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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Being ridiculed by unbelievers is commonplace for Christians, but to have our motives questioned and even attacked by believers is less expected and indeed hurtful. Yet on a number of issues – such as liturgy, dress, and music – that is exactly what is happening.
Attempting to enhance the church’s outreach to unbelievers, many have added contemporary services with edgier music and a relaxed atmosphere to tremendous success. But some already in the church feel threatened, believing their concerns about reverence and propriety are dismissed out-of-hand and their experience discounted. One group questions the effectiveness of those who have maintained the faith throughout recent history, the other struggles to understand the need for new techniques to reach people who no longer feel connected to the church’s routine. Chaos often ensues – all over issues that essentially revolve around personal preference; but neglected in this debate is the fact that any freedom we as individuals gain in Christ has a price tag of responsibility and accountability. All the while Satan rejoices as a disaffected society shakes its head and moves on.
In the beginning, the “church” met daily in the temple (Acts 2:46 & 5:12); a hostile environment which necessitated meetings being moved to believers homes. (Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15) As the movement spread beyond the confines of Jerusalem, its numbers exploded in response to its message (Acts 2:41 & 47) and they soon outgrew even these accommodations. (Acts 11:26) Archaeological evidence shows the development of these meeting houses into church buildings over time with a growing need for an established structure to maintain order in their services; part of which was accomplished by creating a specific time for their gatherings (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2) and in fostering a fuller understanding of the significance of such foundational rituals as the Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:17- 34) As it’s numerical growth continued and it discovered new ways of expressing itself, it became imperative for discipline to be exercised during worship; not in an attempt to stifle spontaneity but to allow all members to feel connected and all issues to be addressed. (1 Corinthians 14:10,26-40; Colossians 2:5)
As elders in age and faithfulness were recognized, a preaching “class” evolved. Men familiar with eyewitness accounts or deeply steeped in Christian teaching assumed, or were appointed, leadership positions (Romans 1:1; 1 Timothy 4:11-15; James 1:1), not intending to dictate policy but ensuring uniformity of message – the worship style not of paramount importance but abuses and license being guarded against. (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) As confidence grew in the purity of the gospel and subsequent epistles, they were used to train believers in the way of righteousness, as well as rebuking and correcting wayward souls; holding people accountable to the standard of holiness represented in God’s word. (Romans 6:19 & 22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:7) And thus thoroughly equipping Christians to maintain their faith and assuring their effectiveness in good works. (2 Timothy 3:16)
The ecclesia (Greek) or Kirk (Latin) designated an assembly of believers invariably taking on physical form – to honor, glorify and worship God while providing a location for study and growth in faith and faithfulness. Jesus established it (Matthew 16:13-19), setting some rudimentary rules for its function (Matthew 18:15-17); the Apostles fleshed it out by exemplifying His will, developing it into a thriving community (Acts 6:1-4); all but one suffering martyrdom for it. The early church fathers nurtured it by clinging to the faith in spite of tremendous persecution, while millions more sustained it through the blood, sweat and tears of their witness. It has been used and abused, at times falling into complacency and grave error – yet it has been tremendously successful as well. All of society being changed as a result of Christ and His church. Human worth, individual responsibility, compassion for others and justice for all are rooted in Judeo/Christian principles; orphanages, hospitals, scientific research, judicial review and protected freedoms for the individual all emanating from the doctrinal truths of Christ upheld by His church.
The church has been routinely challenged to rethink its effectiveness amid calls for change from social progressives, holiness movements, the reformation and counter-reformation, through denominationalism and cultural relativism; all addressing weaknesses in the church and proposing remedies for them. Yet these often became an end in themselves as their advocates forgot the one over-riding purpose of the church – bringing people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; with many of the other issues then being met as a result. Incorporating the best of these movements into itself, it has survived dark times and learned to thrive once more, enhancing itself for God’s glory and man’s benefit.
Being seeker-sensitive, culturally relevant and an emerging church are all reactions to perceived weaknesses in the body of Christ today; but we must exercise caution that we don’t destroy what we have in seeking something “new” and better. Being relevant to our society is a must, but society can’t be allowed to change us to the extent that we are held to its standard! Will meeting somewhere other than “church” enhance our ability to attract people who are reluctant to attend a traditional service? That may be effective for the short-term, but what happens when that evolves into a church? A building doesn’t necessarily constitute a church but our surroundings can influence what we say and do; how we react to a thought, principle or challenge – how we present the expectations of the gospel. Sometimes the more relaxed a setting is, the less firm we are in our stand for right over wrong, faith and faithfulness, sin and the need of repentance from sin. Our surroundings can and at times should change – the message never! (Romans 14:22b)
How do we go about initiating change and accommodating the diverse cultures within our society? By heeding Paul’s caution of 1 Corinthians 8:9, “Be careful... that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”; and the advice found in his Roman letter to, “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” As”…each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” As we “…make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.” For, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 14:1-12,13-19, and 15:1,2)
Paul asked, “Am I not free?” To which he answered – ‘Of course I am, yet I will relinquish that freedom to accommodate others in my attempt to introduce them to Christ.’ (Applicable to both sides of these issues.) “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible… I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:1 – 19 & 22) He didn’t target a certain age group or type of person, rather he accommodated them all when possible, challenging them all when necessary; the church functioning best as a diverse and multi-generational entity, finding unity in its Savior. (1 Corinthians 12:4-27)
People can often be convinced of the need for change but will not be forced into it; being led to a leap of faith, not a jump in the dark. This in turn becomes a source of frustration for those who see the need clearly now. However, we need to remember that, “‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek is own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:23,24Our standard of behavior must be grounded in love, which is patient and kind; never envious, boastful or proud. How can we reflect Christ’s love when we’re rude, self-seeking and easily angered; keeping a record of who said and did what? Rather love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. As such – love, and a loving church, will never fail. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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