Great, Grim, and Hope

I just finished my first lecture in my Church and Mission in a Global Context. The class started off rocking. The professor began the lecture describing how the church needs to rethink how it does church because it is declining at a rapid pace. He described how people claim to be spiritual, however, they are not inclined to come to church. In other words, the church is becoming less vital for one's spirituality. This is precisely what we (Ridgeline Community Church) have experienced within our church plant. We have met several individuals who would consider themselves spiritual but do not see the need for church, nor want to be involved with one. Therefore, we needed to be creative and strategic in how we would integrate them in our community so that they would encounter a transformational God.

The greatness of the class and his statements quickly turned to grim. I started to question why I wanted to continue on in ministry. What's the point? If the church isn't going to survive (or at least thrive) why would I want to commit myself to full-time ministry? Isn't it futile? I wouldn't encourage my son or daughter to pursue a career in an organization that only has a few years left until it eventually fizzles out. That would be silly. I would want to place them in a place where they would succeed and thrive.

BUT our prof didn't want us to leave in despair. I think his point was that the church needs "new expressions" if we are going to reach and connect with those who are far from God. I also need to realize that the mission of the church is not a futile effort. It's not an institution that will fade and pass away, like other worldly companies. Dr. Bolger told us that the church doesn't have a mission, rather it participates in it. God has the mission and the Church is fortunate in that it has the option of participating in God's mission. God loves people and is passionately pursuing those who are far from him. Why would't I want to partner with God and be used to bring others far from him into a vibrant relationship with him? This is why I will continue in ministry. I want to see others (myself included) transformed by the power of the gospel. This is my hope.