A Church Emerging

I have been grappling with the issue of community for some time now, but was challenged recently by a response to an article on depression recently posted on this site. The lady who posted the comment expressed that although she had been involved in church life for many years she was in fact very lonely and had also experienced depressive episodes during her life. That really got me thinking. How can someone be a church attender, surrounded by many Christians, and yet still be lonely?

This area has troubled me for some time. In fact, I know many people who have in the past attended large churches and yet complained that there was no community, they felt lost in the crowd, a number in a gigantic system. Many of these people merely drifted from church to church looking for what I see as a missing ingredient in church life: community. A place where they can feel connected, cared for loved, valued, needed and befriended.

George Barna, the American church researcher, notes that unless people make at least three significant friendships during their initial months in a church they will leave. My own observations support this. I have seen many people leave churches for lack of real friendships.

My own experience in larger churches tends to support this also. I have had times where my family felt on the outer, not part of the social community, despite being surrounded by hundreds of fellow Christians. I have also noticed that meaningful relationships in churches are not as common as we would like to think. Most conversations during “fellowship” time are shallow and devoid of real dialogue or depth. Surface level comments over a quick cup of coffee before flying off for another week, prior to returning for the same serving seven days later.

I conducted a bit of an experiment some years back. My family and I were holidaying for three months, visiting different churches each week as we traveled. Interestingly, we found that most churches we visited, across a range of denominations, were unfriendly. In many instances unless we, as visitors, made an effort to talk with someone, no-one would bother engaging us in any way. Most times it was easier to leave than stay around and feel uncomfortable.

Yes, loneliness is a real issue even in the church, the community of God. Churches must acknowledge this and grapple with it because surely we should be able to provide people with community better than anyone or anywhere else.

It is certainly something I am thinking about in my efforts to establish a Christian community. I tend to talk more about community than church, in an effort to change perceptions and make community a priority. The road is long, I reckon people have forgotten what community means in this disjointed, independent day and age, but we must make every effort to regain a focus on building and maintaining a sense of community within our churches.

Have you ever had an experience where you have been doing something for a period of time without really understanding exactly what you are doing, and then…the penny finally drops? I’m sure you have. I recently had this experience as I began reading a book describing the emerging church.

It’s a bit of a buzzword these days, the concept of the emerging church. It implies that the church of the future is emerging in a different form to what it may have looked like in the past. It also implies that the process is not yet complete, the emergence is still happening. This makes sense since the days of Christendom in Australia are clearly past. Church attendance is in decline, many see the church as archaic and irrelevant, belonging to a past age, and, let’s be honest, boring, dry, and lacking vitality. While we Christians know this to be untrue, if we are honest we can understand why those outside the church may feel this way. Clearly many church planters are experimenting with various church forms, grappling with the concept of what a Biblical community should look like in the 21st century, the so-called postmodern age.

As I was reading the first pages of this book it struck me with force that as church planters working within a fledgling, small Christian community we are part of this emerging church movement. This is an encouraging revelation. It almost authenticates what we are doing and certainly provides inspiration as we grapple with the concepts of what church is, what a Christian community should look like, how we should engage culture whilst at the same time avoiding the tendency to blend with culture, which can easily happen as churches seek to become “culturally relevant” (another buzzword). It is especially affirming to know there are many others on the same journey, especially given the raised eyebrows we often receive from those entrenched in the established church, who see only their form or denomination as Biblically correct.

The point is that we too easily confuse form with purpose. We blindly accept the structure and form of the institutional church as Biblical when it is more based on traditions developed over a long period of time, the product of the modern era. What we really need to think seriously about is the mandate the church has to be missional (which is way more than the odd “outreach” service), the life of Jesus and the model He gives us for engaging with our communities (which was incarnational rather than attractional), discipleship as a process, how the word of God can be taught effectively in a culture which is highly visual, and a range of similar issues.

For me this revelation validates my search, it is OK to grapple with such issues. It is only by grappling that change may come. The head in the sand approach won’t work. It is time to Biblically assess what we know as church, to identify the truths, the unchangeable priorities, but to be willing to rid ourselves of traditional forms, structures, and mindsets that prevent the church from being all that it should be.

Quite clearly I am a struggling blogger. Sometimes I feel like a blogless blogger. My intermittent attempts must be frustrating to say the least. However, I have good intentions to blog more frequently. (By the way, blog is a rather unfortunate word really, not one that rolls off the tongue in an eloquent manner). Time will tell whether my good intentions translate into actions.

To follow up my last entry I would like to describe the remainder of a typical Sunday worship service. Generally, we follow a time of worship and Holy Communion with a message, teaching, or exhortation. During this time the younger children head off to a program designed for their growth, generally taken by one of our older teenagers, or an adult. We like to have the children participate during the service as much as possible, and benefit form being in church with the adults, but have found that it is good to provide something for them at their level for at least part of the time.

The message is usually very interactive. We encourage participation and active engagement as distinct from more passive styles of preaching where the congregation has no (or little) active involvement. This may be through the use of questions, comments, and discussion points within the teaching. The person bringing the message directs the process and always attempts to draw truth from God’s word which can be applied to our everyday lives in a practical manner. We believe in being doers and not just hearers of the word, so bringing a practical application is highly important.

We usually finish with a time of worship and corporate prayer. Not prayers read mechanically from the pulpit (which we don’t have anyway), but prayer directed by the Holy Spirit within a worshipful context. These prayers may be for each other, others outside our Christian community who have needs, for unsaved loved ones and friends, and for wider issues. We believe in the power of prayer and feel it is important to include such a time in our worship service.

So far, so good - I hope. Nothing too cultish about the process so far. In fact, what we do, you could pretty much find in any church anywhere across Australia. That being the case, what is distinctive about the home church setting? What is different? Why do we believe it is something God wants us to pursue? What do we do during the week? Is having a single home church our ultimate goal or is there more? For answers to these intriguing questions and more, stay tuned…

It’s been a while since my last posting and a lot can happen in a short time. Church-wise all is travelling reasonably well. True, there are the usual frustrations, but God is teaching us to rely on Him and simply be obedient. Success is not measured by numbers, tithes, or programs, but simply by trying and obedience. This is a refreshing understanding, and hopefully not simply a way of rationalising slow progress in terms of how we have traditionally measured church success.

As I write, I am thinking that it may be useful to describe what actually happens when we meet together for worship in a house church type setting. Especially given that some people tend to view Christians who meet in homes as belonging to a cult, or adhering to some strange, obscure doctrine, or even being church dropouts who couldn’t cut it in the mainstream church. From our perspective, none of these concerns apply. I will consider why some people enjoy the house church setting in a later blog, but for now, what do we actually do in a typical Sunday worship service.

Yes, we do meet on a Sunday, 10.30 am to be exact. Our Sunday worship time is very similar to what one would find in any church, yet, with greater flexibility and informality. We have a time of worship as a group, adults and children together, with usually a musically gifted member leading from within the group. We certainly want to avoid the performance aspect that can creep into church worship, and encourage everyone present to be actively involved rather than passively listening to the worship team as they praise God. We are aware that worship is intensely personal even within a corporate setting and strive to draw closer to God during these times.

Our service also includes an opportunity for people to give. We believe in the concept of generosity and mutual sharing which is clearly taught in the New Testament (regardless of what one believes about tithing). There is no “money talk”, nor do we hand around a plate, bowl, or milkshake style container. Rather, there is a receptacle of sorts located in a convenient place where people can bring their offerings as led and able. While not wanting to over-emphasise money, the opposite is equally dangerous, an under-emphasis that leads to neglect of this important aspect of being a believer.

Holy communion is shared every week, sometimes during the service itself, often during the meal which follows. Someone may bring a short exhortation which focuses us on the cross. We desire to centre our whole service around Jesus and proclaim His Lordship. In this way, we see the Lord’s Supper as vital and follow what we believe is the New Testament pattern, regular and “as often as we meet together”.

It’s funny how you can start off with not much to say and end up rambling on. Even this is the abbreviated version. Stay tuned for part two where I will describe the balance of what may happen during one of our typical Sunday worship meetings.

Does a church need a name? Is it a Biblical pre-requisite that all churches require a name before they are able to be in some way officially recognised, or even accepted, as a legitimate Christian community? This is our dilemma. We are currently a church without a name, an untitled gathering. While we feel comfortable with this, it is always difficult when people ask the inevitable “Which church do you go to?” question. Our reply tends to be a description of our community rather than a title. Upon hearing our reply many people tend to then disregard our small community as irrelevant, or somehow insignificant in terms of the kingdom of God. This can be frustrating.

What also frustrates and annoys me is the way in which some tend to regard a church that meets in a home as somehow less than church. Many Christians seem to hold the view that the only legitimate form of church is one that meets in a building on a Sunday. To be sure they pay lip service to other forms of church but it is clear that they see alternative styles as less than Biblical. Interestingly though, the New Testament has more to say about networks of home churches than it does about mega churches that meet in large buildings.

Another issue that tends to push buttons is the fact that we are an independent Christian gathering, not affiliated with any one denomination. This certainly causes eyebrows to raise, followed by something like “Who is your covering?” But, I better leave that issue to another time!

For this blogger, blogging doesn’t come naturally! I can only hope my blogging regularity improves with practice. It is an art form in itself this blogging business, much different to other more formal forms of writing, and a definite skill set of its own. Nevertheless, onward we blog.

The last few weeks of our small community have seen growth and a developing sense of community, something that has been greatly encouraging. Times of worship, teaching and fellowship have been meaningful for adults, youth and children alike. Feedback has been positive with people saying they are actually enjoying coming to “church” and feeling connected with God and each other.

Through all this positive spiritual progress we have had a major physical setback with our son breaking his leg at a local beach while riding (or, should I say, attempting to ride) a skimboard.

Now don’t get me started on skimboards. I now think they should be banned. What was I thinking as a responsible adult prior to my son launching himself into the air: “That looks like fun, I might have a go myself”. I quickly changed my mind as I cradled his head in my arms whilst the lapping waves surged around us. He knew immediately that his leg was broken, and even the untrained eye could pick that something was amiss in the angles of his leg.

So, an ambulance trip later, five days in hospital, and he is now at home some three weeks later plastered form toe to groin. To make matters worse his 14th birthday has been spent encased in a restrictive plaster.

But, having said all that we have received much prayer support and know that God will bring full healing without complication. It’s great that even in the midst of trials, which we all face, God can bring peace, support, healing and encouragement. So for those of you in similar trying circumstances stay strong, seek prayer, and trust in the Lord.

Christmas is certainly an interesting time of the year. An opportunity to meet with family you haven’t seen for 12 months (since the previous Christmas), exchange gifts and various pleasantries, check how much weight your relatives have put on or how much hair they have lost, or how many new body piercing they have, eat too much rich food, and generally recover from the chaotic preparations seemingly necessary every year. It’s no wonder Christmas can be a difficult time for many. It must take a full year to recover from the financial strain of Christmas for some families.

For us and our flegling home church Christmas was an opportunity to reflect on Jesus. We attempted to keep Jesus at the centre of our celebrations and while this is not always easy given the many distractions, Christmas was for us a time of reflection and celebration around the birth of our Saviour.

The home church is a unique context. There is something about being small which creates an intimate, warm, communal atmosphere. No facades, performances, or surface level relationships. The smallness of the gathering tends to draw people in and create closeness with God and each other.

Here’s a little thought for those who are striving to bring a big vision to fulfillment despite small beginnings. A situation we are currently in, and undoubtedly relevant for many who read this. I shared from Genesis 6:9-13 yesterday, the story of Noah and God’s directions to him to build the ark. Yes, I know, you’ve heard it all before. But, consider this and take some encouragement. Noah acted on what was GOING to happen, NOT on what was currently happening. How good is that? Noah acted on the vision and direction God had given him despite his current reality, and he did so obediently for possibly more than 100 years. If that doesn’t encourage you then nothing will!

So, if God has given you a task, stick with it even though your current circumstances may give you no cause for optimism. Act on what is going to happen and don’t let what is currently happening stop you!

Another instalment in the church planting adventure. Although sometimes the sense of adventure can be overtaken by the frustrations. What do we do with money? How can we grow? What about children’s ministries? Youth? Outreach? How can we be incarnational in our communities? Why does it take so long to see someone saved? Why are Aussies so seemingly resistant to the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ? So many questions. So few answers.

They say “From little things big things grow”. If this is true then our foray into church planting is going to be of gigantic proportions in the future. But for now we meet as a small group of believers diligently praying and seeking God’s desire and will in the situation. Church planting gurus such as Peter Wagner suggest that the whole process be saturated in prayer. How true that is. For us at this stage we are reminded to immerse our steps in prayer. As David did when returning the ark; six steps forward then stop and seek the Lord.

As Australians we are intensely pragmatic, people of action, proactive church planters wanting to get out there and just do. But, God is more interested in our relationship with Him, it is from this point that He will grow His church, not through our meager efforts conducted from within our own strengths and abilities. I’m reminded about something I learnt years ago: “Ministry is about being, not doing”. That is, who we are in Christ, our relationship with Him, not what we do for Him, or in His name. This is something we need constant reminding about. Seek first His kingdom. Prioritise our relationship with Him and the rest will follow.

This is a stage of obedience. A stage of faith. A stage of trust. A stage of looking at what is happening with eyes saturated with spiritual vision and fervour rather than natural limitations and negativities. Simply because “He will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it”.

Interesting topic this emerging church. Quite a popular, almost trendy term in church circles. And yet, it is also a tad hard to define. To me the title itself actually asks more questions than it answers. What is the church emerging from? Where is it going? What form will it take? What is the Biblical model for church? Is what we experience as church the way church should be? The questions roll on, one leading to another.

If you are anything like me you may feel somewhat dissatisfied with church as we know it. It almost feels as if something is missing, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. The church seems to be being the church, nothing seems to have changed too much, but there is a nagging feeling that something is not quite right. Is God doing something new? Is there going to be a new reformation of the church as some are predicting? What needs to change, and how will it all happen?

The emerging church is a response to these questions. An attempt to grapple with the form and nature of church as God intended it. At this stage the emerging church is still emerging, the final form is yet to be seen, but people, ordinary believers, are experimenting with ways of doing church outside the traditional model.

This is something I am experiencing first-hand as my wife and I step back from church as we have known it for the last 20 years and attempt to initiate something, a new Christian community (otherwise known as a church plant), that we believe is in God. How can a venture be frightening, exciting and challenging at the same time? As we seek to follow God’s call in this initiative we are stepping outside the framework of the institutional church into the domain of the emerging church (at least I think so anyway!), an area that is largely undefined and fluid. For Christians who have been fully involved in church based ministry for 20 years this is scary. More so because many in the church have no understanding of what you are doing or why. But, when God calls we have no option but to be obedient, even though we may be moving more in faith than solid evidence that God is building something.

For us, we are pursuing God’s call to establish a house church in the Northern suburbs of Geelong. An attempt to build a Biblically functioning Christian community that lives out a sense of mission in the local neighborhood. A group of people committed to God and each other, meeting in a house, a small community committed to seeking God’s direction and purposes. For us this is the starting point, the moment of stepping out into the unknown, wondering how this thing will grow, what it may build to, and at the same time knowing that God is the builder who will grow His church. This small expression of the church corporate is our attempt to embrace community, to create a context where believers can live, learn, worship, pray, care, and grow together. Whilst our loner term view is of an inter-connected network of house churches across the region, meeting as small communities, gathering corporately every so often, in the present sense we are really seeking to just get things going. To be faithful and follow God’s call even when discouraged and somewhat alone.

A lot remains to consider. What about the leadership issue? What was the apostle Paul’s model for church leadership and multiplication? How about mission? What is a Biblically functioning community? What should church look like? What about offerings and finances? How should services be structured? What is the New Testament model for believers worshipping together? Do we need a program for children? How do we prioritise relationships over programs? What about the covering issue so often bandied about as a warning to those who are brave (or foolish?) enough to want to do something different from the norm? Why a house church model and not a traditional set up? So much to think and pray about, food for thought, topics for further exploration, investigation and discussion.

For my wife, four children and myself it is as if the journey is just beginning. The church is emerging. What will it become?