People have lots of opinions about church. Although the viewpoints are countless, and can be extremely divergent, they basically come from one the three following groups.
The churched
These are people who are inside the church. They mostly agree on who Jesus is, but disagree and argue over styles and philosophies of ministry. While one group believes in the importance of worship, another stresses the importance of prayer. While one believes that evangelism ought to be the primary focus, another contends for biblically-centered teaching. In another place discipleship is the main pursuit, while in another place it’s small groups, or it’s cultural relevancy, or it’s political activism, or it’s concern for the unborn, or it’s men’s ministries, etc. While each of these areas has validity, more times than not, these particulars are often pursued in a way that polarizes anyone with a different view.
The un-churched
These are people who are outside the church. These people mostly see the church as irrelevant to their lives. They most likely have had some exposure to church, but it seemed boring and old-fashioned to them. And when compared to the rest of the voices and influences in their lives, the message from the church comes across as narrow and judgmental.
The over-churched
These are the people who are no longer attending church. These people have been raised in the church and/or were actively involved, but have found that the traditional model of church no longer satisfies them. In search of a new experience to rekindle their love for God, they try attending different churches, maybe even the local mega church, but find themselves feeling more disconnected and more disillusioned.
People inside the church are arguing about things. People outside the church who don’t seem to care. And an ever-increasing number of people who are losing interest in the church altogether. Yet listen to Apostle Paul’s words,
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her…” (Eph 5:25)
This passage is usually referred to, and rightly so, for the instructions it gives to husbands. But the reference to God’s love for the church is equally important and should not be overlooked. Paul continues,
“…that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph 5:26-27)
Maybe the church needs to make adjustments. Maybe the church seems passé to our modern culture. But the church is loved very much by God. So much that he will do whatever is needed to bring out the best in her. Look at what he’s done in you and me!
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