WORTHLESS WORDS OR A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE?

As much as we hate to admit it, the meaning of words change. It is the ongoing change that challenges the message of the gospel. I am torn between two things here: the traditional language of the Christian faith, and the non-communicability of that language to the current generation.

On the one hand, some of the vocabulary of the Christian faith cannot be erased. On the other hand, perhaps some of it needs replaced, or at the bare minimum explained and defined every time such words are used. I am thinking of the following words as the “non-negotiables” of the Christian faith:

Cross, resurrection, heaven, hell, gospel, church, sin, love, servant, friend, etc.

I think our difficulty is realizing that today’s American culture is by and large non-literate in the biblical narrative. The vast majority of our church activities and worship assemblies assume that everyone is biblically literate. It is this very truth and reality that Randy Harris challenged us at ElderLink in Atlanta.

I remember hearing Dr. James Thompson speak at Abilene Christian University during the Restoration Quarterly Journal breakfast. He made a strong case for Christians not giving up their distinctive vocabulary of faith. Our life of faith is often couched in language directly from the biblical text. I believe that is a good thing. We must remember, however, that when we are trying to communicate the Christian faith to others, they have neither the benefit of knowing the words we use nor the powerful narratives out of which that language arises.

Perhaps a good place to start is by asking others what meanings they attach to the words we use. What does the average person think of when we use the word “sin?” What do most people think of when we talk about “church?” Easy-to-read translations and taking time to explain our words with others may be the best place to start. The good news of Jesus Christ (“gospel”) cannot afford to be communicated with worthless words. Rather, we are challenged to present it with meaningful words that convey the power of God at work in the human heart!

In Christian love, Curtis

THE GRAYING OF THE CHURCH

One of the most difficult things for the average, traditional church today is to face the fact that there is an increasing age and social gap. Many congregations have had to close their doors because members have died and no one was their to take their place.

Additionally, because there have been more women than men who attended the assembly and was more involved in church functions, there are less and less men who are growing up to take leadership roles. What this means practically is that young men often do not have older men in their lives who can and are willing to be a spiritual father or mentor to them. It is my sincere conviction that all of us who are over fifty need to seriously step forward and make a commitment to reach out and mentor young people in the faith.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 is Paul’s crowning message on this topic. Listen closely:

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”

Paul’s word for this dynamic is “imitation,” and he uses it several times in his correspondence. Providing direction, mentoring and being a spiritual guide was crucial in the spiritual growth of his readers.

Paul uses two critical metaphors to convey this awesome and exciting responsibility of spiritual mentoring: a nurse with a baby, and a father with his children. Care, commitment, well-being, sacrifice, training, responding, etc.—these are all words that come to mind with these metaphors.

It may be that the graying of the church is providing right now one of the most exciting opportunities for mentoring we have ever seen! All it takes is men and women of faith willing to step forward and listen, be gentle, pray with and guide those who are desperately seeking.

Think of combining these two metaphors together! After all, think of the young men over the last decade who have entered the nursing profession. God is not asking for the impossible from those of us who are older. God is just asking that we open our hearts and allow Him to work through us to transform others by the power of His Spirit. Are we ready for the challenge?

In Christian love, Curtis

A POST-CHURCH WORLD

We are living in a post-church world. This was Randy Harris’ second observation about our culture at ElderLink. We have to qualify this statement because most every community you visit there will be several church buildings visible. What do we mean by a “post-church” world?

First, the church no longer is at the center of society’s conscience. Two or three generations ago many towns and villages were defined by the church’s steeple arising from the town square. Its image and presence meant something to the people living and working there. It was a symbolic reminder of a moral center. In many of today’s controversial moral questions, every specialized interest and trained expert is allowed to weigh in except the church.

Second, the rituals of religion seem empty to people trying to find their way out of chaos. Fragmentation, mahem, chaos, fear, confusion: these define the post-modern journey for many individuals. Tired rituals and empty religious clichés are not the answer.

Third, the language and vocabulary of the church seems disconnected from people’s lives. Or, even on the flip side, people of the church from different generations mean different things even though they use the same words. Unfortunately, good biblical words such as “propitiation,” “justification,” “reconciliation,” etc., no longer are common words. And even Christians often misuse or misunderstand them.

Fourth, the church is not the only place where community is formed and nurtured. This is only too painfully clear to Christians. The local bar, the local clubs, local associations, etc., all take the place of the community of faith. Individuals are looking for a place to belong, where they can be validated as a person, and affirmed as to their worth. Because we have been a miserable failure at this, other groups have stepped forward and filled the gap.

We do live in a post-church world. What is the answer? Focus on bringing people to Jesus with authentic servanthood. Only then will the church make sense!

In Christian love, Curtis

I Think Everything is about “i”

Last week we mentioned that Randy Harris at ElderLink proposed 5 ways of getting a grasp on and understanding our current culture. Having such awareness will help us be more sensitive to where people are coming from. Additionally, as responsible and accountable stewards of Jesus with our time, gifts and commitments we can be more faithful to the opportunities afforded us when we share the good news of Jesus.

The first thing to consider is that technology has reshaped us. There is the i-phone, the i-pod, the i-pad, etc. It seems that everything technological serves the “i” in mine. It is all about me, mine and my world. Because such reshaping has taken place, this challenges many of us who have resisted technology in its various forms. There are three things that I want to mention briefly here: technolatry, Sabbath and connectivity.

There is a real danger of the tool/s becoming the master. Time, energy and resources are constantly being sunk into technology. But the problem is that it controls us and reshapes us, instead of being controlled by us. The tool has become the master. Depending on what the technological gadget is we are talking about, many have taken over time in learning how to use and maintain them. We almost worship our tools, and thereby are guilty of technolatry. They are not the answer to all of life!

There is the real possibility of connecting with others as never before. Discrete use and wise management of these resources can help us connect with people in meaningful ways. Often we can say and interact with people on a deeper level when technology is used. This is one of the greatest paradoxes of the post-modern world. Privacy has become public. Discretion has been replaced with disclosure. Because of this, people are revealing needs and sending out calls for help in ways unheard of in the past. Such level of connectivity presents incredible moments for ministering in the name of Jesus!

There is the real need for a weekly Sabbath. Because the foregoing is true, we need to declare a once a week Sabbath from using technology. I have found in my own life that one day away from the tools of communication enables me to stay grounded, centered and more alert when I am using such technology the other six days. This keeps everything from being about the “i” in mine!

In Christian love, Curtis