cultural farmers

I've read a few books on the subject as it's become a popular theme, creating culture, but have really learned the importance of this concept on an empirical level the past few years here in Edinburgh.

As Christ-followers in a post-Christian society, our job is to become cultural farmers. The task is the create the right soil, a rich healthy environment, in which people can grow up in faith until the invisible God is made visible through his Body, the church.

Make no mistake, God is responsible for the growth, the changed hearts, but the soil is the responsibility of the leaders who make up that church.

This explains why several churches may be trying to reach the same group with the same methods, but one just "feels" completely different than the other. That intangible "feel" is the culture. The culture is what seekers pick up on immediately, though it may be imperceptible to regular members. But the culture makes all the difference in the world in a post-Christian society. It really does.

This is why creating culture is one of the most difficult and equally important processes in effective next-generation leadership.

The challenge is so much greater than implementing "postmodern" services with indie music, art, use of video and cool sermon branding. There is way too much copying going on. I remember hearing a story of some pastors going into Willow Creek in Chicago-area and actually measuring the auditorium.

That's one of the things I pray for often: God giving us fresh eyes to see what type of culture is being fostered in our areas of ministry.