The Church as We Wish to Know It

The most recent edition of Leadership Journal featured and article entitled, The "We" We Want to Be.  It was a very thoughtful exploration of what spiritual maturity looks like from a collective church standpoint.  I've given this a lot of thought over the years, and I find this to be one of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of ministry.  To have any collective sense of direction or pattern of growth is nearly impossible in an organization so given to the societal norms of individualism.

If I, as a minister, or if we, as church leaders, attempt to establish a common direction or goal, it is generally rejected.  Not necessarily in principle, but at least in practice.  The goal may be accepted as healthy, Biblical, useful... it's just not my goal.  So we all, as individuals, decide whether or not we will actively participate.  I think many people would be offended by my even challenging this assumption, but how exactly is a body to function if all its parts determine their goals and purposes independently of one another?

People have accused me of being too controlling, and of trying to force my will upon the congregation.  And I would be dishonest if I didn't acknowledge that I've as much capacity for selfish interest as anyone else.  But I also have to conclude this assumption is largely rooted in the fact that I'm trying to craft a collective direction for people who are interested, primarily, in individual pursuits.  That's not to say that we never come together to get things done.  But I think we tend to do so on a very controlled and individualized basis.

So what, if any, "we" do we want to be?  Some people seem to think of the church as primarily a social outlet.  Some think of it more as a community service organization.  I've known some who saw the church as a professional networking opportunity.  Some regard the church as an opportunity for self improvement.  Some seek constant encouragement, as if the church were a weekly motivational sales meeting.  Some want the church to be their 24/7 therapy group.  Some seek ritual and tradition.  Some seek theological innovation.  Some just chase around from church to church after whatever they find exciting.  I know some churches so focused on evangelism that it's not church unless there is some kind of "come to Jesus" appeal made.  Other churches are always focused on healing and miracles.  Certain kinds of people seem to be drawn to these different environments and assume this is what church is supposed to be.  So, where is there a collective direction?

If you could fashion some measurement device or survey, my guess would be that, in one form or another, most Christians will expect the church to facilitate their individual goals, growth, and direction.  While the church has this potential, I don't see how it ever could have been considered its primary purpose.

Though it is entirely Biblical, one of the most offensive things you can do in the church today is actually expect people to put themselves second.