Insights from a Missional Globetrotter (A Review)

Critique: The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents That Will Propel the Future Church by Fritz Kling

The critique of a book is in part a critique of its author and, in short, Fritz Kling is legit. His global ministry commitment and experience have earned him the right to write this book and the church leader who reads it with discernment will be better for it.

To begin to appreciate The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents That Will Propel the Future Church (David C. Cook) is first to recognize what it is not. This is not a book that laments the shift from modernity to post-modernity, that decries the secularism of new millennium culture, or that chastises post-baby boomer Christians for an apparent lack of focus and commitment or for a skeptical ambivalence toward organized church. There are many such books out there today, ironically authored by baby boomers from the generation that began its adulthood with anti-establishmentarianism and that as senior adults has indeed become the establishment.

So what is The Meeting of the Waters? This refreshing book is a blend of testimony, anecdote and observation that have been lived, analyzed and catalogued by a world class missional explorer. Kling has no theological ax to grind or any philosophical, psychological or social agenda. In an engaging storytelling style, he shares his insights gleaned from what he has seen and experienced first-hand during years of missional globetrotting.

Is there an overarching story to the stories that he tells? Absolutely! Kling identifies seven trends or "currents" that are developing strength around the globe today; currents that affect the way people think and live. The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents That Will Propel the Future Church presents these currents as both warning and opportunity. The wise Christian leader will pay attention.

Passing the Baton

In looking ahead at the future of Christian leadership I have two primary concerns. The first is the boomer generation, of which I am a part. In the sixties, my high school years, rebellion against convention germinated and, in the case of things Christian, gave birth to the Jesus Movement. Status quo was out. New music, new approaches and new expressions were in. Boomers led the way.

In the seventies, ministries such as Calvary Chapel, Maranatha!, Vineyard, and numerous Christian artists laid the foundation for the emergence of Christian music as a style and as an industry, spawning a new genre of church. Boomers led the way.

In the eighties, the seeker movement was born, Willow Creek and Saddleback took the spotlight, church planting exploded and the contemporary, culturally relevant church became the church-du-jour. Boomers led the way.

In the nineties, mega churches began to dominate the ministry landscape. Techno church was born with LCD projection, websites, video preachers on multiple screens at satellite locations, and anyone who could push a button was able to record his church's worship CD. Boomers led the way.

As Dr. Phil, a baby boomer, would say, "How's that working for you?" Answer? Well, the church is over eighty per cent in plateau and decline. Membership is down, giving is down, conversion is down, and influence is down. In boomer terms we've lost market share.

Here's my concern: The church under the leadership of boomers is not getting the ministry job done. And, just as we thought we were better qualified to lead than the previous generation, we think we are better qualified to lead that the next generation. Further, we're going to live for a long, long time. How and when will the next generation take the wheel when Dad always insists on driving? Bottom Line: The boomers that led the way are fast becoming boomers who are in the way, as yesterday's innovation has become today's rut.

My second concern is the next generation. If given the keys to church leadership, where will generation next go? I hear the complaints, I hear the criticism, and I even sympathize to a degree. Murmuring and grumbling are not new to the people of God. Read the Bible and you'll find plenty. But murmuring, grumbling, complaining and criticizing don't make things better. Boomers, admittedly egocentric and flawed, were willing to risk taking charge and trying to make a difference. Generation next seems content to drift into the shadows, claiming righteous indignation over failed leaders and homogenized, inauthentic religion. Bottom Line: If boomers are going to step aside, generation next will need to step up.