Category: Schwarz 2005

And . . . This Is Poison

6/30/2021

Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
6/30/21

Schwarz, Christian A. "Chapter 6: Your Starting Point." Color Your World with Natural Church Development: Experiencing all that God has designed you to be. St. Charles, IL: Church Smart Resources, 2005, 167-183.

Schwarz closes his book by observing that, with the help of his NCD profile product, it is possible to find an appropriate starting point for growth, then chart out some appropriate steps (Schwarz 2005, 168). He considers that the appropriate goal is always radically different from present reality and will necessarily be difficult to reach. This requires celebrating strengths, working with weaknesses, and accepting where you are at present (Schwarz 2005, 170).

Schwarz again presents a "center" point of balance which looks very much like that of enthusiastic broadly evangelical thought (Schwarz 2005, 172). At the same time, he says we are all learning from everyone else as we seek to find balance. This balance is one of personal life (Schwarz 2005, 173), one he suggests should initially make us emotionally uncomfortable. To deal with this discomfort, Schwarz advocates working on our areas of weakness for at least two weeks, sharing our discoveries with other Christians (Schwarz 2005, 174), and networking with others who are strong in our weak areas (Schwarz 2005, 175). This counsel strikes me as mechanistic at best and, at worst, as a quest for hidden knowledge which will be a key to enlightenment.

Schwarz then instructs readers to generalize the process to a whole church, just as it was teated in one person. "Since the church is nothing other than people, increasing your own spiritual health is a direct contribution to the health of your church" (Schwarz 2005, 176). I recommend considering that statement well, as it contradicts historic definitions of the church.

Schwarz observes three reasons that a church might not wish to use his product. His counsel is that all the reasons are bad and that the church should eventually be driven in one way or anothe to turn to his methods (Schwarz 2005, 177). This unveils the dangerous conclusion of his thinking. He is right and everyone who disagrees is thwarting God's purpose. In the end, it is necessary to use his NCD products. He makes this crystal clear (Schwarz 2005, 178). The goal is to reach a "breakthrough." What this is is anyone's guess. Therefore, anything will probably do (Schwarz 2005, 181). Schwarz closes with a strident warning. If you do not use his NCD product, you are being disobedient to God.

Thus ends a dangerous book, full of dangerous teaching. The Church is not merely people, and it is not in need of a secret knowledge sold by Schwarz or anyone else. It is built on Jesus, the God who has reconciled sinners to himself. It is present where the Gospel is proclaimed and the Sacraments are administered rightly. And the gates of hell cannot stand before it. Accept nothing less.

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Vague Ideas, Clear Commercial

6/23/2021

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Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
6/23/21

Schwarz, Christian A. "Chapter 5: The Tools." Color Your World with Natural Church Development: Experiencing all that God has designed you to be. St. Charles, IL: Church Smart Resources, 2005, 147-165.

Schwarz maintains that there are "internal tools" we all have for growth, but that we often lack the natural ability to identify and use them. Therefore, he provides "external tools" intended to assist the process (Schwarz 2005, 147). These tools are his NCD book series, which he quickly reminds the reader are used in many countries and languages (Schwarz 2005, 150). His survey product is another tool, with the interpretive service. Schwarz advertizes this on pp. 152-154. His organization is also developing a discipleship manual based on each of the eight quality characteristics. He describes these on pp. 155-157. The final advertisements in this chapter are for his national partner coaching network (Schwarz 2005, 158-159), his international organization (Schwarz 2005, 160-161), the websites (Schwarz 2005, 162-163), and the implementation of an NCD campaign (Schwarz 2005, 164-165). The language in this chapter is increasingly that of a commercial for his products.

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Strengthen Your Weakness

6/16/2021

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Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
6/16/21

Schwarz, Christian A. "Chapter 4: The Minimum Factor." Color Your World with Natural Church Development: Experiencing all that God has designed you to be. St. Charles, IL: Church Smart Resources, 2005, 125-145.

Schwarz defines "the minimum factor" as that element which is weakest in a church organization. he advocates focus on that area as the most basic task necessary for growth (Schwarz 2005, 126). He draws the necessity to work on these areas from Paul's listing of fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. All the fruit is good and should be developed in every person. The minimum factor may be illustrated by analogy of a potted plant. We apply what it needs at the time, until we need to apply provision for a different need (Schwarz 2005, 128).

Schwarz further illustrates that the minimum factor needs re-evaluation, as growth occurs and leaves a different factor as the new minimum. He then advocates building all our capacity in terms of the quality characteristics introduced in chapter three (Schwarz 2005, 132). To do this, he recommends his NCD survey tools as a measurement of a congregation's weaknesses.

Schwarz also observes that his "Trinitarian Compass" can serve to inform our evaluation of minimum factors in a congregation (Schwarz 2005, 135). He emphasizes that the goal is to eventually increase all areas, leading to what he would consider as a more "radical" form of Christianity (Schwarz 2005, 136). By application of his compass within the overall minimum factor, it is possible to find the need for growth more precisely. Again, Schwarz recommends this be identified through his survey products (Schwarz 2005, 138).

Schwarz finally notes that his principles can be applied to entire church bodies. He illustrates with several different denominations (Schwarz 2005, 140). In the end, he also applies his prouct across church bodies to evaluate cultures as a whole (Schwarz 2005, 142). It appears at this point that he really wants to sell his process to create Christianity acccording to his criteria everywhere. Schwarz describes his paradigm as a countercultural but biblical message (Schwarz 2005, 144). However, I am concerned his emphasis ultimately would result in a least common denominator form of Christianity which falls prey to his concept of what the Church should look like.

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Principles? Characteristics? Gnosticism, Anybody?

6/9/2021

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Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
6/9/21

Schwarz, Christian A. "Chapter 3: The Principles." Color Your World with Natural Church Development: Experiencing all that God has designed you to be. St. Charles, IL: Church Smart Resources, 2005, 81-123.

Schwarz begins chapter three with a complaint that churches speak of "principles" but apply the term to what he considers "models," not what he considers true principles. He proposes that a principle "(a) is universally valid, (b) has been proven by research, © is focused on the essentials of the church, and (d) needs to be individualized in different situations" (Schwarz 2005, 82). He insists that principles will always work, though the need to be individualized seems to contradict this blanket statement.

Schwarz, drawing on Mark 4:26-29, holds that the church will grow all by itself if given the space and time. His prime goal is to remove human inpediments to divinely caused growth (Schwarz 2005, 84).

At long last, on page 87, Schwarz says he will introduce all the actual principles. There are also tools for implementing the principles, but he is clear that while the principles always work, the tools may or may not work. He divides the principles into "six growth forces" (Schwarz 2005, 87) and "eight quality characteristics" (Schwarz 2005, 88). Consistent with his Gnostic tendencies, Schwarz says there are underlying dymamics which prvent us from dividing the principles clearly. He spends an inordinate amount of time explaining that we have all misunderstood reality and need tobe shown that these are actual principles. However, starting on page 92 he does define each of the growh forces and quality characteristics in turn.

Of the growth forces, the first is "interdependence," which Schwarz equates with a biblical view of "wisdom" (Schwarz 2005, 92). Developing interdependence may allow for long-term success. Schwarz sees it as superior to linear thinking which expects only one outcome to an action.

The second force Schwarz envisions is that of multiplication, as opposed to continued growh of one unit. He compares it to a tree, which doesn't grow indefinitely but does reproduce (Schwarz 2005, 94).

The third force Schwarz defines as "energy transformation." He thinks the energy which would be expended in opposition to the Gospel should be redirected and transformed to support the Gospel (Schwarz 2005, 96).

A fourth force is sustainability. This does not contradict the second force as one means of sustaining something is reproduction (Schwarz 2005, 98). Schwarz continues the metaphor of reproduction by urging that we look for a seed that will continue in the fruit of every activity.

Schwarz' fifth growh force is "symbiosis," in which he would seek out "win-win" solutions for dissimilar organisms (Schwarz 2005, 100). Within the Church, here he would celebrate diversity. It is not clear whether he thinks there are theological convictions which are essential.

The sixth growth force Schwarz identifies is fruitfulness, which he specifically sees as a long-term goal which can be measured and should be tested (Schwarz 2005, 102).

The first of Schwarz' eight quality characteristics is "empowering leadership" (Schwarz 2005, 106). By this he means not a leadership guru, but leadership which empowers others to grow and lead.

Schwarz' second quality characteristic assumes that God has appointed people to function using different spiritual gifts (Schwarz 2005, 108). Our role is to help people learn to function within the gifts God has given them.

Passionate spirituality is Schwarz' third quality characteristic. Here he says the importance is "the degree to which the faith is actually lived out with commitment, passion, and enthusiasm" (Schwarz 2005, 110). As before, Schwarz does not seem very concerned about the content of the spirituality.

Schwarz sees effective structures as a fourth important quality characteristic. Here he means structures which can and do change as a means to an end. He does say that these cannot conflict with the unchangeable essence of the church (Schwarz 2005, 112).

The fifth essential quality characteristic Schwarz identifies is inspiring worship services. Schwarz is not clear on how this can be identified. However, he sees it as evident in liturgy, in teaching, and in praise (Schwarz 2005, 114).

Schwarz' sixth quality characteristic is to have "holistic small groups" which he describes as groups which break down anonymity and nurture heads, hands, and hearts (Schwarz 2005, 116). In microcosm, these cell groups could function in every way as the church.

The seventh caracteristic is evangelism which deals with people's needs for prayer, care, and the Gospel (Schwarz 2005, 118). He considers this need-oriented" evangelism. Schwarz says it "can only take place when everyone in the body of Christ is investing his or her individual gifts in all three areas" (Schwarz 2005, 119).

Finally, Schwarz considers loving relationships. He measures this love based on compliments given to others, invitations to meals, and time spent outside of church services with others. It is to be centered around justice, truth, and grace (Schwarz 2005, 120).

Schwarz closes this chapter with a reminder that church leaders and individual Christians both bear responsibility for applying his principles (Schwarz 2005, 122).

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The Bait: Sort of Christian Language

6/2/2021

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Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
6/2/21

Schwarz, Christian A. "Chapter 2: The Trinitarian Compass." Color Your World with Natural Church Development: Experiencing all that God has designed you to be. St. Charles, IL: Church Smart Resources, 2005, 45-79.

In chapter two from the outset, Schwarz affirms that he is not producing a marketing gimmick (Schwarz 2005, 45). He further refuses to identify his theological orientation other than by saying he is trinitarian (Schwarz 2005, 46). He then introduces the "Trinitarian Compass" based on three colors: red, green, and blue. red apparently represents "evangelism and discipleship." green is used to describe a "focus on tolerance and social justice" (Schwarz 2005, 46). Blue he associates with a "focus on emotional health and spiritual power" (Schwarz 2005, 47).

To his credit, Schwarz does disclose that the center of theology is "drawing closer to the living God" (Schwarz 2005, 48). However, he describes this as a highly subjective matter. The results are that people are drawn as to a magnet. He does tie this idea to reflecting the light of Jesus (Schwarz 2005, 49).

Schwarz goes on to make distinctions about how God communicates with us. He describes the Trinity not in terms of God's fixed character but in terms of the relationshiop we might have with God (Schwarz 2005, 51). Schwarz goes on to describe Trinitarian actions in terms that shed doubt on the unity of God (Schwarz 2005, 52-53).

Schwarz' extrapolation from this model of God being divided into different elements is that we need to consciously develop in the areas we are weak (Schwarz 2005, 54). Reading that sentence again gives me a strong impression that he views us, rather than God, as the arbiter of our spiritual lives. He continues by applying Revelation 21 and the three dimensional perfection seen there to our spiritual lives (Schwarz 2005, 56). He goes on to repeatedly assert that it is our responsibility to build up our spiritual lives in the way that God can use us and accomplish his purpose (Schwarz 2005, 58). Failure to work on our balance will allow us to veer into another direction, landing in heresy. He unpacks this idea in some detail.

Schwarz next begins to describe the Trinitarian Compass, which he discusses in radically postmodern terms (Schwarz 2005, 66). He views the compass as directing people, who by nature are out of balance, to go to one central destination, despite their diverse starting points. Because of Schwarz, focus on diverse starting points, he again emphasizes that the compass is about how we relate to God, not about how the Trinity is understood (Schwarz 2005, 69).

Schwarz next moves to a questionnaire he has used in his NCD program. He is clear that he considers it highly proprietary material (Schwarz 2005, 72). Candidly, the way this is presented makes it appear to be an advertisement to boost book sales. The questions themselves (Schwarz 2005, 73-74) are vague, though carefully worded. It reminds this reader of the vague language used by cultural Marxists so as to get everyone to agree, for a brief time at least.

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A "Scientific" Approach to Christian Growth

5/26/2021

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Wednesday is for Bits and Pieces
5/26/21

Schwarz, Christian A. "Chapter 1: Explore the Second Chapter of NCD." Color Your World with Natural Church Development: Experiencing all that God has designed you to be. St. Charles, IL: Church Smart Resources, 2005, 10-43.

"NCD" is a reference to Schwarz' earlier book, Natural Church Development. In that book he laid out principles which he considered universally applicable, regardless of your part of the world or theological orientation (Schwarz 2005, 9). Schwarz urges the idea that church growth is to be built on a theologycal foundation which in turn is based on research of many different churches (Schwarz 2005, 10-11).

Schwarz notes that churches which have followed his system, when measured according to his surveys, have shown improvements in both quality and numbers. His measures of quality are not identified at this point in the book (Schwarz 2005, 12). However, he claims a greater than 50% increase in the rate of conversions in these churches after 31 months of using his program. He goes on, advertizing the program he leads as "a pure network" with "no committees, no hierarchies, not ocnstitution" (Schwarz 2005, 14). This he immediately contradicts by describing his headquarters, a very humble location, and the people who have coordinated others to make the work happen.

Schwarz' organization has developed an NCD survey, which he considers a diagnostic tool. He then says that the rest of NCD is not a series of unrelated tools, but a way (the way?) of bringing the local church into a health condition (Schwarz 2005, 17). They classify the treatment into five basic tools, or components, but distinghish these from actual principles. The description of tools given on p. 18 makes reference to various parts of the book, but articulates remarkably little about the overall concepts.

Schwarz distinguishes "principle-oriented" approaches to church growh from others. He notes that principles are universally valid, proven statements of essential truth, which are given generally but must be individualized so as to work (Schwarz 2005, 19). There are several different principle-oriented approaches. He proceeds to discuss several, but then says they are not truly principle-oriented (Schwarz 2005, 21). He concludes the section by saying, in vague terms, that Willow Creek Church is principle oriented becaus the pastor "clearly seeks God's calling for himself and his church" (Schwarz 2005, 22).

Schwarz describes his principles as drawing diverse groups together using universals which all Christians can share (Schwarz 2005, 23). He remains vague about them at this point.

Schwarz goes on to describe the importance of evaluating the church based on quality. His contention is that numerical growh will naturally follow (Schwarz 2005, 25). Because in 1996 he was able to develop a tool "to measure quality precisely" the world has allegedly been revolutionized (Schwarz 2005, 26). The church made of Christians who are growing in quality will grow numerically as well.

Schwarz also notes that his program is multi-cultural (Schwarz 2005, 28). He particularly draws a picture of the global West as a place of competition, the East as a place which values harmony, and the South as a place which values solidarity. All these orientations have strengths and weaknesses. Schearz sees a need for the strengths to work together.

The NCD approach self-consciously avoids what Schwarz calls "media hype" - efforts are focused on long-run interpersonal processes (Schwarz 2005, 33). Larger churches may havea tendency to focus on program prese Smaller churches tend to do better on the interactions that boost quality (Schwarz 2005, 34). Developing an interest in the actual spiritual lives of those in the community may well be more useful than improving presentation or production values. Schwarz suggests that of all the measures of success commonly used, the roll of people evangelized and discipled is the most important (Schwarz 2005, 36). He goes on to make a comparison of typical churches to David and Goliath based on their size. The larger one is less efficient and is defeated by the smaller one (Schwarz 2005, 38).

With a clear look at reality, Schwarz says we can develop good practices. To do this, we may need our vision improved (Schwarz 2005, 39). He continues to muddy the waters, though, by a preview of the concept of chapter two. "The wonderful thing about the Trinitarian Compass is that it doesn't try to push you into a direction that somebody else...has defined as important (Schwarz 2005, 40).

Schwarz sees life as a cyclical process involving information, application, and transformation. All are important. Completing the cycle with transformation leads us to new information and repetition of the cycle (Schwarz 2005, 41-42). His goal in this book is to enable readers to enter the cycle.

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And . . . This Is Poison

Vague Ideas, Clear Commercial

Strengthen Your Weakness

Principles? Characteristics? Gnosticism, Anybody?

The Bait: Sort of Christian Language

A "Scientific" Approach to Christian Growth

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And . . . This Is Poison

Vague Ideas, Clear Commercial

Strengthen Your Weakness

Principles? Characteristics? Gnosticism, Anybody?

The Bait: Sort of Christian Language

A "Scientific" Approach to Christian Growth

​Help Fuel This Ministry by Clicking Here!

About Throwing Inkwells

Blog Feeds

Categories

Help Fuel This Ministry by Clicking Here!