Convergence. It is a word that can be defined in any number of ways, but the way I mean it is the way that the NWCBA has defined it. I’m not positive that the word exactly fits the idea of what they are attempting to relate, but it is a thinking-man’s word…
WordNet defines it as follows:
convergence
n 1: the occurrence of two or more things coming together 2: the approach of an infinite series to a finite limit [syn: convergency] [ant: divergence] 3: a representation of common ground between theories or phenomena; "there was no overlap between their proposals" [syn: overlap, intersection] 4: the act of converging (coming closer)
So, the basic thought is that it is the purposeful focusing inward of two or more potentially divergent ideas. That is what, I believe, the NWCBA is striving to attain. This statement is pulled directly from their website:
CB Northwest is committed to the idea that our churches will not only identify but also raise up and train the next generation of pastors. Consequently we are doing all that we can to bring a “new” way of thinking to this endeavor.
The goal of Convergence is to establish an institute for the development of church leaders specifically within the context of the local church. We are committed to producing next generation pastors who are able to shepherd Christ’s church in the 21st century. We desire to embed a training process deep within the heart of churches, creating the opportunity for a truly transformational movement within participating churches.
We must have a revolutionary approach to discovering, training, and retraining pastors. Convergence will, in the context of the local church, and under craftsmen level Senior Pastors, prepare next generation pastors. Convergence will not only focus on biblical and theological development of the apprentice, but also on their personal transformation, ministry skills and strategies, thereby helping local churches develop these apprentices into journeyman pastors. This local church-based development process has tremendous potential for creating a movement of multiplication of churches. It will also create a new standard of Senior Pastors who reproduce pastors and churches that reproduce churches.
There is great need for pastors who know themselves, their God and their world. Convergence is primarily focused on the shepherds of local churches; we believe healthy shepherds lead healthy churches. Many of today’s pastors do not have the training or equipping to lead their churches in missional or strategic outreach. Combined with the lack of a truly transformational lifestyle, our present ministers are often found to be in great need of development and retraining. Convergence gives us a proactive way to aid churches in pastoral development and intern training.
This will allow us to build for the future and address the dysfunctions of the present. We look forward to the day when the evangelical community of the Northwest moves from a plateaued and declining assemblage of churches into a vibrant, actively growing interdependent body of churches. We believe that the success of Convergence will give us a highly effective way of training interns and a steady supply of quality pastors for decades to come.
So, a fairly lengthy synopsis. What I find strangely missing, though, is the direct interaction of fellow believers within the stated congregations. Sure, I know that the congregations would choose these folks from their midst and approve them for this opportunity, but there is another side of this that I want to explore here with you.
I was raised in the church – almost exclusively CB churches. I, personally, have been a member of CB churches for my entire adult life. Not because they are flawless in their attempt at making "church" right, but they certainly at least try to hit the mark. But there is one CB church which I belonged to that changed my life forever – Pioneer Baptist Church, in Pioneer, CA.
It was most certainly NOT perfect, but the community of believers there was truly unique. As I reflect on the faces of the fellow believers there in that time and space I am reminded again of the importance of community – which is what causes convergence to occur. Convergence does not occur in a vacuum – it is not an end unto itself. It is merely a result of healthy church life. I guess that is my biggest concern when reading the above statements attempting to define convergence. It’s not the goal. It’s not the point to which our efforts much be pressed into service for. It is merely a result – one that must be intentional because it won’t happen without prodding – but not an end to itself.
So, as is often the case, I can come across as critical of something without something positive to say. Let me correct that here…
I believe that the NW CBA is trying desperately to provide the leadership that the churches in their care truly need. I appreciate Mark Hoeffner’s heart is looking for the right things. The Conservative Baptists, nationally-speaking, are in a world of hurt right now. The association is fractured and needs mending from the inside out. I know that Mark is working fervently to try to help that situation in any way he can – starting with the churches in his direct care.
Conservative Baptist leadership has a special place in my heart because of my personal involvement with the association. I attended CB churches from childhood. I attended a CB Bible college. I attended a CB seminary. I serve as an elder in a CB church. So, my loyalties run deep.
My word of caution, though, is that we must remember that methodology is not an end. It is merely a tool to get there. Convergence is a great idea, but it is a tool which we use to achieve the end. Focus less on the tool, more on the end. Our churches are wading pools for spiritual growth – not the deep lakes they once were. How can these churches understand convergence if they aren’t equipped to handle it?