The Net: An Organizational Vision for the Church of Tomorrow

The visionary content of The Net invites Christians to consider radical transformation in church organization. Ms. Wimmer asserts that the present institutional model of church organization does not reflect the teachings of Jesus. Through a collection of biblical evidence, she encourages Gods people to capture the organizational image Jesus desired for his bridethe image of a net. Beginning with the miraculous feeding of two multitudes, the reader is taken back to the time of the Exodus, then forward to the vision of the church triumphant, as described in Revelation. Through the breaking of twelve loaves of bread, organizational issues are examined from a tribal perspective, as well as the first believers perspective. Projections are then made about the church at the end of the age. What organizational aspects did Jesus want to retain from his Jewish heritage? What changes did Jesus want his disciples to embrace as a result of his teachings? What caused the early church to adopt a hierarchical structure and lose sight of Jesus egalitarian teachings after his death? Is the Church of Today ready for an extreme makeover? If so, what organizational dress will the Church of Tomorrow choose to wear?

After twenty-two years of church ministry, as a director of music, art and theater, Ms. Wimmer sensed a strong call to remove herself from the institutional model of church organization. In 1995, she resigned from her leadership position and waited for direction. Shortly thereafter, from 1996 to 2000, Ms. Wimmer experienced an intense time of spiritual instruction. The inspired insights opened the door to fresh theological perspectives in three areas of human concern: Time, Language, and the Organization of Gods people. Believing that personal insight must be grounded in credible evidence, Ms. Wimmer entered the field of biblical research. From 2004 to 2009, she presented several academic papers at different regional and national meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature. Ms. Wimmer believes that the kernels of wisdom, poured into her vessel many years ago, are intended to reorient the focus of the church of tomorrow. Therefore, she writes from a visionary perspective. She joyfully shares her inspired perceptions in an effort to sow seeds and contribute to the current dialogue in humanitys spiritual garden. Ms. Wimmer lives in Tulsa, OK with her husband of forty-five years. In their free time, she and her husband enjoy gardening, carpentry, interior design, and renovating old or neglected houses. Together, they have two children and three grandchildren.