- With a postmodern mindset, the world is emotional, spiritual, and holistic. It is more than physical - it is also spirit. It is birthed from relationship.
- Stop saying postmoderns don't believe in truth. There is a common misunderstanding about postmoderns, that they do not believe in truth. Many postmoderns do fully believe in absolute truth. However, they see the common processes of pointing out others' non-belief as self-righteous, disrespectful. Relationship is more important than it ever was in the modern mindset. There is suspicion toward anyone with all the answers - they want to find truth their own way.
- Many postmoderns believe the Bible and Biblical doctrines are true (virgin birth, Jesus' resurrection). They don't care when you try to convince them that it is. The questions have changed. People want to know about people and relationships. How do these truths relate to our relationships with others?
- For moderns, the church was about "celebrity." It is no longer about that, it is about the Spirit.
- Postmoderns are intimidated and put-off by our religiosity, but they love our story.
Five Key Words for Postmoderns- MISSION is everything. And the mission of the Church is the mission of Jesus - the Kingdom of God. (The modern church find its mission in "doctrine" based on denomination)
- AUTHENTICITY is about being real to yourself and the mission. Being transparent.
- ENGAGING involves moving our core - our true self. It also involves engaging, listening to, respecting, and understanding others' viewpoints and thoughts. We don't have to endorse, but we do have to listen.
- INCARNATIONAL. How is Jesus living in us?
- NARRATIVE is the opposite of logical, reasoned facts. It is more about story and relationship. Relationship with God and others.
"Narrative Teaching to Postmoderns" Workshop by Frank Couch - Wednesday afternoon July 23, 2008. Frank Couch led a great workshop, but it was not necessarily what spoke to me. Consequently, I have just a little takeaway from the first ten minutes of the session. Here are my notes:
