Church Shopping
That's an ugly expression but it
reflects on an ugly thing that has become part of Western Christianity.
In a world where individualism is pandemic and our "rights" have become a
near obsession "church shopping" isn't too shabby a phrase to cover
what we do. And yet, we ought to be shopping.
P.T. Forsyth a Scots theologian of some years ago became incensed
when he thought of the way churches were viewed and viewed themselves.
He thundered out against people asking what the church's programmes were
like, what it could do for them as potential members or what its record
of successes was like. He insisted that we shouldn't ask for its
programmes or even its piety but instead we should ask, "What is your
gospel?" He was blisteringly, scathingly and cuttingly right! For what
difference does it make how successful it is as a religious body or how
well it caters for the youth or how involved it is in community
benevolence if its gospel is not the "gospel"?
I admitted at the beginning of these suggestions that there's
something silly about pretending I could begin again. But I now know
that what makes a church great and what makes a church the kind of
church that I should urge my family to be involved with is one that
knows and loves the gospel that centres in the God who ultimately
revealed himself in Jesus Christ at the cross.
Not only do all Christians need to be part of a local congregation of
Christ, they should be. We aren't strong enough to make it on our own.
We are sub-Christian if we attempt to make it on our own. Christians
have been added to the Body of Christ, which manifests itself in and as
local assemblies.
But see to it that you look out for a congregation that focuses on
the gospel of God. That understands what the church is and is not to be.
A church that will feed you on the living bread of Christ. A church
where the teachers take seriously their calling and work with scripture
so that they will shape all the members for service to God in a body
which is indeed the body of Christ.
All good advice no doubt but how do the inexperienced go about this?
Yes, this is a tricky question. Well, when in trusting repentance you've
been baptised into union with the living Christ you are his so trust
him to help you find such a place. Tell him it's the kind of place you
want because you're hungry to get to know and love him so you can reach
out and bless others also. Rejoice in the hunger you feel for the rich
truth of the gospel because it's God's work in you and fervently ask him
for more. Listen to what's being offered, what's usually talked about
in classes and from pulpits and you'll get to know if that church is
parading itself or the Master. Is it ceaselessly "issue" oriented,
endlessly asking for money to support its projects or is it clear that
it's central business is to "grow"? If you've no reason to believe that
God's redeeming work in Christ for the world is the vibrant centre of
that church's faith and that reverent attention is paid to God's word
you need to continue praying and looking. But if you have reason to
believe that their benevolence, community outreach and moral development
is fuelled by the big, rich truths of the gospel you should thank God
and stick to that group like glue.