The Way Forward
There is a sense of panic in the air. We are being inundated with reports that the church in America is in steep decline. Cultural prophets are predicting the demise of Christianity in America. Lifeway Research recently released statistics that demonstrate that 7 out of 10 churches in America are declining.1 Such reports are contributing to a growing anxiety among Christians and church leaders. Does this mean that there is a major shift toward secularization in America heralding the death of religion in our culture? Absolutely not. Another study published last year by scholars at Harvard University and Indiana University Bloomington has exposed this common cultural narrative as myth. This study found that religion in America continues to enjoy “persistent and exceptional intensity.” So, how do we account for this seeming discrepancy? The reality is that mainline, established churches are hemorrhaging members in startling numbers. But many of those folks are not leaving Christianity, they are simply going elsewhere. We might be tempted to surmise that people are leaving for a watered-down version of Christianity seeking entertainment or prosperity gospel messages. Statistics show this is not the case. Theologically liberal churches are sharply declining as are lukewarm, conservative churches. People are navigating toward substantive Christianity. Mainline churches are in drastic free fall while nondenominational churches are flourishing. Armed with this information, what does it say about the way forward?
Denominationalism is not the way forward.For far too long, the church has been divided by groups of Christ-followers who have gathered around particular personalities, doctrines, or creeds. Dividing the body of Christ is contrary to Jesus’ plea for unity (John 17:20-21) and creates institutional churches where spiritual life and vibrancy are strangled. Instead of highlighting doctrines that divide, Christians everywhere must unite upon the person and teachings of Jesus.
Ecumenism is not the way forward.Considerable effort at uniting Christians together have historically been made through negotiation. Too often such ecumenical attempts at “unity” have resulted in compromising essential truths of the Christian message. Such has resulted in theologically liberal churches that lack substance. Without substance, Christianity lacks value.
Sectarianism is not the way forward.Motivated by fear, some Christians begin to circle the wagons. In a heightened form of division, some churches have isolated themselves turning their specific beliefs into an exclusive cult where everyone must see every issue identically. The result is needless division over peripheral issues that results in Christian polarization. Groups that arrogantly claim to be the “true believers” while standing in judgment of other followers of Christ have lost the spirit of Jesus (see Mark 9:38-41). This view would rather see someone become an unbeliever in Jesus as to be a part of another gathering of Christians.
Discipleship is the way forward.We are called to be disciples of Jesus. This involves embracing his teaching and his way of life. It calls for radical self-denial, humility and active love for all people. Discipleship is a life committed to truth but is lived by extravagant grace toward others. Disciples put their focus on Jesus as the center of their faith, not boundaries that separate us from other Christfollowers. Disciples are peacemakers and bridge-builders. They work hard to separate biblical imperatives from distinctives that are merely tradition (see Mark 7:1-8). Guided by the love of Christ, disciples are not factious or contentious. The way forward is not compromise and it is not isolation.
The way forward is robust discipleship where we authentically embrace and promote the Jesus-life in our world. This is a life of love, joy, peace, kindness, truth and grace. With the death of cultural Christianity, we face a tremendous opportunity to have a greater impact. Being set free from the domesticating influence of Christendom, increasing numbers of people are thirsty for Jesus’ message unencumbered by traditions and religious baggage. Discipleship is a lifestyle that pursues the ongoing process of being transformed into the image of Christ and helping others do the same. This is the way forward for the church— a wholehearted embrace of the original mission of Jesus.
Source: Thom Rainer. “Major New Research on Declining, Plateaued and Growing Churches.” Cited 30 March 2019. Online: https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles
