The Article Archives
Topic: Truth in Culture Weekly Commentaries
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“If You Build It, They Will Come” Ecclesiology
May 18, 2009
S. Michael Craven
 
In our ongoing analysis of The Coming Evangelical Collapse we must inevitably examine what I call the “new ecclesiology” or doctrine of the church. I say new because there has been a shift in how we understand and define the church, so much so that the institution itself is being redesigned and much of its life reoriented.
Michael Spencer argues: “There are three kinds of evangelical churches today: consumer-driven megachurches, dying churches, and new churches whose future is fragile.” For the purpose of clarification, the term megachurch refers to any Protestant congregation with a sustained average weekly attendance of 2000 persons or more in its worship services. This is not the type being addressed here. Simply being large is not necessarily bad. I know of many theologically orthodox, missional-minded churches that meet this criteria. Instead I am emphasizing the point made by Spencer: “consumer-driven megachurches,” which is more about philosophy, affecting churches both large and small.
For many evangelicals, the consumer-driven megachurch has come to define success and thus this model, according to Spencer, remains most likely to survive the post-Christian era. I am not (nor is he) suggesting that these churches will survive because they are better or even that they should. Rather, these churches may stand a greater chance of survival because they tend to be insular, subcultural, and most accommodating to the culture. As Spencer noted, these churches are more “pragmatic, therapeutic, [and] church-growth oriented,” churches whose emphases have “shift[ed] from doctrine to relevance, motivation, and personal success.” Such churches are unlikely to offend, much less challenge, the post-Christian culture. In short, the culture is unlikely to be concerned with such churches. To those outside the church, they just don’t matter.
The premise of the consumer-driven megachurch is rooted in the idea that you if you build it they (the lost) will come, meaning: make the institution as attractive as possible. Don’t get heavy on doctrine and theology, emphasize “visitor experience,” maximize programs and services, Xbox and Playstation for the youth, weight rooms, yoga classes, restaurants, and, of course, you must have a Starbucks. Megachurches appear to be competing for “consumers” by offering the most amenities. Visit such a church and you will quickly pick up on the proprietary pride felt by its members, “our church has…”, “our church is…”, and so on. Such statements tend to be more about the institution rather than the work and person of Christ. Outside the Sunday gathering of the church, you’re likely to encounter a boastfulness subtly conveying the idea that “our church is better than your church.”
Driven in large part by the belief that mere church activity produces spiritual growth, the consumer-driven model—aka seeker-sensitive—tends toward the maxim: just get ’em in the door! Willow Creek admitted to this strategy in their 2007 Reveal survey results and concluded what should have been obvious: it does not work. Whether or not their humble discovery has been received and acted upon by those caught up in the church-growth movement remains to be seen.
The new ecclesiastical premise is that the worshipping congregation exists for the lost, the person not actually in the church. Build a building, strategically located (based on the latest demographic trends/data), make it nice, and hope they come. Given this new target audience, we then make some compromises. The sermon can’t focus on doctrine and theology; that might be confusing to visitors. So we jettison expository preaching—aimed at equipping the saints—for topical preaching addressing felt needs. This changes as the felt needs change and the Body never gets anything more than lowfat milk! (Recall the data demonstrating the staggering theological illiteracy in America).
Given the massive numbers of people that this model attracts, there is the practical requirement for countless volunteers just to manage operations. Add to this the need for hundreds of Bible study leaders, Sunday school teachers, and children’s workers, and standards begin to drop in order to fill practical needs. Business models and strategies are emphasized over and against theological depth. I have sat in such churches, attended Bible study classes only to be shocked by the ignorance of those teaching. Many are completely ignorant of church history and the most basic theological terms and concepts and those responsible for providing oversight and guidance are mostly unaware of what is missing. It is often the blind leading the blind.
Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying the lost are prohibited from participating in Christian worship—certainly not. As a famous twentieth-century theologian, rightly expressed this, “The church exists by mission as fire exists by burning.” The problem here is one of seriously misplaced emphasis. The church is the body of Christ. The body of Christ is called to be distinct from the world, being those who have been made “alive together with Christ“ (Eph. 2:5; emphasis mine), “fellow saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19). And to this body, Christ gave “pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, until we attain to the unity of the faith and of knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood … so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro … and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Making “the body grow … so that it builds itself up in love” (Eph. 4:11–16).
Paul later contrasts this body with those who walk “in the futility of their minds … darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God” (Eph. 4:17–18). Clearly, the New Testament emphasizes that the church is a distinct people who are called together by God through grace for worship, fellowship, to be trained for the “work of ministry,” and then sent by Jesus “into the world” (John 17:18) so that the world may know God and his great love for them that was demonstrated on the cross (see John 17:21–23). We do not await the lost to come to us; we are sent to them and for this work, the Scriptures emphasize preparation. That is the work of the institutionalized church; the church exists for equipping the people of God for the mission of God, the administration of the sacraments, and ultimately the worship of the triune God by those who have experienced his saving grace.
Might this biblical understanding of the church better serve the purpose of reaching the world for Christ? Let’s stop watering down the Word, begin equipping the saints, “sanctified in the truth,” and go into the world. Rather than men building institutions in hopes that they come, let Christ build his church and obey his command to go to them.
© 2009 by S. Michael Craven
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Responses
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Response from : stephen peele |
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May 18, 2009 8:42 AM
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I am profoundly encouraged by your message. As one of those churches struggling for survival in a world increasing uninterested and hostile, we have believed that our mission was to equip people to go out and do the work of the ministry. This is not new for us but it does remind us of our mission and what our expectations should be in regard to "growth". These ideas need to be shared with more Pastors and leaders so we come into the new phase of church history...what I believe is the great harvest phase which will come largely by God's hand not our handiwork.
http://www.livingexamples.com
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Response from : Greg Williams |
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May 18, 2009 9:07 AM
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Thanks again for a great article covering a lot of info regarding the "crippling" of the Church in postmodern Western culture in particular. I find it very interesting that the Reveal survey, which was very poignant and 'revealing' regarding seeker-sensitive philosophy and it's downfall and failure, has been given very little play by many, if not most, of the consumer-driven megachurches (of which I'm a member, teacher and former deacon, asked to be an Elder and declined due to Scriptural reasons for not yet being called to that in order to 'manage my household' prior to having any role in "managing the church".
I find it very interesting also, in light of my last comment, that it is the "consumer driven" mentality that drives this culture and these type of churches. Isn't it telling that most of them are very much organized and run like a corporation or business rather than a family (thus the need to regularly address and encourage the ideas from Scripture of healthy relationships, sexuality, marriage and family which you've done a super job of) which is what Paul strongly spoke of in his letters to Timothy and Titus regarding Church Leadership (a family model in contrast to a 'business' model is very telling).
I'm really struggling to stay in the church I've been a part of for 30 years as they are continuing, even with constant challenges and encouragement to shift directions on all of these issues, to make decisions based on business, numbers, contracts, etc. rather than the clear Truth!
I'm currently in a series on our Adult Bible Fellowship (previously known as Sunday School) class on these issues and am using the Epilogue in your new book "an Uncompromised Faith" to wrap it up (and it may very well be my last series and teaching at the church unless the Lord clearly directs otherwise).
Thanks for all you do and God bless in Christ!
In His service
Greg Williams
http://www.ip315.org
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Response from : Brian Mahon |
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May 18, 2009 9:49 AM
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Thank you!
I know some men who see no point in wanting to know Jesus because they see others living a superficial life. When I speak the Word to others I keep it real- the meat: ALL the meat, with the gristle included. Many churches have resorted to 'feel good' seminars so as to be fluffy- Not AT ALL what Jesus spoke (at least to my heart- He pulled NO punches-just TRUTH-Thank you Jesus). The harvest is indeed ripe and the workers are few. Amen to your ministry. brian
http://@yahoo.com
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Response from : John Lange |
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May 18, 2009 9:51 AM
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I am a member of a church that prescribes to your notion of being against the "church growth" model. It is high-borne, indeed. I have found the practitioners of this model of the church to be insular ("we are providing evangelism by opening the doors of the church on Sunday") and pietistic in their worship.
When do you expand on your last few lines where you call on the church to go out. The members I have observed are content to be self-righteous in their contempt for the mega-churches and their methods and proud of their non-espousal of their techniques but not equally zealous to go out and seek the lost.
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Response from : John H. Armstrong |
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May 18, 2009 10:14 AM
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This is superb! I pray readers will not simply applaud but respond with positive and creative ways to restore to the church the marks of grace. When the church is the church the world pays attention. Right now they are not paying attention and your analysis nails it.
http://www.johnharmstrong.com
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Response from : Bob Derval |
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May 18, 2009 11:37 AM
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I certainly enjoyed your article comments and was reminded of how long this ignorance of the Bible has been going on. I entered Bible College in Sept 1973. We were given a 150 question questionaire. Of our class of 28 students only 4 of us correctly answered more then 100 questions. The class average was approximatly 50 correct - and to make it worse, two thirds of the class were PKs. Pastors, evangelist and missionaries kids who had cut their teeth in Sunday School. Sad isn't it. Bob Derval
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Response from : Michael |
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May 18, 2009 12:49 PM
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I have really appreciated your insights into the state of evangelicalism, and I agree that on the whole the movement is in danger. However, I must say that though Mr. Spencer's statements in this article are accurate for the majority of evangelical churches, there are some notable exceptions. There are not *only* three kinds of evangelical churches -- it's just a big-picture trend that fits the majority. And there is not only one new movement ("missional", as helpful as that term is) to replace the three. Churches that have historically maintained both cultural relevance and orthodox boldness, and have been blessed with large numbers, can be superficially judged as being consumer-driven -- but it's not a fair assessment. Yes, the largest and most "successful" megachurches have defined the standard as being consumer-driven, but if you look a little deeper you may be surprised to find some that there are some good-and-faithful-servants who have been impactful on their congregation and community without succumbing to the lastest evangelical trendiness. When the "missional" trend expends itself, it will be these kinds of spiritual workhorses that will continue to grow and thrive.
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Response from : Rev. Brenda Yeadon |
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May 18, 2009 12:55 PM
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I am an evangelist with credentials through the Assemblies of God denomination and I am attempting to keep myself "modern" in my preaching without compromising the message. Your on-line communiques are a great assist! I have read your book,Humble Apologetics and Unchristian. All great assets for this 60 yr old preacher.
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Response from : Glenn McIntyre |
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May 18, 2009 4:24 PM
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There is but one response to this piece: AMEN.
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Response from : Rich |
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May 18, 2009 8:37 PM
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Our church is non consumerist. We lost half. This can be a Copt-out for ineffective ministry.
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Response from : Martin Van Dyk |
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May 19, 2009 8:27 AM
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I appreciate your ability to read culture -there seems to be a high degree of illiteracy. All levels of schooling will teach students how to read -but books only.
Our culture is far too often unread.
What do Christians celebrate in worship services? They all too clearly celebrate their differences. Which church shall I go to? or Which mega-church shall I go to?
Christian unity is absent.
Martin
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Response from : Vince Armfield |
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May 19, 2009 3:07 PM
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Thanks for your observations and admonitions. Shepherding a small church can be difficult at times, when pressures abound to "try" the things other churches are doing (when they grow in leaps and bounds). Sticking to the truth of feeding the sheep, equipping the saints and sending them into the world for Christ's sake and cause lies at the heart of my calling.
Thanks,
Vince
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Response from : Merle Ali |
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May 21, 2009 9:20 PM
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Very enlightening! Another trend is home/house church, not having a pastor but allowing Jesus to speak through the individuals; also allowing for free expressions by the members of the group.
http://n/a
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Response from : Mike |
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May 22, 2009 7:53 AM
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Precisely impacting, especially for many African American churches and denominations. From the Great Migration to the storefronts of the innercity, glimpses of the successful mega-ministries of T.D. Jakes and others has caused this "church" or ministry model to be the goal for many-the confirmation of a cultural "rags-to-riches" religous icon. It can work when properly re-focused to the model presented in this article.
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Response from : Anita Franco |
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May 22, 2009 4:58 PM
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Dear Michael, there are the few who are "listening " in to this New Age-whether it was 60 w.d or the 21st century the word of God does not return to him void-He is the ame, today, yeterday, tomorrow--remeber what John 14:6 reads no one can come to the Father except through Jesus Christ-when Christ spoke to Ananias he said to him go to this person Saul I have chosen him as my vessel-the Spirit of God draws those to Him-when Philip was told go to this Eunuch and help him to understnd -Philip asked do you understnd? He said how can I except someone teach me-so it is of the Spirit and the call on Gods choice-The Father chose the 12 for Jesus but He did the appointing- if people are searching they will understand of the Spirit of God-Ask,Seek,Knock-God sees the heart of men-Anita
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Response from : jackie thaw |
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May 22, 2009 8:49 PM
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Great article!
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Response from : Barry |
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May 23, 2009 7:51 AM
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I applaud you for standing strong for the truth. I told the megachurch where I had been attending for 15 years that what they were doing would not work. They went headlong down the consumer road. They told us we had too old of a philosophy and it involved too much discipleship. That we needed to be seeker sensitive. They built a youth center that was like an arcade and hurled us into debt for it. The members who had been there a longtime left, 1100 of them and the church got into financial trouble then removed the head pastor but did not learn the lesson and are still somewhat consumer driven. I was one who left in the 1100 and resigned as a trustee.
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Response from : Duke |
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May 23, 2009 10:36 AM
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"If You Build It, They Will Come" Ecclesiology
Amen to your latest article... Well stated and balanced.
God spoke to me in last month to leave my "contemporary" informal church with focus on community and motivating message related to life for a "traditional" church anchored on the bible and relationship with God.
Mega consumer driven churches certainly serve the community but I think it leaves out the holy God with focus on "us" and material blessings in light hearted messaged lacking reverence and fear of all mighty God rooted in the bible and one's relationship with God.
Again thanks for the great article.
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Response from : Joann Trawick |
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May 23, 2009 8:46 PM
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I'm looking for a church that is like the one described in your article. In my area there doesn't seem to be one.
Where are these churches?
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Response from : Jan |
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May 24, 2009 12:03 PM
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I have been pondering this question in my mind, Is the church today conforming to the pattern of the world?
This article encourages me to keep sharing God's message of hope and life. Thanks.
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Response from : Valorie |
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May 24, 2009 2:33 PM
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Thank you for your article. The 'church as we know it' is so far from Biblical it is pathetic and heartbreaking. So many people are being led astray and confused by erroneous churchology. Thank you for having the courage to put into print THE TRUTH. Keep fighting the good fight of FAITH!
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Response from : Cristina Penullar Brillo |
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May 25, 2009 7:55 AM
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Praise God bec after reading this article it confirmed in my heart the true purpose of the church & the responsibilities of the teachers & pastors to equip us to work with them for the advancement of God's kingdom.
well,hoping that some pastors will train more church members to be leaders like them so that their names will not be glorified but the name of Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit. Gracias y Dios te Bendiga
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Response from : Rajesh |
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May 25, 2009 11:19 AM
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Hello Michael,
This is the first time I am visiting your website and the fist message I am reading.
You have indeed captured the essence of one of the ways the "church" is failing in its purpose and the causes resonate quite strongly here in India and an Indian perspective as well.
There is a book that deals withe the same subject - http://www.amazon.com/Shopping-God-Christianity-Went-Heart/dp/0743292871 which I have recently begun reading.
That said, what is the solution? How do we get people back to the 'basic' precepts of repentance, grace and obedience to the Word - the Written Word - all of this of course, to be better disciples first before becoming "evangelists".
Thank you for your writing.
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Response from : Charlotte Hudson |
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May 27, 2009 10:02 AM
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This is wonderfully written. The church, as I've known it for my 57 years, is not what it was 2 decades ago. Mega churches with their yoga and ballroom dance classes must sadden God the Father and His Son.
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Response from : Judah |
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May 27, 2009 10:24 AM
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I live across the street from a housing project were drugs, crime, violence, prostitution run rampet. In this neighborhood there are 18-25 churches mega and small. None of these churches have an active street ministry. But on any given sunday they are holding some type of in house celebration. The church has indeed lost it's purpose and to win souls is not the main goal, but filling the pews is the goal.
http://http
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Response from : Rev. Kenneth Jackson |
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May 27, 2009 12:54 PM
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May God continue to bless and use you. My brother that which i have just read will preach on Sunday morning, you are speaking the truth concerning the gospel that is currently being ignored in our churches today, preachers are fearful to speak the truth they don't want to affend or loose an opportunity to collect at offering time, but MY GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR SPEAK ON MY BROTHER.
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Response from : Denise |
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May 27, 2009 3:25 PM
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amen Amen AMEN !!!!!!!!
Because when you get them in there by all this attractions, how are you going to keep them in when all these attractions die out. Let's not trick folk in coming to church or better yet coming to Jesus by attraction. Teach then what thus saith the Lord, no ifs, ands, and buts about it. Let Jesus do ALL the attractions
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Response from : June B. Anderson |
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May 27, 2009 4:47 PM
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Because of past very painful experience, I heartily amen this article. My story is very long, but the seeker-sensitive movement is definitely a church killer.
http://www.junebanderson.com
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Response from : Margie |
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May 27, 2009 11:46 PM
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I agree with your article regarding the' mega churches' approach to addressing eschatological issues. Too often I hear my own generation say that the church has become a 'sideshow alley' or 'hyped personal development course' occasionally infused with biblical doctrine reminding us of the origin of the organisation! A watered down theology with more than a 'twist' of 21st century entertainment, less about eschatology and more about appeasing the ego eccentricities of the our generation. It has become a place where the church 'fits' neatly into contemporary culture and fills the whims of the masses. Jesus did no such thing, yet we precariously assume the opposite whilst hanging on to our so called' resources'. Why? I find today's response to evangelism hypocritical and offensive to the intelligent mind. It is demonstrates a sense of burgeoning arrogance and inequality, whereby everyone must participate in some sort of 'volunteer' capacity to uphold the 'wheels' of the church as it wrestles with contemporary world issues. Was that its purpose? As ‘The Church ‘we are supposed to be 'set apart' from these issues? “ Do not worry what you shall wear, drink ; eat . For The Father knows that you need those things” (my version) Matth 6:25. Italics mine
If we believe this, trutsing in Him; then why are we so ‘worldly ’and less set apart? Take for example the Muslim faithful....set apart...(Pray 5 times daily, wear appropriate attire) Jewish faithful...set apart.(Commit to weekly prayer and fasting, wear appropriate attire)....Christian faithful........?????????? Just what is it that sets us apart???????
If I want to go to Starbucks, I would go to Starbucks or find a Life Coach to help me with certain problems and yes I would preferably go to a Christian Starbucks! But today how can we be sure?
I prefer the local 'home gathering' church today for the simple reason that I am strategically placed in my community and my neighbours know that I am a Christian and I know if they are not believers and this allows me to evangelise at the 'grass roots'level. I have taken families to church and the response is always the same...."it was not like church, but we enjoyed the show"!
It breaks my heart that we are becoming another 'extravaganza' where the real message is lost! Give me that 'old time religion' any day!
PS: too many of us seem to agree with you, makes me wonder when God will separate "the wheat from the chaff" , I sense our foundations being shaken, do you?
http://australia
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Response from : Sonwabile |
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May 28, 2009 5:59 AM
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Is there information/suggestions on how to address the issue to the leaders of moving away from doctrinal teachings to topical issues without sounding critical?
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Response from : S. Michael Craven |
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May 28, 2009 8:59 AM
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Dear "Sonwabile,"
I'm not sure you can avoid being critical when offering criticism. However, I think we let "speak the truth in love" be our guide. This is more than simply delivering criticism in a "nice way." It means that whatever truth we offer is given out of genuine love for that person or in this case the church leadership. This requires a grace-giving God to prepare our own hearts before we speak. Ask him to give you a sincere love for those in leadership. I would also recommend putting your critique in the form of gentle questions that are inclusive, i.e. "Are we sure this way works best..." "Are we certain that our people are growing as a result of...", etc. All you can do is try, following the Lord's admonition to love. If they do not receive it, there is nothing you can do but persevere in the relationship (seeking to be at peace) as long as they will allow. This may be the Lord's means of grace and testing for his church. Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding seems appropriate to the situation. Submit yourself to the leadership of your church, trusting in the Lord--by faith--to use your humility and obedience to pour out his grace on those in leadership much like a wife who humbles herself before an unbelieving husband so that he may be won over. Such times may call for some who are willing to be a living sacrifice in this sense.
Blessings,
Michael
http://www.battlefortruth.org
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Response from : BILL LITTLE |
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May 29, 2009 4:32 PM
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The thing that struck me in the "build it" philosophy is how opposit that approach is to the methods Christ and his diciples used. Christ Himself simply spoke the truth in love and knew that some would respond and others would not. If people want to know the hard truth about salvation, Chris-like love and committment it is hard to come by in too many churches today. His people will hear His voice.
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Response from : Larry Ouillette |
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May 30, 2009 8:09 PM
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2 Timothy 2:4 is my favorite scripture that would be much like what you have shared. I have used this scripture a lot with others that would get so involved in the politics of the church or in our country. Christ should always be in the center of our focus and everything else is periphery. Building up of the church is Jesus responsibility and our responsibility is to learn and lean upon Him. He will add to our numbers. They will know us through our love for one another.
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Response from : Michelle |
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May 31, 2009 1:08 PM
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I am thankful for your article. As I was looking for a word from God, something to help me with some of the issues I see happening in my little country church, I came across this article. I do NOT believe in coincidence. I think God may have given you these words so that I could find them. Praise God! Please pray for my church, that God will remain the head and that we the body will work together as He leads, not as we want it to be.
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Response from : Dinah Wilson |
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June 1, 2009 10:45 AM
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I totally agree with your article. My girls and I attended a church similar to one of the mega churches for several years. I enjoyed it for awhile but began to realize that something was missing and much was being left out. As I began to read and study about seeker-friendly churches I began to understand what was missing and being left out. It is refreshing to read an article that validates what I have discovered. Thanks!
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Response from : Renee |
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June 11, 2009 12:02 PM
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It's evident the church is entering a new age. Whether that's good or bad, weak or strong I will leave to authors and commentators to debate. I attend and work in an environment that is defined as a mega-church. However, when I invite people to church, it's not for them to see how large the church is, but to help them in all areas of their lives; to disciple them and to send them out to accomplish God's will for their lives. Many churches, small, med, large or whatever term they are given have been guilty of not embodying the message of Christ. I've been to churches that taught the "unadulterated" word of God,who did not walk in love. The environment was focused on teaching the people the knowledge of God, we were taught church history, "the doctrine of" along the guidelines of what most seminary schools taught, however the leaders and many of the people were unkind, didn't understand the love of Christ and were more concerned with what they knew. Christians not only need to know the word, they need to understand it. People need to have a one-on-one encounter with God so that they can have an intimate relationship with him like many of the men and women they read about in the Bible. I have never known what it's like to have never known God, as a child I recall knowing there was a God. I'm sure my parents spoke about Jesus, because I've always known Jesus. So, growing up it wasn't difficult for me to except the Word. However, I meet people who have never been to church not even on Holidays. I've met people who went to church infrequently and when you spoke to them about God or about the Bible, they were totally confused regardless of the size of the church. Many times we speak over people's heads. Like this article, there are many people saved and unsaved who just wouldn't get what the author is talking about. This challenge isn't based solely on the lack of education occurring in the church, but what is happening in our school systems where the children are graduating and their comprehension levels are low. Addressing the mega-church issue, one must also consider the impact of education, economics, technology and the cruelty of previous Christians that have impacted the people they were suppose to serve, love and teach in the ways of God.
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Response from : Catherine Lane-Whitfield |
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July 12, 2009 10:02 AM
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My morning began with a feeling of loss and confusion. I ate and drank a little and then I brought up my laptop to begin the arduous task of eliminating e-mails that I had been saving for the purpose of review. I entered a keyword and pushed send. An appropriete list came up but there was one e-mail that was not appropriate to the list and it was yours. I opened it to see if my laptop had failed me and the blessing I received through this effort is the work of our Lord Jesus Christ...God Bless You for this ministry.
In Christ, Catherine Lane-Whitfield
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