Discussion Ideas for “Undercover Bishop Returns”
Chapter 1
The Team Reunites
What starts to take place in the first chapter of Undercover Bishop Returns may seem unlikely.
A seminary student, having never had a single call, having never served a single parish, comes to a bishop with an idea. Gutsy, for sure. But what about the bishop who takes the time to listen? How likely is that?!
This could be the kind of twist on reality that is the making of fiction—or it may be part of the new order of the social connection era.
Structurally, Lutherans place great weight on the congregation. We believe that clergy and laity serve in different but equal roles. We are not hierarchical. That’s the theory anyway. The customs of hierarchical churches attract those craving power. The ways of other denominations are always a temptation.
This structure may be challenged in the emerging church. We are already seeing the seeds of change in recent statements of the new Roman Catholic pope, who seems to recognize that the Church will not survive if every foot is planted in the traditions of the past.
Social Media-based evangelism and ministry will be key factors in coming changes. The structure of the Church will change.
Social Media is so prevalent in our society that it changes the way people think. Our expectations of government and the way we conduct business have changed dramatically in the last ten years — probably for the better.
Hierarchical thinking is not likely to disappear, but it will not play the same role in the emerging church. Our educational methods are undergoing total restructuring. There is far less need for layers of agencies and positions overseeing every aspect of church life. People are starting to grasp the reality that one person with an idea can make a difference.
Change is coming, ready or not.
Bishop Ruby Kinisa is skeptical at first. She might even be a little put off. We’ll see in the next chapter. But her trusty colleague, Gil Ableman, is hungry for change.
It helps that Bruce James is able to build on his previous experience with this bishop.
A question to ask is: How would the church have been shaped had the power of Social Media been available to the earliest Christians?
This question will lead to others:
- Would the hierarchies of the Western and Eastern Christian Churches have gained power?
- Would the role of women in the church have been suppressed?
- Would the abuses of power — from the Inquisition to more recent scandals been tolerated?
- Would there have been a need for a Protestant Reformation 500 years ago?
We’ll never know the answers, but it is something to think about! Thinking about how Social Media might have benefited our faith through the ages may help us understand why things are the way they are — and that may guide our future.
Let’s see what is in store for Ruby, Gil and Bruce!