1.4 New Testament Challenge Update: In addition to commands of Jesus, begin to notice conflict and anxiety in the New Testament, and how Jesus and the Apostles dealt with it.
The book of Acts indicates that Jesus was a significant reinforcing trend for change in the Jewish culture over the three years of his ministry. The early church of Acts and the ministry of Paul were significant reinforcing trends for change for the Gentile/Roman culture to Constantine. Therefore, the New Testament and early church history should provide multiple examples of change theory concepts from Senge, Rogers and Moore.
Look for examples of conflict in the Book of Acts and elsewhere in scripture; analyze them for reinforcing trends and balancing processes at work.[1] All violence will involve them.
QUOTE [1]
NOTE
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
[1] The quote is a selection from David O. Kueker’s Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry project submitted in September, 2007, entitled Diagnosis, Dialogue, and Decision: A Threefold Process of Revitalization For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
It is shared here in recognition of its 12th Anniversary along with comments to update and provide perspective on the material. The original project was a Training Manual/Study Guide of three Seminars supported by three chapters of research and an Introduction. The material is available for download at www.disciplewalk.com/Resources.html. In 2009 it was provided for purchase as a softcover book entitled Designing Discipleship Systems: Christian Disciple Making For Any Size Church, Any Theology through CreateSpace.com.
[2][3] [4][5] [6][7] [8]
All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.
[1]Some possible examples: Mark 11:18, Acts 6:7/Acts 8:1, Acts 9:20-25.