Roxburgh on a missional order
Alan Roxburgh has concluded (I think) a series on his reflections on missional orders, with a summary. It is contains some incredibly wise and insightful comments from some people who lead a celtic monastery. Iin forming our missional order at northern community we want to start before we have formed it. This will mean we can trial and test out a missional order in the context of an established church. This try it and see approach seems to be validated by these comments.
“• Keep doing more of the same, you are on the right path
• If you are growing a dream start slowly
• Holding loosely is the key
• Be open to change and willing to listen.
• Avoid a new gnosticism - we, on the inside, have the truth; you outside are less/lost/missing it etc.
• Keep before you the question: How do we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?
• Whatever term you use for (Abbot/Director etc) it has to have in it what the Abbot brings.
• Emphasis on alone/together - each of us has to take responsibility for our walk with God.
• Accountability is right but a sensitive area. It involves the liberty to be the persons we are around a rule of life in which certain practices are central.
• Keep the Rule provisional.
• Practices are the outworking of the Rule not the Rule itself - they should not be prescriptive.
• Keeping the Daily Office is critical because it is intrinsic to seeking God in the rhythm of life.”
Read the post here and here for all the posts on the missional order from Alan Roxburgh
January 22nd, 2006 at 3:49 pm
When Alan lives in a monastery then he will have the right to tell everyone to go live in one.
January 22nd, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Why do you think Alan is telling anyone to go live in a monastery? I didn’t get that impression.
January 22nd, 2006 at 7:27 pm
I’ve followed this series with great interest. The challenge (and what I will watch with interest) is now these ancient communitarian approaches can be transplanted into ‘new’ suburbs and young cultures. They are important for us to explore and could be a useful ‘key’ to unlocking the missional Western church.
January 26th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
Alan Roxburgh (prof, author, no stranger to Australia and mentor to amongst others, Brian McLaren) and Pat Kiefert (one of the world’s leading theologians in the area of missional stuff) will be in Melbourne in May. It should be good. I think that they are here with the Churches of Christ (Vic/Tas). You guys probably know more about it then me!
January 26th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
I had heard that… I will see if I can dig up some info.