10 Distinguishing Features of Ecclesia

10 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF NEW POWER: Values

From my reading of New Power, I have collected what I think are the “top ten” distinguishing features of new power.  Essentially these are value statements.

However, before looking at the detail, I want to illustrate something that I believe lies behind these features/values – a ‘how come’ and a ‘what for’ regarding the values.

If you want to build a house and you place an order, what will be delivered?

In Old Power, this is what you’ll get ...

In New Power, this is what you’ll get ...













Distinguishing features:

1.      New power is age-blind

2.      Human beings are innately sovereign

3.      Therefore: self-efficacy; self-advocacy; self-help

4.      Informal, networked approaches to governance and decision making

5.      A special emphasis on collaboration and co-operation

6.      Radical transparency

7.      Quick to join or share; reluctant to swear allegiance

8.      The more light we shine, the better

9.      The power of the crowd

10.  People are 5-dimensional

10 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF NEW POWER: “church”

From an application of new power values to an iteration or instance of “church” (noting that I distinguish sharply between old covenant (church) and new covenant (ecclesia), I see direct equivalents in the New Testament to these distinguishing features.

However, before looking at the detail, I want to illustrate something that I believe lies behind these features/values – a ‘how come’ and a ‘what for’ regarding the values.

If you want to build a ‘church’ and you set to work, what will be delivered?

 In Old Power (old covenant/church), this is what you’ll get ... (or one of a variety of equivalents)

In New Power (new covenant/ecclesia), this is what you’ll get ...

Distinguishing features:

1. New power is age-blind: “no distinction” whatsoever
2. Human beings are innately sovereign: ceded to Jesus
3. Therefore: self-efficacy; self-advocacy; self-help: “each one has...”
4. Informal, networked approaches to governance and decision making: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.”
5. A special emphasis on collaboration and co-operation: “all must be done...”
6. Radical transparency: see Paul 2 Corinthians 1
7. Quick to join or share; reluctant to swear allegiance: “swear not all” and “committed to one another”
8. The more light we shine, the better: “Let your light so shine before men...”
9. The power of the crowd: see Acts 2
10. People are 5-dimensional: fully human plus the power of the Holy Spirit