Christianity Today

"there are some darker chapters in our history that need not be retroactively whitewashed, but in many respects, that heritage and our communal traditions are precious gifts". I agree, and I get the point. Certianly I have wonderful memories of the churches I attended and served in through the years. And I also have seen the reasons why people shake the dust of their feet and walk out. Yet, God is in it all and we do not throw the baby out with the bathwater But, we must both embrace community, tradition and all the good of the old fashioned sunday morning organizations, and also be fearful of the problems that can come from relying on organization. Truth is, Jesus is where two or more are gathered in his name. It matters not what the building looks like.

A relationship with the Lord begins in the heart. Some people who warm church pews have such a relationship, some don't. Jesus said there would be tares (unbelievers) among the wheat (believers). I've attended funerals where church pastors lauded church members to the skies, since all they knew about them was their pious behavior at church. Sadly, their friends and family members knew the awful truth. There's a balance to anything, and the Lord tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves with other believers. He also tells church leaders not to lord it over the "underlings". Church abuse happens and it is a real problem.

"Spiritual But Not Religious" folks and the "Nones", by an overwhelming majority, like Jesus. Christians like Jesus. Let's see if I can't make this simple for those inclined to complicated. That's common ground not battle lines. Clear enough? When I see attitudes like those expressed by self-important religious elites like Pastor Daniel I wonder, “Have you ever sat down with one of those so called “Spiritual But Not Religious” people for a heart to heart talk about matters of faith? Have you ever sincerely asked them why they feel the way they feel about religion, not to start a debate, but just to listen to what they have to say? I have, and the experience is extraordinary. Turns out, many of them have a deep yearning for a close relationship with God, and an even deeper belief that God needs to be a central part of their life. And they’re not at all convinced they need to be in church to achieve that. Now the issue for a guy like me isn’t whether they’re right or wrong, but rather the incredible opportunity they represent for the Harvest. They, by a vast majority, have a high opinion of Jesus, they spend a lot of their time thinking about their relationship with God, and they love talking openly and acceptingly with others with similar goals. They’re perfect for us. So why do we insult them? What deep flaw in our souls causes us to condemn them instead of engage with them? Mathew 23 might be a chapter many of our leaders need to read.

There are quite a few books and articles lately on this topic, and there is always a reason behind the reason for them.That reason is called job security. As populations become more spiritually enlightened scales come off their eyes and they start seeing God's truth. They start leaving these hollow institutions, much to the dismay of the leaders who fear that their gravy train of money, power and prestige is becoming obsolete. Rick is right, Jesus's Church is alive everywhere, in small groups, house Churches, on the street, in soup kitchens, etc.

Samuel, people are leaving the Catholic Church (or just not attending), the Episcopal Church and the historic mainline denominational churches and even the cessationist wing of the evangelical church in droves because it is mostly empty theater. It is “having a form of Godliness but denying the power”. Vestments, robes, stoles, liturgy, incense, choirs, pews, podiums and meaningless sermons, religious traditions, therapy and rationalizations once a week. People want reality, they want an honest encounter with God and by that I mean a Jacob, Peter, Paul, Philip, John, Stephen encounter...a voice, visions, trances, angels, physical healing, demons cast out, miracles and palpable joy. The normal Christian life in the book of Acts. They want to know Jesus, He is the pearl of great price.