On the Edge...

I went to part of the 'On the Edge' conference and I must admit to it being nothing to that I which expected. I am not sure what I expected but whatever, it wasn't really what happened! Definitely not a word of criticism but I am not sure that it achieved what it intended largely due to what people defined as 'on the edge'.

Perhaps those thinking that they are 'on the edge' are more institutional than they realise and those really 'on the edge' are further on the margins than most realise.

What was left was a vacuum where those anywhere close to understanding what it was to be 'on the edge' were left scratching their heads at a style and format that was largely alien to them.

What was left was a vacuum where those anywhere close to understanding what it was to be 'on the edge' were left scratching their heads at a style and format that was largely alien to them.

George Lings Session (the notes are here) was good and encompassed where the weekend was a success. Those with the responsibility of protecting and encouraging those 'on the edge' would have heard that any form of emerging or fresh expression is starting further back and to try and to assess and make sense of those expressions with the quantifiable tools we are obsessed with, is a non-starter. I hope they heard. They need to hear.

The style and format would indicate that the bulk of those involved in the planning and actually attending were engaged with mission to those which George Ling describes as being on the 'fringe' and the 'open de-churched'. Those who operate outside this really need a special understanding and encouragement that recognises the Post-Christian culture they are daily engaging through exploring building community that makes sense of the Kingdom.

I guess I was hoping for a sense of community story-telling, a sharing of a contextual experience beyond renting a school and singing some songs. For the sessions I was there for it didn't happen. I would have loved to have heard the Jonny Baker session (here) but I was too busy botching up worship at Nunhead SA!!

That is not to say that the weekend didn't happen for me. Concepts to think through included:

• The difference between delivery systems and values and the danger of mixing them up.
• Loyal Radicals.
• Church Planting has largely been Church imposition.
• It is worth writing thank you notes to the Old Aunty.
• When does a church plant cease being a church plant.
• What will revival look like in post-christiandom??
• When 'on the edge' it will always be very appealing to jump 'over the edge'.
  

That with quality time with quality people made the weekend a worthwhile and an illuminating occasion. I hope that everyone took it as the gift it was - sometimes the gift the aunt gives us woodspice - but but nevertheless it is a gift!

It is the thought counts!