On Wednesday 20th February at the Showroom Cafe in Sheffield, I hosted what I understand was the first ever 'open mic church.' I was deliberate in the planning, ensuring that no matter who came, Christian or not, they could perform whatever they wanted to. I have many people, and of course God to thank for this, but I am happy to report there was a full setlist, a capacity audience, much fun was had by all, and it wasn't just Christians who performed. There was also an overwhelming amount of positive feedback; in fact around 75% of the feedback received (short postcard questionnaires) said that the event definitely proved that, with that night as an example, church can work in an open mic context.
The sign-up sheet system definitely worked, but the few major things I'd change for next time are that I would give each act a specific amount of time, so that more people can perform and the night flows better, and I would also have the break a little earlier, as for various reasons that happened quite late on. I'd also ensure I arrive in really good time so that any slides I have prepared to be projected will definitely work! But there are many positives from the night, not just the feedback but also the way in which so many friends, family members and also complete strangers came to support the event, and the laid-back atmosphere truly helped to make it memorable, and the overall quality of the acts? Outstanding.
Please add the ACTS Open Mic Church Myspace to hear of when future ACTS open mic churches will happen: http://www.myspace.com/actsopenmicchurch. It will also make you aware of the artists who have perform at ACTS OMC events in case you are interested in their work.
It's my dissertation project yes, but it's a long-term vision. The venue will move around as I seek to find a permanent base and core group to help me establish it long-term, but each event is open to anyone, whether you want to perform or not, so please stay in touch to keep informed. There is also a Facebook group, the link for which is on a previous post, or failing that just search 'ACTS Open Mic Church' on the 'groups' section of Facebook. Hoping to see you soon!:)
Friday, 29 February 2008
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Dragon's Den
I was watching TV at a friend's house yesterday. He was channel surfing and we came across 'Dragon's Den'. It's the first time I've actually just sat down and watched it, and I have to say it made me chuckle! All these well-dressed pioneers with big ideas trying to make it in the dog-eat-dog world of business on one side of the room, and on the other sat the mean-faced potential backers, ready to scrutinise even the slightest flaw in their plans. Some of the ideas seemed really well-researched and presented, whereas others were so weak that we felt sorry for the people proposing them.
Now imagine that scene again. At the table, instead of the wealthy, mean-faced, sits God. On the other side of the room, instead of the hopefuls with the big ideas for the world of business, stands an emerging church leader.
The question, instead of 'how much will I gain if I back your product?' becomes 'how will your idea glorify Me and tell others about how much I love them?'.
Imagine the sweat beginning to form on the brow of the individual with the emerging church idea. 'Well', they squeak, 'we're going to play tennis and'-
'What?' interjects God. 'Play tennis?'
'In the name of Jesus!' the hotshot pipes up, with an ever-so-slight smile.
A comical image. I'm not saying emerging churches have naff ideas. Some do, but more often than not I've been impressed with the ones I've heard of. IF they are glorifying God and IF they are communicating the gospel to those whom 'church as we know it' is failing to reach, then hallelujah. I believe God is happy with this. I can't see why He wouldn't be at least. But there are some cases where I believe He will not be, such as those instances where there is no clear vision, or the motives are wrong.
Then I started thinking about ACTS Open Mic Church. I don't know what will happen come 20th Feb, but God does, and He is in control. I am at least confident in the vision, as it will happen again, probably not in Sheffield, or at least for a while, but it will. The motives are to welcome people who don't know Jesus and to show them that we as Christians are not weird, do not have a set agenda per se, and to (hopefully) smash stereotypes that are often associated with church. In many ways I am dissatisfied with church as I know it, but moreover than that, and in fact one reason for this, is the fact that people who aren't Christians are subjected to so many things they may not understand, and that seem so strange. I don't want to force anything on anyone, but if the chance arises I will tell anyone about my relationship with Jesus, because it's not religion and it's not empty faith, but it is true hope; true reality. It is my hope that everyone who comes to ACTS OMC on 20th Feb will enjoy themselves as we all experience something new. Whether that is a new style of music, a drink, or even God, remains to be seen. One thing's for sure though. If I was on Dragon's Den for the emerging church, I like to think that ACTS would brush the scrutiny off and remain standing.
:)
<><
Now imagine that scene again. At the table, instead of the wealthy, mean-faced, sits God. On the other side of the room, instead of the hopefuls with the big ideas for the world of business, stands an emerging church leader.
The question, instead of 'how much will I gain if I back your product?' becomes 'how will your idea glorify Me and tell others about how much I love them?'.
Imagine the sweat beginning to form on the brow of the individual with the emerging church idea. 'Well', they squeak, 'we're going to play tennis and'-
'What?' interjects God. 'Play tennis?'
'In the name of Jesus!' the hotshot pipes up, with an ever-so-slight smile.
A comical image. I'm not saying emerging churches have naff ideas. Some do, but more often than not I've been impressed with the ones I've heard of. IF they are glorifying God and IF they are communicating the gospel to those whom 'church as we know it' is failing to reach, then hallelujah. I believe God is happy with this. I can't see why He wouldn't be at least. But there are some cases where I believe He will not be, such as those instances where there is no clear vision, or the motives are wrong.
Then I started thinking about ACTS Open Mic Church. I don't know what will happen come 20th Feb, but God does, and He is in control. I am at least confident in the vision, as it will happen again, probably not in Sheffield, or at least for a while, but it will. The motives are to welcome people who don't know Jesus and to show them that we as Christians are not weird, do not have a set agenda per se, and to (hopefully) smash stereotypes that are often associated with church. In many ways I am dissatisfied with church as I know it, but moreover than that, and in fact one reason for this, is the fact that people who aren't Christians are subjected to so many things they may not understand, and that seem so strange. I don't want to force anything on anyone, but if the chance arises I will tell anyone about my relationship with Jesus, because it's not religion and it's not empty faith, but it is true hope; true reality. It is my hope that everyone who comes to ACTS OMC on 20th Feb will enjoy themselves as we all experience something new. Whether that is a new style of music, a drink, or even God, remains to be seen. One thing's for sure though. If I was on Dragon's Den for the emerging church, I like to think that ACTS would brush the scrutiny off and remain standing.
:)
<><
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