Brian McLaren in Scotland

Brian McLaren is doing a series of events here in Scotland (Perth, Edinburgh & Glasgow). I've only read one of his books but have heard him speak a couple of times. So what can I say? Well he's an engaging speaker and I think for many church contexts in Scotland will bring a "Prophetic" challenge. Yet in saying that he's not actually that cutting edge in his practice (and does not represent all that is to be said of or by the emerging church - if indeed we can still use that tag), and it will be interesting to see if the medium of the message is juxtaposed with the message.

I recently went to an event where people where "sharing their stories" of innovative ways of church/mission. One of my big issues with the event was that they did not seem to understand the difference between presenting and sharing. The presentations verged on sales pitches and while the seating was informal and there were the ubiquitous break out type group moments the medium of the event was in contract to the idea of sharing and of the kinds of ways of doing mission that were being talked about. Don't hear me wrong - the things that those who were presenting are involved in was by-and-large good stuff - it was the way that it was communicated that got me, which is ironic as they were all involved in innovative ways of communicating the Gospel etc. Perhaps the Soliton Sessions in Belfast & Portrush (2007) spoiled me with regards to how to do an event about mission and church that is inclusive, inspiring, encouraging and and has the potential to generate friendships and support.

Anyway - whatever the format of the McLaren events take - I'd encourage you to go along. That said I think when it comes to talking about ways of doing mission and church I'd rather have coffee with "the skinny".

Comments

[jason]

Sounds like a good event regardless of format..btw...did a review of your blog over on mine...

[Stuart]

Hi - there it was 'emerging church - if indeed we can still use that tag' - has it submerged now? :) Me, whatever we call it and I am not sure now that the debate about the best title matters a fink other than to give us a rough idea of what we are on about, I think alternative forms are more important than ever. Not going to hear him because I have in the past and find him a better writer than speaker. I do think that in his writing he helps articulate what many people feel but are struggling to name. Instead with some coffee, pizza, a prayer, and some communion wine I will meet with some folks and talk about one of his books...is that more like it?

[brodie]

Jason - thanks for your review. Very kind indeed.

[brodie]

Stuart - agreed.

[lynn]

Brodie, Stuart, should I make the time to go hear? You know what I'm like and what I like....I haven't got time to read something of his before then as I have a Christology exam and essay to complete....

[brodie]

Lynn - I think Stuart's point is a good one in that Brian has helped give many of us a vocabulary to help describe where we are and where we think we might me going. Given I don't really know what he's going to be talking about it's hard to say yes you should go or no it won't be worth your while. For sure there will be the McLaren "groupies" at the events but you get that when someone becomes a "name". Hey there may even be some hecklers as there are as many people (if not more) who think he's dangerous and wrong. I would not worry about not having read anything of his as you won’t need to in order to grasp what he's on about.

[billq]

I have read some pretty negative comments about Mclaren on the web and his visit to Scotland .So its good to find someone who has his own mind.I have read a few books of his but want to hear and see the guy face to face .I may even be a heckler just for some fun!!!

[brodie]

Bill - thanks for the comment. I hope even if people disagree with some of what Brian believes that they will still hear what he has to say and perhaps in that somewhere hear the Spirit's challenge to us and the way we do church.

[lynn]

My update is that I am now going to hear McL but I think it is at a closed session on Sat afternoon so no hecklers....maybe?!

[Duncan]

It is "closed" but it's not that closed...and you are of course assuming Lynn that the "closed" group will have no hecklers?

It's funny that a lot of authors are not good speakers and vice versa. Kevin Kelly, the co-editor of Wired magazine is a lot like that too.

[brodie]

Duncan - thanks for the comment. While Stuart may have found the Brian is a better writer than speaker I've heard him speak more than I've read him (2 - 1), and found him to be a good communicator.

[billq]

I will let you know how I get on today and tommorow at the NETS gig with B Mc .Should be fun heading up with Paul Ede

[lynn]

Good point Duncan.
We were theologically frisked at the door LOLOL