Revolutionary Impact with Brian McLaren
About the Course
Our churches could play a revolutionary role in addressing our world’s most pressing problems. We can lead the way in caring for the planet. We can address the needs of the poor. We can become agents of peace. And we can stand for the dignity of all people, beginning with the most vulnerable. In this eight-week intensive, we will help your congregation develop a vision and a plan for organizing your congregation to be a community of spiritual activists (aka disciples), engaging in good work for the common good, inspired by faith, hope, and love.
About Brian McLaren
Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good.
Course Outline
1: From Organized Religion to Organizing Religion
It Changed My Life (7:09)
Everything Must Change (part 1) (19:03)
Everything Must Change (part 2)
Organized or Organizing? (3:06)
One more thing
2. Church for the Planet (part 1)
Natural Favorites
Wild Geese & The Peace of Wild Things
Our Current Environmental Crisis
Three Steps Every Congregation can Take to Love the Planet
One More Thing
3. Church for the Planet (part 2)
Holding and Teaching a Planet-Friendly Ecology
What Your Church Can Do (19:55)
A Love the Planet Plan (30:11)
4. Church for the Poor (part 1)
A Story About a Half Truth (3:10)
The Poor Will Always Be With You (3:09)
Four Key Dimensions of Poverty
Christian Economic Engagement in American History
Poverty, Money, and Love
Poverty Isn't a Lack of Character
The Pitchforks are Coming
The Good and Bad News
The New Jim Crow
A Call to Action
Some Final Biblical Reflections
A Very Practical Question
5. Church for the Poor (part 2)
A Lesson from New Belgium Brewery
Two Goliaths of Poverty
Other Dimensions of Poverty Reduction
Church for the Poor Checklist (28:11)
The Checklist and Your Challenge
Laudato Si
God Bless the Poor
Think About It
6. Church for Peace & All People (part 1)
The Word Peace
What Makes for Peace?
Understanding Conflict and Peace
Unmasking the Myth of Redemptive Violence
Understanding the Roots of Racial, Religious, National Supremacy
The Need for a New Framing Story (25:18)
Gareth Higgins and the Seventh Story Framework (12:47)
A Biblical Reflection
Think About It
7. Church for Peace & All People (part 2)
Greetings, Convergence Leaders!
Churches for Peace (26:10)
What Church Can Do (11:42)
Checklist of Actions for Church for Peace & For All People (No Exceptions)
1. Preach, sing, and pray peace constantly
2. Teach what makes for peace, and train your people to bring these teachings to others
3. Build peace by building relationships
4. Study and Prepare to Engage in Nonviolent Resistance. (4:59)
5. Make your property a peace asset.
6. Focus on children and youth.
7. Vote and Participate in the Political Process for Peace.
8. Use the arts for peace. (16:42)
Think About It
8. A Multi-Faith Movement for Justice, Joy, and Peace
A Brief Conversation (10:41)
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed (12:22)
Two Songs
Imagine a Better Day
Great Progress Is Being Made
1. Hope in a Changing Climate
2. The Greening of Eritrea
3. Agriculture is a Big Deal
4. Progress
5. A Multi-faith Movement for Peace and Justice (13:50)
An Assessment of Progressive Faith Movement in America
9. Praxis Completion Project
Explanation & Instructions (5:39)