Have you ever heard the expression that Church is a WHO not a WHAT? That saying has been around for quite a while. But in the last few years, you're hearing it more and more. I think that's because of a couple of things...
First, people in the western church are, for the most part, becoming dissatisfied and disgruntled with The Church having very little impact in changing the world in which we live. Yet, when we read the Scriptures, we see that God's church rocked the world!
We're hearing testimony after testimony coming out of majority nations about God's work and the amazing things that the Holy Spirit is doing among his people to share the Good News. But not so much here in the Western world.
We're reading more about being Radical Together (David Platt), being a Church of Irresistible Influence (Robert Lewis), the Missional Renaissance (Reggie McNeal) and being On the Verge (Alan Hirsch and Dave Ferguson); and all of this is stirring within us a sense of urgency and creativity that is shaking the church as we know it.
Put all of these things together and it creates one of two things: An urgency to do something and be THE Church, or a sense of "You can't do that!" pessimism, and thus remain A church.
Second, I believe God is up to something by creating a "shaking of the tree" (so to speak) of his people. I believe that He's saying, "Look, if you're not going to do what I asked you to do, then I'll put you in a position where you have to get rid of all this "fluff" and get back to the basics of prayer, disciple-making and reaching out; being my hands and feet to the things that break my heart!"
It's happening where I serve! I'm watching disgruntled people who have had their feelings hurt for various reasons walk away, and I've watched people who are hungry and tired of being part of a church that acts like a club and hunkers down inside it's walls, begin to pour in with new attitudes and vigor for the cause of Christ. It's sad and exciting at the same time (More exciting than sad, I have to say. Now, some will read this and be offended because of a perceived insensitivity on my part...but it's true, trimming the bush IS both painful and exciting.)
So, seeing the church as a WHAT is seeing it as something we go to; the place where programs takes place and religious services are provided. It becomes something that's supported and we try to invite people to to join! It's our paradigm understanding of Church.
But I think God intends for us to see His Church as a WHO. Which basically means that wherever you have the people of Christ, you have The Church. It becomes a verb and a way of serving and living in the world. It's where everyone is a missionary, not just those to whom we send money, and life itself is a continuous mission trip. It's where you and I are Kingdom agents in every part of our life.
Sounds exciting, doesn't it? That's because it is! I think people are beginning to understand! It's hard...yet so worth it! Just ask those who are being THE church instead of being A church! They are beginning to gather and make a joyful noise!
A Humble, but Passionate, Servant of Christ!
Greg
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