Lately, I've found myself trapped between two worlds within the Christian scene: the established church and the church planting movement. These worlds might not seem to be at odds at first glance, but once you're stuck in the middle - you'll know it.
In an earlier post, I mentioned that I think one of the keys to future leadership in my home denomination was to stop the herding of leaders into either the church planting track or the established church track. Additionally, seminaries need to stop serving one side or the other exclusively, particularly in the practical parts of education.
The deeper reason that this happens, however, is that churches have separated themlseves into these categories, so putting their future leaders into them is important. From that point, established churches can ensure that their future leaders are people they desire and those who are less desirable can be sent to the church planting realm. In a similar way, since the church planting realm doesn't really want those folks who are "tainted" by the established church, so it works out.
But what of those of us who would not want to write off the established church? I had a recent conversation with a graduated seminarian where we lamented the fact that we've been made to feel somehow guilty for wanting to bring change to established churches that makes them more viable. In some ways, we're guilty for not writing off the established church and going into planning and we're guilty for trying to innovation instead of perpetuating the status quo in the established church.
What gives?
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2 comments:
Let Us PLANT
Now Pastor,church success depends on so many things the most important of which is the work of the Holy Spirit.
now on this topic(to plant or not to plant)I could say both are good.In what way?
Seeing that scandals are ever on the increase in church(gayism,corruption,embezzelment,fornication,adultery,to mention but a few),This may call for strengthening of existing churches and a major overhaul before they can become cults.
On the other hand however I storngly support church planting especially as it is more representative of a fresh out pouring of the annointing.
The area where the church has been planted will have more vibrancy and more commitment.
Wherever a new church is planted there is always a Spiritual awakening and more people are added to us and to the Lord. David Mwes-Musician in Uganda
There is a great deal of inertia in established churches. This is not to say they are sitting still, but that a direction is set. Depending somewhat on circumstances, it will require a fair bit of time and effort to change. Think of it as a ship. The energy and time it takes to change a ship's course depends on: 1)weather (climate); 2)current speed; 3)size. Getting the ship away from the pier and out to sea takes a great deal of energy, but setting the course is much easier.
The church planters I have known have been impatient with the time and energy required to shift course without capsizing or breaking up. In established churches, they too often became divisive figures rather than directive.
This is unfortunate, since - as you indicate - too often those called to established churches are called with the understanding that they won't change course or speed at all. Then it's just a matter of time before they hit shoal water.
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