at the Bridge in Portland, OR, we have always been creatively-minded.  But I think the art collective idea is definitely different than what we’re doing.  Personally, it wouldn’t seem a stretch for us to follow a model of curation rather than a structured service that looks the same every time. 

We are undergoing a sort of musical revival currently, new songs written every week by different songwriters, 4-hours banjo-led jam sessions at nearby houses after services, improv songwriting times every other weekend.. it’s pretty fun to be in Portland right now..

I think the idea of sermons working in a collective would be the biggest hurdle.. because Ken, Deborah and Geoff are terrific at it.. 

I wonder, is the importance of this new model based solely on the "sugar-coating" purpose for the population at large?  I get really jittery around the whole concept of one person’s idea of "what’s palatable", ya know?  I understand "seeker-sensitivity", but you’re not going to draw in anyone who doesn’t already want to be there. 

If it’s just for the betterment of the community, then, hell!  Let’s all try it for a month.. How hard could that be?  Make a list of curators and make it happen.  It doesn’t seem like a huge stretch for most of us.  And share the gory details.  No one will leave over it.  At least no one you want, anyways.. :)

Todd

thebridgeportland.org