Many Christians have answers to this question. However, most of the answers I have heard are based on individual experiences, not the Bible, or even an informed Christian’s interpretation of the Bible. Experience is not a measure of truth, or the way things ought to be, even if a number of us see things the same way or have the same experiences, and even if there are large successful churches teaching the models. What I am getting at is, what we think is the “right way” of viewing the church, or operating the church, or participating in the church, may not necessarily be the way God intended.
After many years of church experience from both lay and “called” positions (I really want to avoid the word “clerical,” although that might be the right word to use for those who have been trained and called to the ministry as a vocation), I think a number of churches have strayed from God’s purpose, and it is time to take a good look at what the Bible and theologians say about the church. Yes, we must be open to not only reading what we think the Bible tells us, but also what informed Christians and theologians have said about the church. We need to be open to the possibilities that our churches need reform. Not unlike what Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli sought to do in the 16th century (yes, I am talking about the Reformation).
First, how should we define “the Church”? A brilliant theologian (in my estimation) has explained that the Church is actually viewed in two ways – by God and by humans. The Church (note upper case “C”) as God sees it consists of true believers wherever they are, including those who have passed from this life to heaven. They may be in local churches, or maybe not. They may be in any culture or geographical location. Only God really knows who these believers are, since he is the only true judge of souls and hearts.
The church (note lower case “c”), is what we see, as finite humans beings. These are the local expressions of consistent (or as is usually the case, inconsistent) theology and form of worship that we can see physically, on many street corners and in homes and varying ministries who gather in Jesus’ name, preach the Gospel message and perform the sacraments (at least the Communion, or Lord’s supper, or Eucharist, and also water baptism – more on this topic later). Are all who attend church true believers? I think we know by experience that this is not true. Anyone can walk into a church – a seeker, a learner, or a true believer. People can imitate Christianity and not really believe it or practice it. Some treat the local church as a club, no different than the Elks Lodge or Rotary Club; it is something to put on their resume, or boast in as some sort of badge.
There is so much to be said about the Church/church, and we can address more aspects later. What I do want to explain here, at this point, is my vision for the church in any city or town. This is where Christianity meets the ultimate test. The purpose of the church is manifold (yes, again, the subject of another discussion), but one very important aspect is the point of being a witness for Jesus. This means representing Him in word and action, being His “hands and feet,” and speaking out for Him in every setting; promoting the Good News of forgiveness of sins, and usurping the anti-gospel wherever it is found.
Here we must consider how people become Christians, because this is how a society is changed to a godly perspective; through individual conversions to faith. This is how territory is taken from the enemy and the Kingdom of God advanced. We know from experience that people become Christians when they are invited to do so, personally, by someone they trust. People do not become Christians generally through those unknown to or untrusted by them, although we try so often to believe this! We must show those who are currently outside the kingdom of God – outside His rule and reign – that we do care for them and we do love them. We can only do that effectively over time and by persistence. The church can and should do this. And here is where my vision makes it’s impact. I must warn you, however, that this is not a popular idea, for certain reasons which will become apparent once you hear what I have to say.
Will you agree with me that each individual local church is a platoon or a division in God’s army, and that they each have their own expression and individual means of teaching and reaching the people around them for the kingdom of God, and each pastor essentially has his own personality and will naturally reach those most suited to his approach and style? If this is true, then why would anyone stifle the expansion of these churches? Would it not be a good thing if the armies of God were increased and naturally varied by expression to reach more people? What I mean is, I know from experience that there are many people called to pastor churches out there. But they cannot. They either sit in existing congregations ministering as they can, or they are just sitting in congregations (heaven forbid), or they are not participating in a local church or have a parachurch ministry because they don’t seem to fit in any existing local church. I’ll state the obvious:of course they don’t fit, because they have been called to start a new work – a new ministry, with it’s own expression and individual pattern of outreach! Why should there not be thousands of new churches in any city? Please don’t say it’s all about money. It’s not. How much money did Jesus and his disciples have? How much money did Paul the Apostle have for his outreaches? Why do we require individual church buildings for each local church? Why can’t the local church meet in a house? An apartment? A garage? A barn (the Amish do this often, by the way, and yes, they are Christians)? A recreational center? Or, if they have the money among their members, why not meet in a building? I don’t have any problem with the buildings, but if this stands between us and reaching our city for the Kingdom of God, we need to change our approach!
Now, one pastor explained to me, after I shared this vision, that all of the Christians in any one city should support the existing churches, not start new ones. What a limited vision! I’ll state it again. Why should there not be thousands of Christian churches in any city? Would there be duplication of effort? Good! Let it duplicate! Just how did those existing churches get started anyway? No doubt, by people who had the vision for more ministry and more ministers in that city!
More to come . . .
