During this church planting process, there have been two issues discussed simultaneously. The first is the more exciting issue: what are we doing differently and how is The Well going to represent a more Biblical model of the church? This is where I get excited. Imagine a church unencumbered by facilities or cultural expectations. Imagine a church where your affiliation is based on what you do as opposed to who you are or whether you're just simply on a roster. Imagine a church that responds to the convictions of its members by saying, "how can we make this a reality" rather than "well, we'll have to see if that matches with our budget and if we think that makes sense for our church". Imagine a church so unabashedly zealous for Christ that there is no corner of the community, no demographic, and no mission beyond the scope of where we are willing to go if the Lord calls us there. How can you not be excited about that?!
The second issue is perhaps the more somber one. As someone said recently, they appreciate a pastor who is "real" with them so I'll be "real" with all of you: we have irreconcilable differences with some who have become comfortable with what we'd call a "traditional church". There are some who think the objective of any church should be unity; they may even point to scripture encouraging unity and calling for it among all Christians (e.g., Eph 4:1-5). The issue is that none of these verses call for us to be unified just for the sake of saying we all get along; the calling is for unity in Christ. Unity in tradition, unity in culture, unity in programs, or unity in affiliation all count for nothing if we are not unified with Christ. This means checking ourselves against the scriptural standard set forth by Christ and the apostles, not checking ourselves against a worldly standard of "can't we all just get along". For many, the conversation starts with asking who is disagreeing rather than asking if we are reflecting Christ in our homes and our community... and finding unity in that common reflection.
Here is the big lie often perpetrated in the western church: unity is the goal and if you aren't unified, then you're not acting very Christian. I've heard this growing up and I've heard this in the traditional churches of our community. If you disagree, you must be the problem, right?
Someone should have told that to Paul and Barnabus.
After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they're doing." Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him ad sailed off to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:36-41)
Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement that was largely a judgment call. They didn't disagree on the basis of their theology, but they disagreed on how they should move forward spreading the Gospel. It's important to note that they had three options: 1) one side just admit that the other is correct, 2) make some compromise, or 3) part ways and do things as they felt was right.
The problem with options 1 and 2 is that they both inevitably result in a dampening of the spirit. In the first case, one side has to live "under the thumb" of the others, suppressing how they feel ministry should be conducted which may even limit their attentiveness to how the spirit is moving them in the name of "not causing a conflict". For the second case, both sides are similarly suppressed in some way, all in the name of "unity", meaning that both may be similarly compromising their zeal and enthusiasm for their mission for fear that they would offend someone in the church body.
Paul and Barnabas chose option 3 and split ways. Just look at how God used both of them on their separate paths for something great! Paul chose Silas and eventually Timothy who both contributed massively to the spread of the early church to the Gentiles. Perhaps if Paul had simply stuck with Barnabas, these two patriarchs of Christianity would not be known to us today. That's not to mention that without this separation, we wouldn't have many of the books of the Bible we have today which were directly related to Paul's connection to Timothy. Barnabas continued to the island of Cyprus which became a stronghold of Christianity for a 1000 years. God took the division between Paul and Barnabas, in the midst of their disagreement, and produced two spiritual giants who saved countless souls for Christ.
Today, we find ourselves in a Paul and Barnabas situation with the more traditional churches of our community. We do not theologically disagree on much. They love Jesus and we do too. They are brothers and sisters in Christ the same way that Paul and Barnabas remained brothers. Just as with Paul and Barnabas, the differences we hold are an opportunity for God to do great and mighty things. In this way, irreconcilable differences become a part of the calling; a way that we can achieve clarity in our mission. When we have different hearts bent towards different objectives, it could be the Holy Spirit moving and executing a bigger plan.
Therefore, the decision to move on a church plant is not a move made out of spite or stubbornness; it is a decision made on a desire to continue fanning the flames of revival and enthusiasm where it exists while not forcing individuals who are not ready for such a move to come along. Some still connect to their faith through the traditional, mostly-Sunday mold and we should cheer them on so long as they continue to grow closer to Christ and reach others. We have a different vision. Doing something different is always just as terrifying as it can be beautiful, but so is any work of God. God revealing himself to Moses through a burning bush was terrifying and beautiful. The announcement of the Christ child was terrifying and beautiful. The passion and resurrection of our Lord was terrifying and beautiful. I don't have all the answers, but just because something is different and frightening doesn't mean God isn't about to do something equally beautiful.
And I thank God every day for all of you to join in this journey; to embrace one another through the terrifying so we can see what God is about to make beautiful.
DEVOTIONAL PRAYER
A Prayer for Multiplication
Lord, we pray for blessings for those in churches all throughout our community. We pray that your will for their bodies would become obvious and hearts will be softened to follow the callings you have placed in their lives. We also pray for humility and strength as we pursue a new direction. We pray that you make us fearless in the face of division, which can be terrifying, so that we can see the beauty you are creating. We know that all good things come from you and pray that you will bless us by letting us see the beauty of your kingdom through the actions of our church family and those throughout our community. Amen.
Comments