Session #2, Assessing Our Culture

*Analyze the church you attend in terms of Van Gelder's typology of churches in American Life.

*What is your response to Shenk's thesis that the church in Christendom is not missional?

*Discuss your reflection on Kaiser's proposal that secularism is not a permanent worldview in our culture.

*Flowing with Van Gelder's discussion of Postmodernism, how do we participate in God's mission in our current culture? What is the worldview of the gospel? Premodern, Modern, or Postmodern? How does conversion relate to postmodern deconversion?

*Hiebert provides a systems grid to analyze our culture. What is the mission of the church to the systemic powers human and spiritual?

*Reflect on the symbols you encounter in your culture, local church, and the gospel. Discuss their meaning and identity in your life. For example, I come from Amish background; a horse & buggy symbolize a worldview and lifestyle that means faith and faithfulness for me. Today, my DeRosa bicycle, contemplative pottery and candles, and Taize music symbolize some similar values, identity & worldview as an Anabaptist "Resident Alien."