Several months ago, I compared the institutional mainstream (IM) church to the Jews of Paul's missionary journeys in the book of Acts (Go to the Gentiles). I've been thinking more about the radical disconnect that exists between today's IM church and a truly missional organic church. First, let me define what I mean by those two categories. The IM church, is institutional because its structure and operation is based on a business-level organizational model. Hallmarks of the institutional church are that they depend on buildings, highly qualified staffs, procedures for assimilation, and program-based ministries. By mainstream, I am generally referring to a category of denominations that reached their climax of effectivity in the United States between the middle of the 19th to the middle of the 20th centuries. This includes Episcopalian, Congregationalist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist and United Methodist. Mainstream protestant churches are distinguished by their worship style (around an hour, once a week on Sunday Morning), their wide appeal theology, and their local church organizational structure. What I mean by the "missional organic" church is something entirely different. By missional I mean that the aim of this church effort is to fulfill a dynamic mission rather than to sustain and institutionalize a cultural practice. The participants in a missional movement are unified first and foremost not by affiliation (dogmatic, cultural, socio-economic) to an organization but by a common aim and cause. By "organic" I mean that the structure and support of the gathering grows and adapts to the dynamics of the mission. An organic church is more dependent upon inter-relationships than upon buildings, staff and programs. It relies on the flexible and strong bonds between its individual members to sustain its mission. Now, these definitions can certainly overlap. There are IM churches that depend heavily upon a mission and relationships and there or missional organic churches that may have some level of structural support. The question that I want to pursue is how the Missional organic church and the IM church can and should relate and interact. Can they coexist in active partnership? How do they support one another? What other historical examples do we see of similar relationships existing (i.e. The establishment of special orders of monks and nuns within the Easter and Roman churches, the Wesleyan Methodist movement and the Anglican church in 18th century England, the Base Ecclesial communities of Latin America and the Catholic church).
Excellent post and great thought provoking questions. I have a question: what is the difference between what you are purposing and the current missions that the IM churches support today? Am I correct in assuming that you would not be leaning toward another missions organization but a church with some of the same goals found in first century church (Acts 2:41-47)?
ReplyDeleteI ask these questions because I am trying to determine what your vision is concerning the Missional organic church. It sounds awesome.
hi ray
ReplyDeleteit's nice to hear your thoughts.
At my church right now, I think the big conflict is that, to the degree one focuses on things like bigger buildings and who's in charge, less time, talent and treasure are available for doing outreach to the broader community. But, it's also hard to imagine a mission that exists in any material sense without physical resources, which ultimately require upkeep and structured organizational systems to maintain them beyond an initial burst of enthusiasm.
It seems like a role of the IM church could be to serve as a big iron pot for the bubbling stew of the missional organic church. Everybody wants the stew, but it's hard to make it without a pot.
but on the other hand it sure gets distracting at times. i mean, i would say that a distraction with self adulation, concerns about paying for a new building and dissatisfaction with getting a new priest have seriously and fundamentally hampered my church's ability to serve the community. Would it be better if we were in a tent and did things by consensus? My monthly contribution might have a more visible impact to me. I'd probably feel better about giving more, doing more, being more invested and involved...
ReplyDeleteHey Ray,
ReplyDeleteI like that you are questioning the Church, period. You know my background so there is no reason to go into where I stand. I feel all truth is God's truth. Why is it that when we use that truth (as in a new start or rebuild) that people respond so richly? Why is it that we all feel that truth working and yet convince ourselves of something else and allow that to keep us from doing the things we ought to or to the level that we should? Are we just like the people in Josiah's day? Have we forgotten or are we just trying to manipulate that truth? Are we willing to lead like Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34, or do we turn our heads and convince ourselves we are doing enough?
Consider, really consider the cost... Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, & Mike Yorkey really address this in a slightly different context in their book, Every Man's Battle: It cost something to learn about Christ. It costs allot to live like Christ... It costs something to confess in front of others and accept Christ. It costs allot to come home and remain committed to that change... It costs something to avoid playboy magazine, etc. It costs allot to control your eyes & mind daily... It cost something to send your kids to church, Sunday school & camp so they can learn... It costs allot to lead regular family devotions and lead family worship & prayer... It costs something to dress your children modestly. It costs allot to teach them to think modestly and act nicely...
I guess the question for me is: Have we (Mainline Church) become so functional as church (including our missions)that we have forgotten that it's about ministering. It's about community and becoming involved in that adventure. Faith is much more than understanding or accepting Christ. Faith is an adventure. Why? To show the love of redemption and it's availability to all, to become so much more than anyone of us is ever capable of. To Glorify and be thankful to that truth.