U Are Here! Re-Plant Church Planting and Revitalization Conference Baptist Convention of New Mexico May , 2016

Session 2: Reading the new map The Issachar Principle: 1 Chron. 12:32 “... men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do....”

Session 2: Reading the new map

Session 2: Reading the new map

Session 2: Reading the new map

Session 2: Reading the new map (image

Session 2: Reading the new map Definition of Terms: – Culture Embraces all of life Broad and narrow Good and bad – Worldview Lenses Challenge is to have a Biblical worldview

Session 2: Reading the new map A Few American Changes Affecting Culture and Worldview: 1)Growing Diversity -- People migrations -- Global phenomena -- American history is one of migration and immigration -- From Protestant to Catholic to plurality of religions ** Consider: 1)We are a nation of immigrants 2)We are an American culture consisting of multiple cultures 3)Multicultural America can and should be celebrated

Session 2: Reading the new map – What does this mean missiologically? We must learn to see America as diverse We must be ready to point to the Biblical metanarrative The nations have come to us We rejoice at the Christian influence from immigrants

Session 2: Reading the new map 2) Urbanization: -- Rapid and continuing -- The cities are the center of influence -- 83% of Americans live in metro areas ** Consider: 1) Urbanization will continue 2) More so in South and West 3) Change in racial and ethnic makeup

Session 2: Reading the new map – Why is this a missiological concern? The greatest percentage of lostness Immigrants in the cities Centers of business, education, entertainment, and culture Gentrification Secularism and postmodernism

Session 2: Reading the new map 3) Dying of Builders, Aging of Boomers: -- Builders taking commitment and giving with them -- Boomers are largest generation block in history -- Graying of America means: * Redefinition of aging * Economic time bomb * Nature of aging is changing

Session 2: Reading the new map 4)American Idolatry: 1)Dominate our activity and discussion 2)Fewer grounds by which to critique 3)Right in your churches

Session 2: Reading the new map The right to have rights – Lawsuit happy – No-fault divorce – right to be happy – Right to choose over rules right to life – Right to exercise one’s sexuality

Session 2: Reading the new map Materialism: – It erodes marriage, family, and other relationships – It leads to unethical practices – It becomes and end rather than a means – It deteriorates into consumerism

Session 2: Reading the new map Science and Technology: – We believe science will save us – We look to technology to fill our emptiness Entertainment: – Obsession with sports – Billions and billions on entertainment – Gambling?

Session 2: Reading the new map Our obsession with sex: – Moving through three attitudes: Era when sex was taboo and sin was kept private Era of “open and free love” Era when sex is commonplace and has lost its meaning

Session 2: Reading the new map Missiological Implications: 1)We must unmask the idols by naming them 2)We must be willing to give up our individual rights 3)We must articulate and practice a Biblical theology of life 4)We must practice simpler lifestyles and demonstrate generosity 5)We must keep science and technology in perspective 6)We must learn and practice what the Bible means by Sabbath rest 7)We must practice sexual purity

Session 2: Reading the new map 5) Worldview Shifts: -- Modern = “truth” to be discovered -- Post-modern = “truths” to be constructed **Missiological Conclusion

Session 2: Reading the new map Questions for further reflection How do I define culture? What can I do to develop a theology of culture (a biblical understanding of culture)? What is my worldview? What are the lenses through which I see and interpret the world? Are there aspects of my worldview which need to be judged by Scripture? Do I understand the culture(s) and worldview(s) of my congregation and the community I am trying to reach? What do I need to do to learn more about these? What do I need to read? What conversations do I need to have? Who do I need to listen to? Have I done recent demographic research on my community? Have I been out in the community studying it? Have I grown complacent and assumed I already knew what I needed to know about the people I am trying to reach? Based on the demographics of my mission field, the changing cultures, and the worldview of people, what needs to change in my strategy? My outreach? My preaching and teaching? What issues do I need to address?

Session 2: Reading the new map Suggested Resources * Carson, D. A. Christ and Culture Revisited. * Netland, Harold. Christianity and Religious Diversity. * Payne, J. D. Strangers Next Door: Immigration, Migration and Mission. * Rah, Soong-Chan. The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the church from Western cultural captivity. * Raley, Matthew. The Diversity Culture. *Sire, James W. The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog *Sire, James W. Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept * Swanson, Eric and Sam Williams. Transform a City: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City. * Terry, John Mark and J.D. Payne. Developing a Strategy for Missions.