Thanks DJ for offering us his recorded conversations. I think this is a good example of what the emergent conversation is about from our “limited points of view”.
Here’s the downloads for part 1 (mp3) & part 2 (mp3).
There were some “robotic sounding” moments perhaps because of the internet connection (mostly when I was speaking *grin*). Listening through the conversation again was helpful because I think I did miss some of it here and there (must get a better quality headphone/mic)
I resonate with what DJ is saying here:
“I felt good that I’m no longer the only Asian face interested in the emergent conversation. It’s also fascinating to hear how the emerging church conversation in Malaysia started up and has many similarities (far as I know) to how it started in the US. It really is best labeled as a conversation.”
And the closing comment by Tim Liu (sorry I missed linking you in the last post) is great supper for thought tonight.
“In my experience, AsAm churches tend to be even more conservative in terms of practice than American churches. They tend to be slower to adapt to changes and are rarely forerunners in ministry innovation. Many people (such as Dan Kimball) see the emerging church as a response to the contemporary worship movement. But in my (Chinese) church, we are barely contemporary. We still have those who feel that drums are of the devil. So I think the Asian churches maybe just need more time to catch up. Also, I wonder if anyone else notices the overlaps between the postmodern culture and the Eastern/Asian worldview? For example, preaching in narrative and in non-linear flow of thought is normal for Asians. When I preach to the 1st genearation adults in my church, they love to hear stories and narrative. Its already part of how they communicate. Another example is the emphasis on community and relationships in the Emerging church. Its already is a central part of asian culture. So in a lot of ways, I could see the AsAm church very welcoming to some aspects of the emerging church if it is presented in the right way.”
Wonderful conversation. Great to meet you. Looking forward to more.
Great conversation. Perhaps Malaysian pastors should also be open to having conversations like these to explore the challenges faced by the Church in Malaysia.
One thing I couldn’t help noticing was how Sivin tends to use the term “Chinese” in contrast to the other participants preference for the term “Asian”. Perhaps we Malaysians are more bound by our ethno-centricity than we would like to? 🙂
Having said the above (with a few hours of sleep in between), a few more observations hit me.
I noticed references made about the Malaysian Church .. and I wonder, how often do we think of our work locally as Malaysian. Most of the time we refer to our manifestations as the English churches, Chinese churches, Tamil churches, OA churches et al. Could this unconscious divisive attitude be one of the reasons why we feel so hobbled sometimes?
Dave, it was great getting to know you. My take away insight from you was being pragmatic when it comes to discussing the issues and concerns irregardless of the “labels:
Bob K, I think slowly but surely open conversation can occur. It’s happening informally but now the challenge is how to share not just the content of the discussions but also the “how to’s” for fruitful and enriching exchange.
As for a specifically Malaysian discussion, keeping multiple perspectives in mind is one difficult task. I try by not having a “divisive” mindset even though there is place for “distinguishing” the differences.
In short, as alluded in your comment – a divisive attitude must be repented of while differences need not be feared. “Labels” must be held on to “loosely” (recognizing its limits and yet liberating us to dialogue freely – with humility and a tinge of humor?).
Sure we need to walk our talk … a talk only posture is perhaps like most activist rightly says is a waste of time. But while considering our walk, we need to talk because (1) we’ve been a little too busy and may have forgotten the people walking with us, (2) It’s good to double check with our walking companions whether the direction we are going is right (3) The talks allow for relationships to grow too.