Prompt 13: January 1, 2022
A question was brought up in my last men’s group meeting: What is the biggest problem facing “the Church?” I responded, with a hint of sarcasm, that there is no problem facing the Church. God will continue to direct and protect his people as he has always done. I did mean it, if only from my mouth, but we all knew that the question remained unanswered.
This is clearly a question of Christianity’s role in our culture rather than the spiritual health of christians. It is also a suggestion that the perpetual division of Christian institutions will not save it from its historical schisms. If I can appropriate a quote from Darryl Cooper in regards to the Iraq War, I think it will narrow our focus as it abstracts our question; “Without context, everything is a surprise.” We shouldn’t be surprised by this question. I don’t mean to provide context to the issue of division in the body, as I cannot even elaborate how we might define the body of Christ, but I can offer a few observations, being a homeless worshiper for several years:
I’ve seen many congregations; met many pastors, reverends, and priests. Each building hung a cross, some even with a body, though not all spoke of it. In some places, people fly around, zooming around from hug to “hello” to “nice to meet you.” Other places were vacant, the only sign of service was an unlocked door. Some congregations were made up of friends, others of neighbors, and still others of strangers. Some celebrated their missions, the fruits of their work, others considered their mission a church tax, toward which to support some cataloged fund. Some sing, some dance, and others perform. Some leaders read the word at length, and dissected its meaning, others referred to mere biblical ideals. I have seen marvelous things and I have seen wretched things. Of all these, I doubt I have come across a congregation void of believers.
So, it seems to me, the issue of division among christians seems to be in following Jesus, the man that he was. Much brighter and more educated men have defended doctrine on how following should be done far better than we could, so I want to leave this prompt where Ode To Culture can discuss: How do we build up the Body of Christ?
If there is indeed a problem facing the Church, what is it and are we responsible?
The thread is open. Create boldly, and may the Spirit guide us all.