<small>"Developing paradigm communities requires total sacrifice of self and reliance on a power that comes only from God.   Such a requirement may cause pastors and laity to reevaluate the seriousness of their commitment."       -- W. Easum (Dinosaurs, p.113) </small>

<small>"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds."</small>    <small> -- Romans 12:2</small>

 

"Paradigm communities place a high priority on biblical integrity, evangelism, and quality." (p.107) These three elements cannot go untended in the 21st Century.

Communities of faith squarely facing this three-fold challenge will risk mistake and learn from them. They will dream big and dare to fail. And in the dreaming and the risking they will always err on the side of compassion and mercy.

 

1) What does it mean to you when Easum says, "Paradigm communities receive their marching orders from the Scriptures?" (p.107) How do you think the thought "scriptures" will be defined by Paradigm communities?

 

 

2) For our congregation, what significant shifts do you see suggested for us by the statement, "Guilt is replace with an emphasis on compassion and forgiveness?" (p.107) Describe how that shift might look in action in our congregation.

 

 

 

3) What does it mean to "expend (ourselves) on behalf of the spiritual and physical redemption to those around (us)?" (p.108) Where has this been happening? Where does it need to happen?

 

 

 

4) On page 111 Easum cites Daniel Biles of the Alban Institute suggesting that excellence within a congregation reflects it's faith fidelity, love, and biblical foundations -- in short it's faith maturity and relevance. In what ways is this true for you? Where does it need adjusting? What do you see as the beginning place for this excellence?

 

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This is an online Study Guide for use in the local church, compiled and produced by David P. Harris of Ephrata, PA.