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
5 comments:
"Focus on bringing people to Jesus with authentic servanthood."
Is that what Jesus and the Apostles did? Or, did they make people aware that they are in need of a Savior?
Servanthood might be a sign to others that we love them and that we follow Jesus. But people only come to Jesus when they understand why they need to repent and have a Savior. They may come to church to be served, but they need to come to Jesus to be saved.
Great thoughts, Curtis. Thanks!
So true, Curtis. The church has lost its place at the center of community life, and the church has lost its image as a positive element in the world.
We've so lost these things because of abuses and exploitation of those positions and realities--not abuses by all of us, but certainly, abuses by too many of us.
Steve: I think we are the same page. I am talking about being a servant, which is incarnational ministry. By being "Jesus" to a lost world, we are building a bridge so the lost can find their way to Jesus. Thanks for your thoughts! Curtis
Excellent post and summation of this topic.
Good seeing you at Elderlink. I appreciate your kingdom work!
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