A typhoon stranded a monkey on an island. In a protected place on the shore, while waiting for the raging waters to recede, he spotted a fish swimming against the current. It seemed to the monkey that the fish was struggling and needed assistance. Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish. A tree leaned precariously over the spot where the fish seemed to be struggling. At considerable risk to himself, the monkey moved far out on a limb, reached down, and snatched the fish from the waters. Scurrying back to the safety of his shelter, he carefully laid the fish on dry ground. For a few moments, the fish showed excitement but soon settled into a peaceful rest.
—An Eastern parable
The Monkey and the Fish is a new book by Dave Gibbons that takes its name from this parable. How does this relate to the church today? Dave writes:
“Our world is changing so rapidly, and more than ever, the church needs more than good intention. To effectively carry Jesus’ gospel to various places around the globe today – more important, to be Jesus’ gospel – listening is required. We need to be sensitive and lead with an eager learner’s resolve. Those who follow Jesus embody fluidity, adaptation, and collaboration. It’s what we call the third-culture way. Adaptable to changing circumstances. To challenging cultures. To complex crises and problems. If there’s one quality that matters most to the fate of the church in the twenty-first century, it’s adaptability.”
The Monkey and the Fish explores how leaders can learn to read culture and adapt. Dave is not advocating changing the message – that remains true regardless – but we need to adapt our methodology to reach a changing culture. How do we do that? It’s in the book.
This Thursday, March 5, Dave will be all over the blogosphere answering questions from top bloggers around the country. They have asked him their questions about a Third-Culture Church, and you can see his answers, and ask your own questions. Dave will be checking in on each of the blogs to respond to any comments, concerns and follow-up questions. Here is a list of the blogs involved:
If you want to find out more in anticipation for the blog day, here is a video about third culture from Dave and his staff at NewSong:
Come back to the Zondervan blog tomorrow for a free sample chapter, and visit Dave’s blog to learn more (www.DaveGibbons.tv).
Technorati tags: Dave Gibbons, Blog Tour, Church, The Monkey and the Fish, Zondervan
Nice. Look forward to hearing about it.
Posted by: Charles Lee | March 03, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Life is always constantly looking for opportunities to realize their own value! I read your blog see you realize the value of your own! But you also want to help more people realize the value they place!
Posted by: creative recreation | August 21, 2010 at 03:29 AM