Had an interesting conversation with my best bud Josh while he was visiting up here in Seattle, so I thought I'd share...
What's up with the Church?
I guess I should clarify what I mean when I say that. I mean, what's up with the American Church? What are we doing? What's the point? Do we care? Do we believe? Does God care? Does God still believe in us?
Long ago, God used men and women to do specific things that changed the world- often they failed, sometimes they succeeded, but all had their lives radically moved by God. I hear stories of this type of relationship overseas- Japan, Africa, China... but what on earth is happening here? Complacency, isolation, disillusionment... even the little things that we "do for God" seem tainted by our own ambitions and lack of follow-through. The relationships we have seem shallow and dependent on circumstances. Mentors and disciples seem non-existent.
Why? I don't even want to get into all the reasons... Perhaps it's comfortability, addictions, secrets, sin, workaholicism, boredom, fears...
But what Josh and I talked about was what are we doing about it? Are we just giving the Church the finger and having our own "faith" apart from everyone else? (I've tried it-- it seems that it mostly leads to a lack of interest in God or the Bible...) Is it worth it to be a part of something we don't completely agree with in order to try to be more like the image of the Church that Jesus gave us? How much power do we have? Are we to be lost in the politics of an outdated institution? Or can we help guide our elders and youth to seeking the Lord's will--
I've had about a year off from any real participation in "ministry". But all that's about to change. I know it's imperfect, because WE'RE imperfect. I know that I'm going to contribute to the imperfection... but I have a voice to add. I have others to mentor. I have much to learn-- and many who can teach. But I vow to be the one to ask. Will you mentor me? Will you be real with me? Will you teach me all you know of God? Will you teach me how to be true to myself and to others? Will you teach me how to love? to endure? to give? to receive?
What will you do?
Great post bro! I have been dealing with this same issue inside for sometime now. It has become a real problem in America. Check out my blog on it, let me know what you think.
ReplyDeletewww.yareelohim.blogspot.com
"Jesus' Theology vs. Church/Religious Theology"
I think you will enjoy it bro.
Hey I love you man, keep in the discussion with your buddy Josh!
- Jonathan Anderson
Or I prefer option C: If we do not like the Church, then wouldn't it be our responsibility to tear down and destroy that establishment? I have more to say...
ReplyDeleteYeah, there's always that option C... I'm curious as to what else you've got to say... I hate to just say "tear it down" because there are loved ones in there (sounds like there's a fire and we need to rescue people-- "there's loved ones in there!!") and the current status "works" for some people- they find meaning and purpose in it, and God is probably pleased with their hearts...
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts, TIm.
ReplyDeleteYou should check out Rusty Reno (pen name R.R. Reno). He wrote a book for Mars Hill Graduate School up near you called "In the Ruins of the Church." In it, he talks along similar lines, saying yes, the church is in shambles in many ways, but it is the hereditary sin of church-members to distance themselves from an imperfect church. He argues that when we sit amid the ruins and learn how to love them, then we will be transformed in love, despite the imperfection of our surroundings. Also, check out an article in "The Other Journal" entitled "An Apology for Staying." It's by a guy I know named Matt Jenson. Anyways, good thoughts, man!