I have taken the task of actually thinking about the Vineyard Genetic Code and how that can be or whether it can be contextualized for the African American worship experience and culture. In order to do that I think it is important to really get a handle on the Vineyard's particular genetic code.
-clear, accurate, biblical teaching
-contemporary worship in the freedom of the Holy Spirit
-the gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation
-an active small group ministry
-ministry to the poor, widows, orphans, and those who are broken
-physical healing with emphasis on signs and wonders as seen in the book of Acts
-a commitment to missions-church planting at home and world missions abroad
-unity within the whole body of Christ; a relationship with other local churches
-evangelistic outreach
-equipping the saints in areas such as discipleship, ministry, serving, giving, finances, family, etc.
These are very biblical values. So biblical that you cannot even imagine why they would not fit any culture. I think one thing to digest is that although these words on the page seem very clear they are meant to be lived out and practiced and once they are practiced the tendency is to make the practice the value and the meaning of it gets muddled up. So one of things we have to make clear is the meaning of these different values. That's a hard thing to do and I don't know if I would be qualified for it.
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2 comments:
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Ramon, an interesting topic you started here. I guess it is time to really seek ways towards diversity in the Vineyard. I really feel comfortable with the Genetic Code itself. It crosses cultural boundaries in its stipulations. However, that is not what we struggle with.
One of the problems we have is that the Vineyard is a musical movement, and music is mostly culturally oriented. How would African Americans respond to the Vineyard kind of music? Would they not rather be among fellow Africans Americans that play their kind of music?
If the Vineyard really wants to diversify, we must move out of our comfort zones and start paying attention to the other cultures around us. Try opening up the music in a way that non-Caucasians can identify with as well.
And music is just one of the many aspects of Vineyard life that needs attention if we are to be relevant to this increasingly diverse context that we find ourselves in.
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