Wiki Wiki Swarming (new posts)

Decentralized Decision Making: Re: Decentralized Decision Making

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:29:06 +0000

I agree, Tom…there are angry swarms that are defensive "flight or fight" mechanisms.

But that is all the more reason for those of us who believe in the Holy Spirit's "swarming" power to step up to the plate and start forging some of the necessary tools for recognizing the difference…at least starting amongst ourselves.

Collaborative communication is still in its infancy…we have a chance to do some major leading here…wouldn't that be refreshing? ;)

Any "blacksmiths" out there???

Decentralized Decision Making: Re: Decentralized Decision Making

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:46:20 +0000

I share your excitement for the notion of "swarming." With your permission, however, let me suggest that "swarming" may take two forms, forms with important differences. There is a biological "swarm," for example, that we see in nature. Though we consider human nature more advanced and sophisticated, the biological version remains the prevalent form of "swarming" for us. It is a knee-jerk reaction to anything and everything—though done with "intelligence" and "love." It's differs little from the rioting at soccer games, but we dress it up by calling it something like "religion" or a "particular" religion. The other kind of "swarming" is described in the second chapter of the book of Acts. Unfortunately, few understand the difference. Our culture, after all, has given us no tools to recognize the difference. This dilemma may prove the greatest impasse for our moment in history. Blessings, Tom Hohstadt

Decentralized Decision Making: Decentralized Decision Making

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:50:37 +0000

I just happened to check in at Alan's blog (to share our launch date)…and this thread's first comment was directed to me! And Alan is right…this is very much a part of what I have in mind for the organic, meta-church planting movement I've been working on for the past 18 months…

But the implications for what we've been doing, and what we want to continue doing with the Wikiklesia Project are huge. The collaboration that's been described in many of the chapters is very "swarmy" and I don't mean "smarmy"! But there are deeper and more subtle levels of the "simple" and "uncomplicated" communication happening…and I'm looking forward to pondering it some more.

I would love to ponder this here with anyone else in a pondering mood. As if you all don't have anything else to do…I know I'm just eating bon bons and watching soaps (NOT ;) ) — when I'm not working on our book, that is!