Dancing With Dinosaurs, Chapter One

Chapter 1 -- "Bursting Wineskins and Munching Sheep" 

"The unmotivated are notoriously invulnerable to insight."
-- Edwin Friedman

"He answered them, 'And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?'"
-- Matt 15:3   

Welcome to our study of Bill Easum's book, Dancing with Dinosaurs. I'd encourage you to take to heart Bill's words on page 21, "if something in this book offends you, before you get mad or decide to stop reading, ask yourself this question: Am I offended because what I've read attacks my basic theological and biblical underpinnings, or am I offended because what I have read challenges one of my personal assumptions, sacred cows, or traditions?"

We will wrestle with many challenging thoughts in order be faithful to our purpose of winning, "...the world to faith in God through Jesus Christ." (p.19)

What follows are some notes and questions. These will help in review and in our discussion:

1) We'll be using key words throughout our study. What are Easum's definitions of the following terms on page 21:

Church:
  

Congregation:
  

Community:
  

Tradition:
  

Heritage:
  

2) On pages 13 and 14 there are twelve important assumptions listed. "If these twelve assumptions composed the filter through which you approached ministry, what changes would you consider making in the style or tasks of your ministry?" (p.14)

3) What's important or confusing about the title of the book. (Page 15 holds Easum's understanding of his title.)

What feels familiar about these definitions? What strikes you as confusing?

4) What things do we avoid as a congregation? (See the discussion about responses as excuses to avoid responding to the primary call of God on page 20.)

MAKE NOTES HERE:

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