Die Herausforderung fluider Formen des Gemeindeaufbaus

The contemporary conditions of what is called „liquid modernity“ also affect the Church. On the one hand, the Church has embraced a solid modern mindset, presupposing the normativity of structures that are typical for industrial societies. On the other hand, the Church engages in liquid modernity, for example by organizing events. These activities do not go undisputed. The accompanying normative questions are analyzed using four different viewpoints: context, identity, structure, and authority. Thus, four theological questions are raised: 1) How do we see this world and deal with it? 2) Where do we locate manifestations of being church? 3) How open are we to the dynamics of mission (undermining our conception of inside/outside)? 4) Where does leadership serve humanity, or: Where does leadership sanctify God’s name? This practical-theological endeavor contains three suggestions in regard to the new
ways of being church: facilitating, moderating, and making connections.