The Unlearning of Listening

Last updated on: May 21, 2012 at 3:00 pm by Steve Knight

The Unlearning of Listening 2012-05-20T23:13:21-03:00 Steve Knight

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Nathan Hill from The Table community in East Dallas, Texas, posted this short video interview with Luther Seminary PhD student John Ogren, in which Ogren gives this intriguing insight,

“We want church plants to succeed so we put a lot of emphasis on strategy, planning, [and] working stuff out. So, unfortunately, a lot of times church planters get in there, and they’ve got their theology all worked out, their values and purpose and strategy, and everything ready to go. When you do it that way, you end up more trying to attract people to what you already have rather than co-author or co-create something new with the people who are in that context. …

“Part of the Church’s cross is in the unlearning of listening, of having to be re-molded, re-made, and that comes about in the face of ‘the other,’ in the interaction with ‘the other,’ the difference and challenge that they bring to us. That’s a gift, I believe. That’s the Spirit that’s working there. And then God is able to create something new out of the tension of that.”

What do you think? Watch the full interview with John Ogren:

Previous Post

May 21, 2012

Missional Monday: Wright Sings, Chan Chastised, Breen Brings It

Next Post

May 22, 2012 Your New Daily Devotional on God's Mission

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Books Definitions Events Funding Funny History Mainline denominations Missional Mondays Networks Offers Startups Tech Theology Video Youth-Young Adult Ministry

Select a Month January 2014 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 June 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was Jesus' legal father?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Matthat Heli Joseph Jacob