The Boundaries of Our Community: Building Relationships in the Body of Christ [5]

The church has boundaries. It is inclusive and exclusive at the same time. Without boundaries we would not be able to identify the church. The apostle Paul identifies those outside of the church boundaries as “outsiders.” There are “insiders” and “outsiders.” What are the boundary markers for the church? “…The Christian ideal of the communion of saints and the congregation and the Eucharist [Lord’s Supper] as forms of community…” [Wendell Willis (2011-2012). “The Erosion of Community: A Challenge to the Church.” Christian Studies 25. Page 13).

          The assembled, baptized, communing believers in Christ make up the body of Christ. Three times in  his letters the apostle Paul refers to those outside the boundaries of the believing community. Look at each passage below and note why he brings it up:

·        Colossians 4:5

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

          In our Christian walk we have to be very careful and wise in our dealings with outsiders because we want to make the most of every opportunity to be a good witness for Jesus. Wise Christian leaders are aware of their influence, and have the “eyes of opportunity” so they can see where a kind word, a kind act or kind gesture can make a world of difference!

·        1 Thessalonians 4:12

“…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

          Here Paul is very emphatic regarding the pragmatic way that Christians live. Sponging off of others and not pulling one’s weight in life, and depending on others when you could fend for yourself, will lose the respect of outsiders. A lazy, enabled, entitled way of life certainly does not comment itself as a way of life that honors God and respects others!

·        1 Timothy 3:7

“He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”

          Bishops/elders must be careful about their reputation with non-Christians. They are a model of grace, and never want to be a disgrace or be ripe-picking for the devil. The power of their influence is immense! This is why Christian leadership should be taken so seriously.

           In the midst of being thankful for the boundaries of our community of faith, let us always and forever be aware of how we may impact and influence  those who are “outsiders.” May God grant us the wisdom to live and lead in such a way that many more “outsiders” may become “insiders!”

In Christian love, Curtis

What is the Church?

Recently Dr. Wendell Willis shared his frustration with his students at Abilene Christian University who do not share his passion for the New Testament teaching about the church (see his article: “The Erosion of Community—A Challenge to the Church,” Christian Studies No. 25, 2011-2012; pages 9-19). Even though many of the students would be characterized as committed believers at some level, most do not have a solid belief about the church, “nor do they see a need for one” (p. 9).

            It raises a fundamental question: does the church exist to cater to my felt needs and keep me happy, or does the church exist as a visible community for me to be committed to as the ongoing work of God? This question frames the “continental divide” for us regarding the nature of the church. Our culture has deeply ingrained in all of us that institutions, organizations and groups exist to meet all of our needs. This supersedes any thought of my committing myself to serve in such a setting.

            I am especially intrigued with the first two occurrences of the word “church” (ekklesia) in the New Testament. They are both in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18 & 18:17). The first reference talks about the nature and power of the church, and the second reference points out the key role that church has in the reconciliation of relationships. The church is built upon a confessional recognition of Jesus as Lord, and even death itself cannot prevent this community of faith forming. Additionally, this community of faith is the context where reconciliation occurs because of the initial reconciling work of God in Christ for that community to start with! What a place to start with our ideas regarding the nature and need for the church!

In Christian love, Curtis