Apparently not everyone is happy about "their church." There is a new book out called They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights from emerging generations by Dan Kimball. The title really tells it all. The church in general is not well liked these days. Over at Out of Ur (a blog at ChristianityToday.com by Leadership Journal), Skye Jethani discusses "They love the church but not the institution" which you can read here for part one and here for part two. He tries to divide the church as community from the church as organization. It's a similar discussion I've heard as to the difference between manager and leader. The manager is concerned about finances, projects, and deadlines. The leader is concerned about people and their direction. I think Jethani and Kimball are saying something similar about the church. The hierarchy is concerned about programs, finances, attendance, and the building. But the church should be about the people serving God. I can understand why some are unhappy with what they see but I can also see why some are not unhappy.
There is no doubt that the people who lead the church today (our fellowship and the denominational world) have a different mind set than say 50 years ago. We have been infected by the business and consumer model mind set. Which has it's good and bad points. Some churches are way to business-oriented. But some churches aren't business-oriented enough. When some look at the church in general they see unfeeling, uncaring people only concerned about numbers and not the community environment of the first century. Plus the media is constantly watching for the next scandal. And scandals will come. But that is the point, the church is inhabited by imperfect people who still sin and who don't always choose the best ways to lead a local church.
Bonhoeffer surprised me in his book, Life Together, about Christian community because he basically says that we have no right to impose our own view of the church on each other. He says, "That dismisses once and for all every clamorous desire for something more (p.26)." We instead ought to be grateful that we have fellowship with each other.
Just at this point Christian brotherhood is threatened more often at the very start by the greatest danger of all, the danger of being poisoned at its root, the danger of confusing Christian brotherhood with some wishful idea of religious fellowship, of confounding the natural desire of the devout heart for community with the spiritual reality of Chrisitian brotherhood. (p.26)
Bonhoeffer seems to be saying that way to often we have our own idea of how the church should work and we spend too much time trying to mold the church into our image. Here's why Bonhoeffer says what he says.
Not what a man is in himself as a Christian, his spirituality and piety, constitutes the basis of our community. What determines our brotherhood is what that man is by reason of Christ. Our community with one another consists solely in what Christ has done to both of us. (p.25)
The foundation of our life together should be grounded in Jesus and his finished work for us. We should then recognize that our unity constitutes a witness to the world (John 17:20-21). When we are one the world recognizes that God has indeed acted in the world. The church should also recognize that when we act improperly the world criticizes God because of our behavior (Romans 2:22-24). We should also realize that even when arguments cause us to separate God can still use us for His purposes and glory (Acts 15:36-40). We have too many who are unhappy about the way things are and try to change them. We have too many who want to keep things the way they are. Let the church be the same and let the church change. Maybe my tolerance level is too high but Jesus is still head of the church and Bob is still just a part.
17 comments:
Interesting quote I heard recently: "Noah's Ark probably smelled terrible inside. But there was no salvation outside of it." This coming from a minister who had just been let go and was encouraging his members to stay in the church.
How can anyone read the Bible and not see that Jesus and the church are inseparable? I just don't get it.
Grace and peace,
Tim
Bob, when we look at "Christ's bride" as the Church we can't accept one without the other, Just like any marriage Mr. and Mrs. when we are married we don't become partners, we become one, I am afraid that many Christians believe they have partnered with Christ instead of becoming one with Christ.That said I believe those partners are a reason why people say I love Jesus, the church not so much.When we become one we agree 100%, when we become partners, we have our own opinion.
Reading
Morning
Very well said. Especially the last paragraph. Also, loved Tim's quote too.
I can't imagine Christianity with out "church." I find so much encouragement and strength there.
Tim, what an apt image for the church. I'm going to have to remember that next time I preach on church relationships.
Laymond, thanks for the thoughts. Your mentioning the church as the bride of Christ has prompted another post which I've already started and will be posting soon.
Don, morning, waiting.
Trey, thanks for stopping by and encouraging me. Since I've subscribed to your podcast and have heard your voice, I can hear your voice as I read your comments.
great book. I'm reading it now. I think we must be able to think like this in order to define how to reach the lost.
Tom, cute picture. Who took it?
Thought you would like the shot. Some likness huh? It's a nickle artist rendition. The only thing he got right was the hat and the ears. I hope all is well with you.
Love to Pat,
Tom
Life Together is a classic little book. Should be required reading for every preacher ... and a few elders to.
Seeking Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
Bobby, I agree. Now how to accomplish that requirement.
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