Church history revisited
I am still not sure whether I should be writing this, but decided to give it a shot anyway. In order to get to my worry I need to tell you a little of my history and where I come from.
I grew up in Johannesburg and still live here now. Traditionally South Africans, especially Afrikaans speakers, used to be very religious. This was also the case when I grew up. Everyone I knew belonged to a church, usually one in the Calvinist Reformed tradition. My church, the one that my family went to, was the biggest one in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. It had the most progressive programmes and was generally seen as ahead of its time. To be a church member or to be on staff there was a kind of status symbol. Looking back I can see that there was a lot of pride.
After I finished school I lived in London for a few years and drifted a way from church. Coming back to South Africa eight years ago, I felt that I couldn’t connect with my old church. I subsequently joined a Pentecostal church that a few of my friends attended and am still there now. I felt for the first time that someone explained and applied the Gospel in a way that had relevance to my life. I could take what I learnt on a Sunday and apply it to my life during the week, trying to live a life where I knew God and tried to please Him.
A short time after I joined my new church, I heard from my parents that my old church was going through a hard time. There was a split in leadership, a big part of the congregation left, and there was great deal of disillusionment from those that stayed. To great extent they had to rebuild from scratch. Recently I attended a few services with my mother and what struck me was an almost tangible attitude of humility when you sit there. Their focus seems to have shifted from trying to build and maintain a church organisation to trying to find ways to please God. I think that’s beautiful.
That’s the background. Now for my worry.
My current church, the Pentecostal one I talked about above, has since grown into one of the big mega-churches in Johannesburg. It has programmes covering anything and everything and is known for it’s strong visual arts focus in the services. It regularly hosts international conferences and bring renowned speakers out here.
What worries me is that I see a lot of the danger signs that I saw in my old church. Sunday services are more of a discussion of postmodernism in a biblical context than anything else. The focus seems to have shifted from God to being a good organisation. The leaders are not available to the congregation and when you try to raise concerns you are ignored. When you do manage to reach someone, you get told that you don’t understand the vision. And there seems to be an incredible amount of pride about the church and its achievements.
I worry about my church. I believe you commit to church and stick with it, through the good and bad. But I find the arrogance and pride hard to stomach. When I attend a service and I see all the glitz and glam, and listen to the slick musical numbers, it bothers me.
Give me your feedback. Have you experienced something similar?
June 30th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
There are a lot of things I don’t think we can really speak to. Humility is pretty hard to judge from a distance. It’s probably why God encouraged us to be careful in judging these things, especially with people we haven’t sat down and talked with.
Growth is always one of those funny things. It does change things. That much is inevitable. One of those things is that the core leaders become less accessible. And as others will tell you they have seen some of the drawbacks (and the blessings) that come with growth.
But like I said, I don’t think I can say much. Some folks will come in here perhaps saying you’re perfectly right without knowing the situation. That’s unhelpful.
What I can say is that your duty is to God and to people. I’ve served unhealthy bodies before. Others I know have spent decades doing that. Why? Because they work in a system that is broken to help people that need God’s love regardless. I’m not saying you shouldn’t try to reform a situation, but if you do, redouble your other efforts to serve people and serve the church. It’s by serving faithfully and more diligently than most than you’ll gain the respect and influence you really want - whether that changes things ultimately or not.
July 1st, 2007 at 3:36 am
Good things to think about and a lot there to be aware. I agree with your concerns but it is hard to get it right in this area. As we mature we understand more and cease to be dependent on the input of others for our growth. We must move to drawing from God and His word and look to the contribution we can make. As we make that contribution, the issues that concern us can be helped through that contribution. Rather than expressing your concern regarding the imbalance, you may be able to contribute to the areas that are lacking. Perhaps you feel the people ‘on the margins’ are missing out and you could assist in some way to work on that. You could demonstrate your own humility in that project and that could help. In the end, listeing to God and acting in obedience will always be the best way to address issues in our church family. God has led you to your church and you have received much already so consider yourself part of the solution.
July 1st, 2007 at 5:20 am
Parke is right, the more a church grows the less accessible the leadership becomes. That is normal. Also, the more refined and focused a vision or direction for the church becomes, the more some will feel left out. That’s normal. What’s more, the leadership will necessarily gravitate towards those that jump on board 110%. That’s normal as well.
The question becomes, what is your vision and calling from Jesus in your context? How can the direction and focus of your church help you accomplish the task that Christ has for you? If the direction of your church is synergistic with your direction, jump in. If not, Let them go, encourage them, work with them when it advances the cause, pray for them and hope they pray for you. But focus on your Father’s business.
Best to you.
July 1st, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Thanks guys. I really appreciate the feedback from all 3 of you. I think that I’m so close to the situation that I find it hard to be objective and not let bitterness rule my judgement. I found the fresh perspective incredibly helpful.
What I saw running through all of your comments like a common thread was obedience to God’s calling for me. That’s good council right there. Also not to be so quick to judge others, because they’re not measuring up to the picture in my head. Rather focus on serving where I’m called to serve instead of concentrating on having my needs met.
Thanks for giving me a lot to think and pray about in the days ahead.
July 1st, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I love your heart for people, dude. I know God will guide you to good things as you actively pursue the best for people around you and seek to honor God.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 am
You used the phrase - “Please God” - I understand the context you were using it in but I still would like to ask the question of is that the goal? And if it is the goal is it attainable? And if it isn’t attainable is it really the goal?
I only ask these questions because I myself am wrestling with them and am wondering if you have any thoughts.
July 2nd, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Hi Marty
Sorry abou the delay in answering. I started a new job and my life is in chaos!
I used the phrase “plesae God” in the context that they have given up following their own agenda and are focussed instead on trying to figure out what God’s plan is for the congregation and following that.
About whether it’s doable - we can alll try, I believe. Surely we should all be focussed on seeing where God is leading us and then trying to live his plan for us. As long as you don’t forget, no matter how hard you try, at the end of the day it’s still all grace. You haven’t, and can’t, earn anything.
That’s my five cents worth. This is also an issue I battle with.