How is the postmodern era shaping the church, and how does the church need to respond?

Walt Kallestad: The postmodern world believes that there are multiple roads to the same destination. We need to move from the "map" model to a "compass" model by which we have a true north: Jesus.

If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we'll learn to develop communities of faith in terms of discipleship. Jesus wants transformational discipleship. He doesn't want a church to be a dispenser of religious goods and services; he wants the church to be mission-centered and focused on relationships.

Will the postmodern seeker accept this church model?

WK: Yes, because nothing motivates the postmodern world like community and belonging. Community is a signature of the postmodern world. Relationships are primary, while structures, systems, and programs are secondary. People are hungry for intimacy and are willing to go deeper than they've ever gone before.

Will a small or large church have a tougher time going deeper?

WK: I think a 300-member community has a head start over a 3000-member community. When you're bigger you have many acquaintances but you don't go very deep. You have community, but you don't have intimacy.

If you are a church that wants to go deeper, where do you begin?

WK: Understand that people aren't coming to church based on how good the service is: the music, the sermon, and the programs. That's not what it's about now. It's all about meeting God. People want an encounter with God that is going to make life work, because it's not working; they'll be the first to admit it.

Today there's openness to experiencing God, and not just on an intellectual level. Individuals want to experience something that moves the heart. And that often won't happen on a Sunday morning.

If not on Sunday mornings, will intimacy with Christ be developed in small groups?

WK: Yes, if the small groups aren't highly organized. Overly organized structures suffocate a group. We must see life together as an organism, not as an organization. Small groups need to be based on real friendships, because you canít manipulate authentic community. It's something we've tried to do, and it doesn't work. Focus on building relationships and letting God work in those relationships rather than on getting through the agenda.

How do friendships further the mission of Christ?

WK: It's about the priesthood of all believers. Clergy aren't the gatekeepers of the Christian faith. When you wake up, you are called to pastor your family. When you go to work, you are called to be a pastor in that workplace. When you go to school you are called to be a pastor in that school. The reason Christianity isn't growing is because we've put the Christian faith in the hands of professionals. And the professionals need to give the church back to the people.