I realize it’s a little late to the game on this, but for anyone in the southern California area (or those with private planes), on May 1-3 in Pasadena, Calif., the annual Origins event is taking place. It’s put on by Erwin McManus and his Mosaic collaborators. For those unfamiliar with Origins, it’s kind of a non-event event. In typical McManus McFashion, they do a great job at doing unique things over and over again. I shot over some interview questions to Erwin (via his staff) and received the following responses.
What’s the Origins Project all about–will it help my church’s communication/marketing to not suck?
The Origins Project is about helping church leaders focus on the doing the right things–focusing on risk, mission, relationships, experimentation and creativity. The greatest marketing strategy is to create a community in which people experience authentic life transformation. Through their relationships, the transformed cannot wait to connect others as well.
Why should someone come to this event as opposed to all the others out there? What makes this so unique?
Rather than focusing on a model for ministry, Origins [will] focus on processes. By focusing on “why” rather than “how,” church leaders will discover their own way to creatively reach their mission field.
You guys are known for doing some pretty “out there” things. Any surprises in store for Origins?
Every year allows us to create new ways to share what we have learned from our successes and failures. Origins will feature more interaction with [me] and our leaders than ever before whereas Ethos [a one-day post-event gathering] will include interaction between [me] and international practitioners. More than ever this year, we see Origins and Ethos as a way for connecting with thinkers and practitioners from around the world who are creating a better future.
When attendees leave the event, what is the one thing you want them to take away?
A passion for the mission of Christ!
Registration is still open by visiting the Origins site.
Gloria
April 17, 2007
Hey, thanks for posting this!
It looks really interesting!
~g~
Chris Capehart
April 17, 2007
This is an awesome story. I love hearing how churches are taking a different approach and its working.
Mark Jackson
April 17, 2007
I had the privilege of attending the Origins Project three years ago… it helped me radically rethink how I approach church & church life.
In a couple of weeks, I get to go back again – and this time, I’m taking my worship/youth pastor with me. I can’t wait for the spiritual & mental re-tooling…
tony sheng
April 29, 2007
I attended in 2004 and it was amazing. Culture, context, mission – Origins helped me rethink it all.
Keith
May 3, 2007
yah, I gotta comment. How come a quasi – return to traditional historical christianity now has symbols of pagan religions figured prominently? Have you been to the link? Have you looked at Mosaic or what origins has as symbols for their thoughts?
Earth, wind, fire, water? Wood?
Or worse… yin/yang?
Guys these are SYMBOLS of false religions and you are using them in creating a “cooler”, “newer” “postmodern” approach?
Ever heard of the cross guys? Thats the symbol of love not “wind” and not yinyang!
Someone will undoubtably assume I’m a “stick in the mud” old school type “religious dude.” But guess what? I guess I am if it means we abandon THEE symbol to communicate the love of God to humans in favor of pagan ritualistic symbols of false religions.
Some of you will be tempted to say I’m getting too excited over this. Well maybe so. But hey, words are symbols for thought too! What about changing the word God with Satan? Or Jesus with Buddah. Now you see why I’m arguing the SYMBOLS MATTER GUYS! If yours is an attempt to recontextualize the new testament church to our post modern culture… how about looking at the book of acts where they burned all false religious symbols upon finding Christ?
Justin
May 11, 2007
Hi, Tony I just wanted to pose a question. Who created the Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Wood? I think its more important to love each person and his or her ministry and what God is doing through them, instead of judging. The world is looking at us and how we treat each other. God Bless.
Josie
May 14, 2007
Amen, Keith!!! Thank you for your conviction and comments.
Neville
August 2, 2007
I empathise with Tony in that symbols are incredibly meaningful, but Christianity has been utilizing the language of other cultures from its beginnings, with pagan festivals, roman terms, etc. We stole the word ‘church’ from the Romans after all. I didn’t see a yin-yang on Origins site, but there are images for the 5 classical elements. And why not? These symbols have been for many different cultures and sects a way to understand the world and how it works. For example, the Greeks, Hinduism, Buddhism, Japan, China, in Astrology and even here in Aotearoa New Zealand with the Maori culture. People today are trying to interpret what God is doing in the world. Again the church needs to get in on that conversation, and if we find some common ground with non-christians on a concept, a feeling or even a symbol then lets use it. Lets engage with that stuff. Jesus already is…