The Problem/Mystery of Preaching: Part 3—Postmodernism, Secularism, and PluralismPosted on February 20, 2014 by David LoseThere are three dominant ways of describing the changes that have shaped and continue to influence our culture and world over the last half century: postmodernism, secularism, and pluralism. My guess is that we all have at least a passing familiarity with these terms and wouldn’t dispute that they are central elements of our current culture and world. But getting a handle on the challenges they present is another matter altogether. It’s one thing to say we live in a postmodern world, but it’s another to allow that knowledge to shape our preaching so as to respond to that world.
The Impact of Pluralism On Professional Ministry: “Can you hear me now? Good!”Posted on September 25, 2013 by Jennifer ShepherdIn January 2002, during fierce price wars among cell phone companies, the largest mobile phone service provider in America launched its “Can You Hear Me Now?” campaign. I’m sure you remember the television spots that followed the Verizon field tester – aka “Testman” – as he traveled across the country dropping in on locations ranging from the outlandish to the mundane.In each spot he asked, “Can you hear me now?” into a mobile phone. After hearing affirmation, Testman replied, “Good!” and continued on his quest to validate the reliability of Verizon’s infrastructure into which $2-4 billion was invested annually….
Seminary Education and the Bad Haircut: Helping Students Give an Honest Answer to the Question “Do You Like It?”Posted on September 14, 2013 by Jennifer ShepherdThe commercial begins and the experience is one that is instantly familiar. A man is sitting in a chair at a hair salon looking into the mirror, eyes wide with a forced grin. He is trying to look pleased. He is trying to stay calm. He is projecting his confidence in the skills of the hairstylist as he nervously watches each lock of hair fall to the ground….