Ian Kirk
Just a pastor navigating the world
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Virtual Downs and Ups
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Shockingly (not really), virtual attendance is down across the church landscape. The biggest change? No COVID restrictions or recommendations. The numbers are still quite startling. Gallup puts the percentage at around 5%. However, I suspect a weird twist in the digital realm, where many say they are not attending church, because they (like so…
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Good vs Better or Best
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One of the recent things that has popped up in my thoughts is good, better, best. As my major context is church life, you can be sure that, of course, that’s what’s going on with me. “Don’t present online if you’re not high quality” (read that as commercial broadcast worthy). Except new attenders are…
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Are THEY Worthy?
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As we discuss church, discipleship, gatherings, small groups, etcetera, and—in particular—the validity (or supposed lack thereof) of digital gatherings in comparison to physical ones…perhaps we ought to ask…are THEY worthy? It’s a provocative question. Who is the “they”? Are they gamers, unchurched, unbelievers, wounded, hurt, ashamed, insulted, assaulted? Are they “worthy”? Are they worthy…
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That’s the Way We’ve Always Done It
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“That’s the Way We’ve Always Done It.” Pastors dread those words. Pastors in their new assignments believe, understandably, that part of the reason that they are there (at their new assignment) is because they are new and will bring the new. As any new pastor quickly learns, however, the new is often only welcome…
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VR Liturgy
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Psalm 29v2 (REB) reads, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name; in holy attire worship the LORD.” The REB translates הֲדָרָה as attire, while other translations use splendor. The nuance may be what one means by adornment. In context, the verse is about Heavenly/angelic beings the difference between attire/adornment/splendor may not…
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Online, The Enemy
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“Online church” is not your best life. It’s life-support. It’s better than being totally disconnected, but it’s not as good as being fully connected. We aren’t designed for extended periods away from community. Someone reading this needs to go back to church. If not now, then when? The above was shared by an acquaintance.…
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Moving On and Moving Forward
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\”Forget Going Back to the Office—People Are Just Quitting Instead\” was posted a few days ago in the Wall Street Journal (14 June 2021). It\’s probably my wiring (and focus) to ask, \”what will the church do with this? My expectation? Nothing. A few days ago, Rey De Armes was with Jeff Reed on…
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Structure Serves Mission
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An organization that’s a preview of the new creation looks like Jesus giving his life for the world. In such organizations, the Spirit of God flows, bringing ever-renewing life, orienting people towards God and towards their neighbors. In such orgs, structure serves mission. Jeremy Chen (@germy224) June 23, 2021 Digital isn’t great because it’s…
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Godly Innovation
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Innovation is only worthwhile if it’s of God. Jeff Reed, Intro to Multi-Modal, Stadia Innovation March 2021 Meetup. As someone who frequently says (regarding church things), “move fast and break stuff,” Jeff’s words are both encouraging and cautionary. Jeff’s words caused a visceral response in me, too. Unblessed Sameness “Staying in the same place,…
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