(Ed. note: Ron Martoia pastors a postmodern congregation in Jackson, Michigan. He is among a number of emerging leaders who say Christians must change the language of faith to fit today's audiences. They just don't hear what we're saying. We met Ron at a convention of young leaders, where he effectively used old language and new language to connect with his listeners.)

Leadership Weekly: You challenged people at an emerging leaders event in Atlanta to find a "quiet center." You didn't just define it, you demonstrated it (or its opposite) with TV monitors blaring and cell phones ringing. Why did you use that approach?

Ron Martoia: The online world numbs us with empty busyness. We can open windows on our computers, surf around, and feel busy, while accomplishing nothing. Modems snapping, cell phones ringing, palm pilots singing—is any of this constant activity kingdom productive?

The answer depends on the state of our interior life. Hence the need for a "quiet center"—a time to ...