H. Balancing processes do bring change, but without upsetting the equilibrium of the system. Change can be rapid and painless, such as the widespread adoption of microwave ovens. More often, systemic change is slower. The wording of the Book of Discipline changes every four years, and the Balancing process in local churches implements the change in denominational DNA throughout the United Methodist Church. Seasons cycle each year. The human body ages slowly over decades. Vigorous, innovative spiritual movements become traditional bound, institutional denominations over two centuries.[1]
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]Ernst Troeltsch’s application of Hegelian dialectic (thesis-antithesis-synthesis) to church history is described in Elmer Towns, Is The Day of the Denomination Dead? (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1973), 60-78, under http://www.elmertowns.com/books/online/denom_dead/Is_the_Day_of_the_Denomination_ Dead%5BETowns%5D.PDF (accessed June 15, 2007).