Is Christianity a set of truths, beliefs, doctrines? Or is it a way of life? The early church was originally called “The Way”. The were followers of Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus called His disciples, not to believe something, but rather to “follow Me.” He called them to life in the Kingdom of God.
Many Post Modern people question whether Christianity has lost its way. Have we become an organization focused on rules, doctrines, rituals, money, buildings, and programs. Where is the transformational reality Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus. Where are all these people who claim to be born again? They seem to be the same old people living the same old lives.
Missional – Emergent – and other new models are being suggested for churches to follow in order to become more active in living out love and grace. Why the need for a new model? Is it perhaps the old model has become too institutional and too little an expression of life in the Kingdom of God?
I grew up in the organized denominational world. I was educated and ordained in that world. I have served that world for 28 years. I am that world. But I believe this world can change, adapt, be reborn into something dynamic, life-changing, powerful, and certainly more reflective of Kingdom life.
Bringing that change about will be difficult. My world resists change, defends itself well, and still believes itself to be the best expression of Kingdom life. But the Kingdom could can reach thousands of people in a single day for Christ. The sick are healed (Acts 5), the poor are enriched ( Acts 2), and the dead are raised (Acts 20). Does that happen today in our congregations? If not, why not? Certainly miracles are the activity of God and He decides when to dispense such power. However, do we even think to ask anymore?
If we are going to reach people who see us as just one more failed institution, one more private club with an annual membership drive, a tired old organization preaching a message even we don’t believe in anymore, then we have to change. God has to work that change within each of us individually and all of us collectively.
Anybody with me?
