55 and Simpler

Having turned 55 recently, I've noticed a fresh wave of observations about life coming over me.

You may think these "new" conclusions of mine lacking in originality and/or profundity. And you are probably right.

Yet as they become increasingly determinative in my thinking, perhaps there is a way in which they can serve you or others.

They range from "faithfulness in the same place for a long time is usually very fruitful" to "my cynicism is unhealthy" to "there's really no Christian life outside the church."

(There's a lot more where those came from!)

The one I wish to write about today is this: Simpler is better. 

In adopting simpler as a basic life principle, I find myself narrowing, cutting, paring, reducing clutter, focusing.

A mantra for simpler: "Down with complexity, up with quality."

Rick, try to do a few things well.

An application: These days I have the great privilege of coaching an ethnic pastor and his congregation in the Twin Cities toward healthy church growth. 

First thing we're working on is this: reducing structure. 

We're simplifying the ministry until we can hit our stride in just a couple of areas. Then we'll expand from there.

* * *

Like I said, not necessarily original or profound. Just 55, pondering before the Lord, and chasing after simple.

Leaving One's Church -- or Not . . . part 4

The issue behind the issue which is behind the issue of possibly leaving one's church is this:

What is the church?

In other words, if I leave my church, what am I really leaving?

1. A functional view: I'm leaving the place where I serve and am served. Where I give and receive.

2. A relational view: I'm leaving a particular local expression of the universal church that is relationally meaningful to me.

3. A theological view: the local church is the essential, indispensable representation of Christ on earth.

This last view is my own, as you have likely guessed. A theological view of the church should make it difficult (but not impossible) to voluntarily switch churches.

The theological view encompasses the functional and relational views in itself, but it cannot be reduced to either.

Another way to say this is that the local church must go beyond utility. Conceptually, it must rise above a "place" (to serve) or a "group" (of Christian friends), to a theological necessity for the believer.

One passage of many that could be cited is from 1 Corinthians:

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free  . . . " (12:13).

* * *

I recall an old saying that I first learned in the evangelical and pentecostal churches of southern Minnesota after my conversion to Christ:

There's no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian.

Maybe that sounds a bit quaint. But apart from extenuating circumstances that prevent one's participation in the church, I believe it's essentially correct.

To Stay at your Church or Leave . . . part 3

Contemplating a move to a different church?

Generally, I discourage moving (see my last two posts). After all, a local body of believers represents a spiritual family for Christians. 

The phrase used in Ephesians is "members of God's household," then, "built together to become a dwelling in which God lives" (2:19,22).

Heavy stuff. 

Ergo: Don't leave lightly.

Still, there might be special circumstances in which a voluntary move is prudent. I'd like to comment on one: 

DNA Mismatch: When the church's DNA doesn't match mine, a move could be in order. I'm talking about the church's central ethos, its long-term philosophy of ministry, not the latest stylistic or leadership changes. 

The issue might even be a major theological point, such as the  atonement or doctrine of scripture.

Before leaving, however, I'd check my facts: Have I verified the supposed misguided direction of church leaders over an extended period of time, finding out the true rationale behind their decisions?

Have I talked with them directly? 

Interpreted them in the most generous light possible?

Or, have I jumped to conclusions based on gossip, side comments, and "patterns" that I've pieced together in my own mind?

I've found that when I persistently think ill of leaders to the point where they can't do anything right and everything they say and do merely confirms my suspicions or prior-held conclusions, the real problem may not lie with them.

Still, DNA is DNA. If it's not a match, maybe -- just maybe . . . 

To Stay at your Church or Leave, Part 2

In my last post I offered a word of caution to those contemplating a permanent exit from their church. I hope you'll look over that post before reading this one.

A few years ago a married couple left our church for another, and I was impressed with their process (though I hated to see them go).

First, they thought and prayed long and hard about such a momentous move. I say momentous because they shared my belief that one's church is actually one's primary family, not just relationally but theologically.

Secondly, they informed people they were leaving. Those of us left behind weren't left guessing over their whereabouts or feeling guilty for failing to properly "miss them" the past two months.

Thirdly, though this couple had deep philosophical differences with the direction the church was going, they shared their concerns quietly and privately with leaders. There was no public confrontation, no nasty emails, no slandering, no poisoning the grapevine or uniting with a disgruntled faction.

Their graceful exit kept their friendships (and influence, I might add) alive in our church, for which I'm grateful to this day.

Next week I'll try to offer some more specific reasons for changing churches.