The Church and the church

The thing with revival is that it has to start somewhere.

Most of today’s generation would agree that some degree of reform and change is needed in the American church. But looking at the lists of problems and solutions feels a bit like looking at a long list of chores – and deciding to watch Netflix instead.

How do we create a culture of love? How do we become more accepting to those outside the church – while also maintaining higher standards for those within the church? How do we develop meaningful mentorship programs? How do we reach people beyond a surface “observer” level on Sundays?

It’s overwhelming, and it’s hard to know the answers. Fortunately; we don’t have to know all the answers. We just have to know one.

A church building or the basic concept of a “church” does not have any inherent value on its own. The value of the church comes from a living, breathing congregation of individual believers, strengthened through community. Faithfully investing in the family of God is crucial to strengthen and equip us to serve Christ effectively.

The Church (big “C”) is built up of groups of believers who come together for fellowship and study – i.e. church (little “c”). Instead of trying to rebuild an entire skyscraper, doesn’t it make more sense to focus on the individual bricks?

The big picture pressure of “reforming the church” is more likely to paralyze than mobilize. In reality, starting with minds and hearts will bring true change – more so than focusing on the system and structure and expecting minds and hearts to follow.

Faithful believers build faithful churches. Faithful churches build a faithful Church. Is it possible that our advocacy against problems we perceive in the American church is attractive because it absolves us of personal responsibility to focus on change in our own lives? Revival in the church will come through personal obedience. Personal devotion. Personal training of the mind. Personal choices to act in a way that is counter-cultural.

Change might not begin with massive reform. Change will probably begin exactly where it began in the first place – through the cross and Christ’s personal sacrifice for each individual. The church as an entity will follow the tide of the individuals of which it’s comprised. Let’s make sure we’re heading in the right direction.