More of Corporate America?

Tuesday morning, January 29, 2008

This is THE ACCURATE MODEL of the early (very early, as in newborn) church: “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles” (Acts 2:42-43; emphasis, mine). For some reason, we have been led to believe that there are better models than this one, as it evidenced by the popularity of today’s “church modeling syndrome.” Of course, this is understandable (albeit regrettable), especially in light of the competitive atmosphere that exists today among churches.

In my opinion, the Holy Spirit was well-aware of what He was doing when He gave birth to the church and established it as a living organism within our world, a living organism with a mission and a purpose—to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Sadly, this mission and purpose has long-since been abandoned and replaced by something that looks so much like competitive corporate America, that one would be hard-put to distinguish between them.

The tragic end of this mindset is a “church” whose mission and purpose is no longer to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever, but to reach the masses in an effort to increase income and to, thereby, have enough money to finance the programs and staff that are necessary to succeed in such a competitive environment. Of course, this is never admitted; instead, the goal of reaching the masses is done under the disguise of evangelism, which just might be the worst of all sins.

There is no wonder that so many people are leaving “church” with no plans of ever returning! It is no surprise that so many Christians—very sincere Christians—are frustrated, aggravated, and disappointed with “church”! Look at the obvious: the people who work in corporate America (for the most part) are long-past burned out from the treadmill of performance, weary from trying to reach the just-out-of-reach goals, and exhausted from attempting to maintain balance between family and work, not to mention fearful of losing their jobs. It is my guess that the last thing the really want from their local church is more of corporate America.

Anyway, in my opinion, it is time (actually, past time) for the Church to return to its roots—fellowship, worship (that sense of awe!), teaching the Word, and the sacraments—to that place where HE is glorified (not man!) and the Bride enjoys HIM forever—the genuine work of the Holy Spirit and not the manipulative efforts of man!

The fact is the church should be a haven of rest for the weary, not another place of frustration, aggravation, and disappointment; after all, Jesus died to set us free not only from sin, but also from its power—the power that fuels the competitive spirit of what we call church today, the power that drives us away from that place of intimacy with Him, wherein we find rest for our weary souls—and that for this good reason—that He might empower us to rest in His finished work.

Simply, simple church, as I see it!