Join the Parade!
Written by Mark Van Steenwyk : May 16, 2007
The Twin Cities parade of Churches is coming on July 23rd to the 27th. I am truly looking forward to playing a part in this. I am not a fan of “conventional” conventions. Churchy conferences are often abstracted dispensers of de-contextualized practices or theology. In less nerdy lingo: church conferences usually tell you how to do ministry or what to think about God without caring about your particular situation. They can leave you frustrated and drained.
My hope (and assumption) is that the Parade of Churches will be different. Why? Because it is ALL ABOUT CONTEXT. And the Parade of Churches isn’t about telling you how to do ministry. Instead it is an invitation to experience ministry in the Twin Cities by Twin Cities ministers. Here’s the 411:
The unique context of Minneapolis and St. Paul have catalyzed innovation in churches and new church communities for the last decade, and the Twin Cities have become a hub of the emerging church movement. Communities of theology and practice have sprung up around the cities, and collegial relationships have developed as well. So, we thought, Why not throw a party together?
In that spirit, we’ve designed a week of learning, conversation, worship, experimentation, and friendship. If you join us, you’ll experience a variety of emerging communities of faith — you’ll be challenged and encouraged; you’ll make friends and share ideas.
Over the course of five days, you’ll get the flavor of five communities, plus input from several more. Further, you’ll have the opportunity to spend the mornings in cohort groups in which you can discuss the implications of your learnings, and your afternoons in intriguing seminars led by theologians and practitioners.
This isn’t a “how to” conference. It isn’t like business professionals going to a large cooperation to learn better business practices. It is more like a group of artists going to an art gallery in order to experience the artistry of others–it is less about educating and more about inspiriting and sharing.
Who is this thing for?
- It is for people all over the country who are a part of the larger emerging church conversation. They can come and see how the Gospel is embodied in various ways in our context so that they can be encouraged and inspired in their attempts to embody the Gospel in theirs.
- It is also for those folks that don’t consider themselves “emerging” but want to know what this emerging church thing is. Maybe you’ve read a McLaren book and some articles from critics. You want to learn from the movement, but aren’t on board. If you are interested in learning more about the movement and how it takes shape so that you can learn about the emerging church straight from practitioners instead of from books and articles, then come check us out.
PRICE: $145 for all five days!
Click HERE to register today!
for further reading . . .
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