As I have observed churches over the years I find myself continually asking, “Why do they do what they do?” “Does what they do align with Scripture? and sometimes “Why don’t they reflect Christ more?”
I have found that one or more of the following often explains why churches are the way they are:
- Their theological foundation and understanding.
Some churches are clearly seeking to live out their understanding of New Testament. It is clear that they have a solid Biblical and theological foundation for who they are.
Other churches are clearly lacking this. There foundation is more likely to be their heritage or personal preference, with little genuine thought of what God’s Word says. They are more than likely focusing on superficial forms and actions.
My understanding of the church in scripture is “Christian people demonstrating life under the Lordship of Christ.”
Some churches are built more on tradition and preference than the guidance of God through His word.
- Their contextual understanding of the people who make up their ministry area.
Some churches are real missionaries. They understand the people in their area: what their real and felt needs are, what the relate to, what has meaning to them. They understand the language of their community. Then they build bridges to the people in their area.
Others act as if everyone in their community is like them and they make no effort to understand or relate to those who might be different than they are. They do not take the time to learn the language or the culture.
We serve a missionary God who expects us to be missionaries.
Some churches are more like the castles of old with the draw bridges drawn up to keep out the outsiders.
- Their understanding of the needed systems to be a healthy missional church.
Some churches have identified the systems needed to be a Biblical church and have developed process to help them achieve desired outcomes.
Other churches are built on programs and events that may or may not be producing the desired result. But the sad thing is they are more committed to the programs than the results and outcomes.
The church needs to have processes and systems in place that lead people into Christ like living.
Some churches are busy running program, but seeing very little transformation in the people attending.
If the church is to represent Christ, it needs to:
- Have a clear Biblical and theological understanding of what the church is to be and do
- Understand the people that comprise their community
- Have systems in place to ensure that they desire process and outcomes are happening.
Which of these does your church need to strengthen to reach your full kingdom potential?