morphing

met·a·mor·pho·sis (mt-môrf-ss)n. A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function. Also called transformation. (italics mine)

paradigm shift: a fundamental change in approach or assumptions.

Brian McLaren said in his book, A New Kind of Christian, that (I'm paraphrasing) the former paradigm often appears to be the enemy of the new in the midst of transition from the one to the other.

I believe I and those who feel they are in such a transition must choose carefully our words as we share our journeys with inquirers. There is a dangerous temptation to become "us" and "them", which is never the heart of God for his body. I'll admit, it takes more effort - and some people are going to hear what they want to hear regardless of how you temper your presentation - but I believe we must be responsible as we walk in a different direction. (I'm not talking about rethinking the "wine" here - but the wineskin)

There have always been and will always be those who resist change. Some resist any change. They absolutely refuse to consider instruments other than a piano or organ as acceptable in church. They may feel that certain church programs are sacred and take personal offense at new ideas/directions that require the conclusion of old ones. Others accept and even embrace certain changes in order to more effectively minister to the body and to the lost, "pushing the envelope" in some areas of practice even though it may offend some. Unfortunately, even they may reject certain new ideas or practices they disagree with. (Did someone say personal preference?)

Consider for a moment the various fellowships and "denominations" that have come into existence over the past several hundred years alone. Many of these movements and those who participated in leading them were considered outcasts and even heretics by the mainstream of their day. Many of these have splintered multiple times over various theological and practical issues, and continue to wrestle with differing views to this day. As I reflect on the various Pentecostal and Charismatic movements initiated and/or springboarded by the Azusa Street Revival celebrating its centennial this year, I consider that many of the men and women who dared to embrace the present-day ministry and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the late 1800's into the mid-1900's were even classified as cultish.

And you're point is?

This: Since the time of Paul and Peter, there have been differing views on New Covenant church practice, and there will continue to be until we all stand before God. I have a feeling we'll all find we blew it on a number of fronts. We can't all be right. Maybe we don't have to be. Maybe the goal is to be righteous, by the grace of God, in Christ. Then, we can be free to follow him, share him, and live in him as we believe he is leading us to do so, while respecting and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ who may disagree with some of our practices. Maybe we can allow those who have placed their trust in Jesus to seek, find and follow his will for their lives - even if they express their faith differently than us. And, when we struggle to trust them, may we learn to trust Him.