Naively, I once wrote an article exploring what it means to “be the church.” A friend shared the link. Someone made derogatory comments. Other friends leapt to my defense.
And suddenly there I was, in the middle of a good new-fashioned social media brawl, wondering what in the world had just happened.
I’d cited some situations I’d seen and experienced (in multiple church communities) that didn’t quite seem right, and suggested that – while the Church has so much to offer – there are places where change is warranted. It didn’t seem like a controversial statement (any human institution is going to have flaws) – but it was met with bitter censure.
Several of my friends received phone calls from a pastor, advising them not to read my work and instructing them on how to talk to me about the dangerous path I was apparently on. Most were transparent: “this is what he said, and we think it’s off-base.”
I heard things I may never be able unhear.
False teacher. In danger of hellfire. A broker of division and dissension.
My post was heartfelt, honest, incomplete, meant to be an introduction to a series. I had a list of people I’d hoped would chime in with guest posts. It felt important, perhaps even spirit-driven, to have this conversation.
I had framed the invitation as “let’s talk about this, because we can’t fix problems we don’t acknowledge” and “what are we doing that works well; how do we perpetuate that”?
It didn’t feel like the wrong approach – but in the face of that level of judgment, I gave up and dropped the series. The timing felt off; the moment was gone.
* * * * *
But years later, I still have many of the same questions – and I’m not the only one.
What does it mean to be the church? How do we walk in the way of Jesus in a world so radically different – and so radically similar – to the one in which he lived? Are there universal answers to these questions, or is everything contextual?
For those of us who identify as followers of Jesus, these are questions we all need to lean into. We may land squarely in the camp of “I’m happy where I am, my church is great, we’ve got (most of) it right.” Brava. But it’s important to foster curiosity – and an environment in which we can pose questions and not be condemned for it.
There are voices louder than mine, with political clout and international influence, who teach some very scary ideas as truth. When do we speak up? When don’t we? In this day and age, these are not inconsequential considerations.
We need to ask questions, express our opinions, and hold space for difference – to let each other be where we are, and trust the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth. We need to wrestle with our questions and differences of opinion with an openness to being wrong (or at least not quite right) some of the time. And we need to do it together, in community. This requires love, and a lot of courage. It isn’t always easy – but it’s worth the rewards.
To that end, I’m asking the question out loud again: What does it mean to be the church?
I’ll be sharing some of my own thoughts on the topic over the next few weeks, but in the spirit of “holding space” – I’d also love to host a conversation. Guest-post guidelines are here; I’d love to hear your thoughts.
More to come,
Happy
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image credit: John Price on Unsplash
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Matt McMann
March 18, 2020Happy, thank you so much for this thoughtful, considered introduction to a very important topic. Having come from a similar faith tradition as your own, I resonate deeply with what you’re saying here. A true, mature relationship with God will always involve growth and change, internalizing new experiences, information, and ideas, and allowing them to reshape and refine our beliefs going forward. If we’re ever at a place where we feel like we’ve “arrived” and have a stranglehold on the truth, we’re in trouble. While an intimate knowledge of and relationship with God is possible, She is also a wondrous mystery that will ever be revealing Herself to us. And yes I use the feminine form intentionally to remind myself and any who may read this that God is beyond gender binaries. So walk on, my friend, and know that I walk with you.
Happy
March 30, 2020Hey, Matt! Sorry for the late reply, and thanks for chiming in. I found myself chatting with a friend last month and recognizing, “I used to know so much – and now I don’t know a lot of things, but I’m so much more at peace.” Amazing the gift that letting go of a strangle-hold on truth can do.
I know a few people who would view that statement as heresy. I still believe there IS truth, and that it’s possible to find it – but, as with most things, I suspect the journey to it may be a little more to the point.
Happy
March 30, 2020A friend commented on Facebook and gave me permission to share here:
“As church attendance and engagement numbers have steadily decreased even in “the Bible belt” over the years, I think about it! We are Christ’s body. What are we doing wrong? Perhaps our biggest challenge is to admit that we’ve made mistakes, corporately and individually. And if we move forward courageously, with the best of intentions, grounded in scripture, prayer and loving fellowship, we will continue to make mistakes. We are broken people in need of Christ’s redeeming love. If we accept and share that love with others we will “be the church” whether or not our institutions survive. That’s pretty simplistic, but I think it has to be the foundation of “church”: continuingly confessing and celebrating our humanity AND courageously moving forward in our redeemed condition through God’s love in Christ’s sacrifice. Simple–not easy. A lifelong journey and goal for people and “church.”
As “the church” we’re surely learning meaning as we are unable to physically gather for worship and fellowship! I think each of us and our congregations will be noticeably changed from this isolation experience–for the good!”
Happy
March 30, 2020She has a very hopeful perspective, and I agree – we have the opportunity to learn a lot right now!
Joyful
January 11, 2022Hi Happy, I’m so sorry you were attacked by others for asking a question. I believe we must get all our answers from Scripture. Religion and denominations are not the church. Jesus describes His preference of what a church should look like in Rev 2&3. They put Jesus first, they keep His commands, they stand firm on the incorruptible Word of God, they have the Holy Spirit in them (are reborn) and use their gifts to help and love on others, are patient; they don’t tolerate evil/imposters/liars; they might suffer persecution and blasphemy of people who say they are Jews but are not, but they stand strong in the faith, they are not fornicators, they do not eat food given to idols, they hate the works and deeds of the Nicolaitans (who follow the doctrine of Balaam/Antinomianism); they pay attention and are awake, they do not deny Christ, they are not lukewarm but zealous! They are not self-reliant, they are not man-pleasers, but they want to please God and are rich in the Spirit. All straight from Jesus’ words. <3