Changing Church Culture

Over the past 2,000 years the world has certainly been changed by the presence of the Church.  From the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended and Peter stood up with the eleven Apostles, preached the first sermon and three thousand in Israel believed, the Church has been on the move and literally has gone into all of the world.

Over the same time the Church has also changed.  While the teachings of Jesus remain the cornerstone, the culture has changed.   While many of us hope that our local church looks something like the early church, a reading of the Book of Acts in chapter 4 beginning with verse 32 tells us what the early church culture was like:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs 

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. 

With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 

Some of the words in these five verses should give us pause: teaching, fellowship, break-bread, prayer, selling possessions, meeting daily, house-to-house, sincerity-of-heart, Lord-added-daily-those-being saved.

I embrace the local church.  Like Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, I believe that the local church is hope of the world.   Together, we cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit to bring people to the cross, to share the gospel of reconciliation and to wait for the coming restoration when the Lord returns for His Bride. 

We are more successful in this mission when we return to that early church culture of a devotion to teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer.   When we do, truly a sense of awe will come over everyone.

A Wakeup Call to the Church

American culture has been changing rapidly and the rate of change is increasing exponentially.  

For example, just one group, the so-called “nones,” who are those religiously unaffiliated people, have grown from a relatively insignificant few historically to more than 16% of the population in 2007 and then to almost 23% of the population in 2014. Pew Research Center’s massive 2014 Religious Landscape Study makes it clear that this trend is real and accelerating – particularly among the young and younger adults. 

These trends should be a wakeup call to the Church.  I’ll step out on a creative but also theological limb and say that this trend is actually predicted in scripture.  My premise is based on historical Christianity as well as the prophecies concerning this very time known as the latter days.  It is during these latter days that the Church is told to wakeup.

If we are talking about the latter days that means we have to take a quick tour through one of my favorite books of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, officially known as the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Here’s my premise:

1. Revelation is best understood as a unified prophecy – not a number of prophecies: One continuous prophecy dealing with three specific elements:  ‘that which you have seen, which is, and that which will be’ (Rev 1:19)
2. It’s not unusual that prophecy in the Bible has not one singular fulfillment but often two or even three fulfillments.  We see this in the Messianic prophecies, the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD and during the tribulation, Isaiah 61 with the scroll given to Jesus, the first and second coming of Jesus.  The coming of Elijah before the coming of the Messiah.
3. In particular, the seven churches taken in order paint a very clear picture of what we now understand as seven periods of time.  If they are discussed in any other order, or without specific mentions to that specific church or time period, it makes no sense at all particularly as prophecy.
4. The names of the cities, specific instructions, warning, admonitions and encouragements fit to the last detail.
5. In these seven ages of the church, Jesus says that he will come back during the ages of the last four churches which all overlap: Thyatira (Roman Church), Sardis (The denominational churches of the Reformation), Philadelphia (the Missional Church) and Laodicea (The Lukewarm church)

So why does the church need to WAKEUP?

Let’s read the letter to the Church in Sardis (Rev 3:1-6)

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

It is specifically the Church in Sardis that is told to ‘wakeup’.

Each of the Churches in the Book of Revelation have a name and like many names, there is a meaning to the name.  For example, we know that Philadelphia means “Brotherly love”, The word Smyrna is taken from the word Myrr, that was used in burial.  The name Sardis comes from the Greek word ‘sardeis’, the plural form of ‘sard’, and the meaning of the name is "those who come out.”   This is significant because the idea of coming out is one of the key identifiers of this particular church age.

1. The name Sardis 'came out' of the word Sard, former city
2. The Sardis of Apostolic times 'came out' of the former Sard due to population growth
3. Sardis represents the Reformation church period when it 'came out' of the Roman Church

Historically, many theologians believe that the church at Sardis was representative of a segment of the overall church beginning in 1517 A.D.  This Church age began when Martin Luther nailed his “Ninety-Five Theses” on the door of the Church of Wittenberg in Germany, outlining his grievances against the Papacy and Roman Catholicism.  From 1517 forward, the Protestant church came out of the Catholic church.

“that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev 3:1)

  

Let's look again at the specific words being used.  Strongs 3686 is the Greek word onoma that is being translated here as the word "name". 

Onoma in Greek is used in the same manner as our word "name."  Many have heard the political word RINO (Republicans in Name Only) and also 'Nominal' Christians using the same root word. 

Note that this church is referenced by this word onoma which is the same root word we have in Denominations.   The church becomes DEAD when more people are interested in their particular denominational difference than the fullness that is found in the essential gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Onoma indicates a church made up of people who outwardly professed Christ -- probably many of them thinking of themselves as believers -- but who actually possess no spiritual life. They are Christians in name only.

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent." (Rev 3:2)

When you are living in a PAGAN society, it is very easy to begin to embrace the PAGAN ways

Ancient Corinth was infamous for its wanton sexuality. Paul included among the common sinful lifestyles in Corinth "the sexually immoral," "adulterers" and "men who practice homosexuality" (1 Corinthians 6:9). Some Corinthian believers were even among those groups before their conversions. But when Paul preached the Gospel there, "many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized" (Acts 18:8).

Repentance is not a common practice in the church today. It is thought to be something for the nonbeliever, a once-for-all action that is primarily an act of the will necessary for salvation.  But is this actually to be our experience with repentance? 

We need repentance rather than reactive disengagement or reactive entanglement

How do we live in a society that is becoming activity hostile to Christians?  I would say it is neither through reactive disengagement or reactive entanglement.  That is however a conversation for another time. 

The immediate response from many is "then who are we to associate with?"   Paul answers this question in First Corinthians 5:9-13 (NIV)

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. 12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

Back to the church of Sardis

“Repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”

“Come like a thief”…do those words mean anything to you? here is a refresher: 

"Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.…(1 Thes 5:1-3)

Yes, this is an end time Church.

Let's quickly look at these four churches..

Thyatira (Roman Church) “Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds”.…Rev 2:22

Sardis (Denominational/Dead church) “I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you. Rev 3:2

Philadelphia (the Missional Church)  ”Because you have kept My command to endure with patience, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Rev 3:10)

Laodicea (Lukewarm Church) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev 3:20)

Its Time to Repent: 

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Tolerance Redefined in Cultural Wars

It was interesting but perhaps not surprising to see Cocoa-Cola, Disney, the NFL and the NCAA quickly huddle and threaten to boycott Georgia if the Governor signed the Religious Freedom Bill.  The Governor caved to the pressure and vetoed the Bill.  

This is just the latest and certain to be not the last time that the new definitions of tolerance, fairness, equality and inclusiveness trumps what many to believe are constitutionally protected rights in our Constitution.

Cultural wars have been discussed academically and sometimes even rationally for years but the present impact of cultural change in America is profound.  Few savvy political sages and seers would have guessed as little as five years ago that the Supreme Court of the United States would rule this past June 5-4 that the Constitution requires that same-sex couples be allowed to marry. 

The question for many theologically and culturally conservative individuals and organizations is, "What's next?"

The answer is obvious: The culture is not just changing but with the change, the actual definitions of moral truth, integrity, respect and values have been redefined.   Those that embrace the LGBT agenda out of being non-discriminatory don't care if their agenda tramples over the rights of the majority of American citizens.   Political correctness now trumps not only freedom of speech but also parental rights.   Tolerance has been completely redefined as only benefiting those who feel the most offended by traditional or conservative moral values.

Like the sexual revolution of the 1960's and 1970's, some witnessed, some participated, and some even won individual battles; but it's obvious now in retrospect that we lost that war.

Church in the Shadows

One of the biggest developments in the Church world has been the redefinition of ‘biggest churches’

By now, almost everyone has heard the term, “Megachurch” (church of over 2,000 in attendance) but few have understood the actual change in the church landscape that has happened in the past 30-40 years, literally one generation.  While there are those that applaud and many that disapprove of the megachurch, their impact is profound, particularly if you are a regular attendee or pastor of a church in the shadows of one of these mega or even gigachurches.

First, let’s talk briefly about the growth of the megachurch.   In 1970, there were less than a dozen churches in the country with more than 2,000 in average weekly attendance.  By the year 2000, just 30 years later, there were approximately 1,000 of these megachurches, an annual growth rate of nearly 20%.  By 2015, there were an estimated 1,900 megachurches and not unusual to see churches in America with average weekly attendance of twenty, thirty and even forty thousand -- what many are now calling ‘gigachurches.’

We also know that these megachurches are primarily very evangelical.  They are passionate about ministering and reaching their communities, largely charismatic at least in their worship and give an appearance of being nondenominational.

Because of their size, their worship, choirs, facilities, children’s ministries, auditoriums, and even grounds are spectacular.  These churches can afford to hire the best and the average lead pastor at a megachurch is paid nearly 4 times more than the average salary of other paid pastors (and note that more than half of the churches in America are pastored by bi-vocational pastors).

So what is a ‘Church in the Shadows’ supposed to do?   Not every small church in the country is destined to become a megachurch nor should they.  Nearly 90% of all churchgoers attend much smaller churches and obviously enjoy the size, fellowship and ministry.

Here are some of the things that we can learn from the megachurches and likely will contribute to continued health and vitality, if not attendance growth.

1) Traditions Change

In “Fiddler on the Roof” Tevye the milkman tries to maintain his family's religious and cultural traditions against strong and sometimes overpowering outside influences.   Similarly, as pastors, we need to continually take a look at the traditions that are not contributing to the Biblical heritage of the church and may in fact be contrary to the very purpose of the ministry of the local church.  Traditions regarding music, dress, ritual and even preaching style change.  Pastors and churches that are resistant to these changes often will find themselves in decline.

2) Decisions determine destination

Often, we find ourselves at a particular place and wonder “how did we get here?”   While not often noticed as being consequential at the time, decisions that were made will impact our destination.   Years ago, my wife and I were involved in a growing denominational church with a thriving school and ministry.   In a period of just a few years, a number of decisions were made to reemphasize traditional worship and catechism in the Sunday services.  These decisions not only slowed the overall growth of this church but quickly aged the congregation and significantly and adversely impacted the churches outreach and ministry to the local community

3) Culture Conditions the Church

Culture is defined classically by borders, symbols, language and values.   As Christians, we can look at society and instantly see a culture that is often contrary if not hostile to the very fabric of our religious and biblical values.   At the same time, every church has a culture that is also defined by the same borders, symbols, language and values that is either attracting or repelling the local people to whom the church is supposed to be ministering.

I am one that appreciates some of the old hymns, the traditions and reverence that seemed to be so typical in our churches.  However, society has changed.   The megachurches have tapped into the changes in society to their advantage and have attracted younger families and typically reflect diverse educational and economic demographics that enable new people to feel comfortable.   People that are at ease and comfortable in church are much more likely to not only return but also learn and embrace the teachings and values that are important.

Note that I earlier mentioned not just the size of the megachurches but that they tended to be “very evangelical.  They are passionate about ministering and reaching their communities, largely charismatic at least in their worship and give an appearance of being nondenominational.”   The cultural conditions in these megachuches are the very same conditions that contributed to the growth of their ministry without diminishing their Biblical standards.

While some may disagree with the results, few can disagree with the trends.

Churches in the shadows can and should be looking at their traditions, decisions and culture to ensure they are all contributing to their advancement of the Great Commission and the general ministry of the local church.