Church Matters

This isn't going to be a 'testimony blog.' Although in one sense, it is. As it will be about something I've been pondering about recently. Something I feel very strongly about. And that is the Church.

Let's define terms: when I refer to the Church, i mean both the 'universal Church' (all Christians of all denominations, everywhere) and the 'local church' (a specific gathering that meets in one place). All Christians are part of the universal Church; all Christians needs to be part of a local church.

Why? Because the Bible says so! Ephesians 3:10-11 tells us that the Church is God's chosen way of demonstrating His greatness to spiritual forces - by changed and transformed lives of the people who form her. This is part of God's purpose, his masterplan. Therefore, how can we contribute towards the masterplan that is the universal Church if we are not an active part of a local church?

I read a great quote that argues that the Christian Church (universal and local) today needs to be aware of two dangers: the danger of being culturally removed (out of touch) and the danger of being culturally relaxed (indistinct). In other words, the Church today must be both radical and relevant.

I've been thinking about this - how can we achieve these goals? How do we negotiate these two pillars and find the middle ground that bridges both, yet compromises neither? As different local churches are in different cultures, it is naive of us to thing all local churches should look the same. No doubt biblical values should be identical. But how those values are worked out and demonstrated will be different according to factors specific to that local church - for example its leadership, or the culture it is in.

So what are these core biblical values? As I've pondered this, I have come up with seven core values that must be consistent across all local churches, in all cultures. I leave it up to you whether you agree or disagree.

1. Rediscovery of the centrality of personal and corporate intimacy with the Holy Spirit. This includes, but is not limited to, Baptism/Filling Of The Spirit as an experience, and spiritual gifts such as prophecy, tongues and others. This also involves ongoing deepening of friendship and response to the Spirits leading - on a personal and a corporate level, resulting in increased holiness.

2. A 'high view' of the Bible as inspired and authorative in every part, irrespective of what society may say about its teachings. However we must guard against an academic Christianity which mistakes intellectual agreement for faith, and only results in a religious, pharasaical legalism that does not affect the hearts of people.

3. A 'high view' of the local Church as God's chosen way of reaching the world. This entails such biblical practices as spiritual authority, church discipline, plurality of church leaders, and interchurch partnerships where similar values are shared. I would also include the importance of local churchs being part of apostolic networks that recognise and embrace the Ephesians 4 ministries of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist and Pastor-Teacher.

4. A moving away from the unbiblical appearance and practice of the Church as an institution, corporation, business or army. The biblical pictures of the church talk of organic, flexible, structured, dynamic things such as family; temple of living stones; field; and a body. In todays society that seems so anti-family, the church as a thriving family and community is a potent thing.

5. Local churches engaged in ongoing mission to take the gospel to the Spiritually Dead through words and works. Evangelism to be part of the life of every believer, and the first step in discipleship.

6. The rediscovery of 'power evangelism' that includes signs, wonders, miracles and prophecy demonstrated and displayed for nonbelievers to see & marvel.

7. Ministry to the poor - namely, the biblical poor as widows, orphans and aliens among others - to tend and meet their physical and spiritual needs. Being the hands and heart of God to the Broken.

It's idealistic isn't it? Some might even say unrealistic. I read it again and realised I don't even have all them in my own personal life! But as I read and re-read that list, I can't help but notice what my first item is - the Holy Spirit. If Jesus said that it was better for him to go so that he could send the Spirit (John 16:7) then I suspect He is the key to all these things.

Without His strength, insight, power and courage we can't do any of these things on our own, let alone as a people. Perhaps getting to know Him more deeply is the first step in it all.

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Listening to: DC Talk - Between You And Me
via FoxyTunes