Changing Channels
From the early days of television through the 1970’s, there were three television networks. They had no competition and total control over what Americans watched on TV.
Then came cable. 24 hours a day of news. Sports. Movies. Weather. Home shopping. Music videos. They focused on smaller markets, but gave people what they wanted to watch. Suddenly, people had choices. Satellite expanded the television universe to micro markets. The soap opera network. The game show network. Do-it-yourself home repairs. Extreme sports, classic sports, international sports. Poker.
Now the internet. YouTube. iTunes. Sidereel. Anyone can watch whatever they want, anytime. And not only watch, but connect with other fans and create their own content.
This is happening with mainstream Christianity as well. Splinters, spin-offs, and startups dot the landscape of American Christianity and provide an infinite number of ways for churches to connect and cooperate. Exclusivity is passé; most of the churches involved are aligned with multiple networks. “Loyalty” is redefined; churches maintain these associations only as long as they serve their intended purposes. Christians used to connect via centralized “broadcasts” such as denominations, personalities, or geography. Now they’re connected via the “cloud;” allowing them to partner with others according to their beliefs, worldview, practice, politics, and interests. Some are pretty unique. Others are nearly identical.
The Southern Baptist Convention is NBC in the 1960’s. Now there are hundreds of ways for likeminded believers to connect with one another. The Founders movement. Purpose Driven. Mosaic. Allelon. Acts 29. Glocal. The Missional Church Network. CBF. New Baptist Covenant. Emergent. The Antioch Church Network is a new channel to watch.
Why does all this matter?
Because it all comes down to influence. You don’t need to be the president of anything to change everything for some people. Steve McCoy is a nobody in his church’s denomination. To artistic, reformed-leaning, music-loving, post-denominational bloggers, he’s a rock star. Follow his blog for a little while and you’ll understand.
And because if you’re dependent on one of the old broadcast TV-style networks, you need to find some new ways to connect.
Unless writing a lot makes one a "writer," Ernest is an unemployed former missionary. After more than six years in Western Europe, he is moving to Portland, where he drinks too much coffee and over-analyzes human behavior. For more about Ernest, visit the About page where you can read a long-time reader's interview with him. Or, if you don't mind waiting a very, very long time, send him an email.
Mar 7th 2008
Since you are part of the SBC, what are your plans for influencing that denomination.
Mar 7th 2008
bej,
I have no plans to influence the Southern Baptist Convention.
This blog is my attempt to influence some people (the few who read it), and to be part of the greater conversation that has so greatly influenced me.
Beyond that, I am constantly working to expand my influence with individuals and partner churches by telling stories of what God is doing here in Western Europe.
Oh, and I’m writing a book. It will be mostly nonfiction.
Mar 10th 2008
“I am constantly working to expand my influence with individuals and partner churches by telling stories of what God is doing here in Western Europe.”
Influencing these churches is influencing the SBC. Thanks for being part of that conversation and assisting in that way.
Mar 12th 2008
How do those of us at the networks cross over and connect to the new movements? Especially those of serving overseas only in the US every 3-4 years?
Mar 12th 2008
This is a really good post…I’m made some connection with the Antioch Church Network if you’re interested
Mar 13th 2008
Camel Rider,
It can be very difficult to connect with churches in the States. One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that most of these networks are not geographically based. They connect online just like we do. I think the best way to participate in what’s going on is to read, write, and comment on blogs.
It comes down to relationships. Links and blogrolls, even. Sometimes you can even “track down” the perfect partner for whatever you’re doing with a Google search and some strategic blog comments. I’ve been known to write an email or two to someone I want to partner with. If they can’t, they usually refer me to someone else. Or, they call the police. No one likes to be stalked, even if it’s online.
Mar 14th 2008
I’ll second what stepchild has said. You interact with us and we’ll work and partner with you. The guys I know, for the most part, are not denominational loyalists. We will work and partner with folks participating in the Kingdom if we can agree on the essentials. Heck, we might even support you financially. That’s we in a corporate sense.
My ministry relationships are not with the people in my geographic area. They are literally all over the US and the world. And they’ve come through a connection on a blog, and then meeting at some point. But I’ve got really good friends I’ve never met or only met once, and they are some of my best friends and who I go to with ministry thoughts and questions.