Once again, we cannot pay the bills. Giving is down. It does not seem to be going up any time soon.
Recent budget crunches in congregations and in mid-level judicatories are not merely a reflection of a sputtering economy. They are reflections of a truth that none of us wants to face. Of course, irresponsibility is not an option for disciples of Jesus - and especially not for those of us in leadership.
Could it be that the era of the Americanized hybrid of corporate church is closing? Generations that once looked to scholarly theologians, excellent liturgy, and congregation-centered ministry are aging and dying. Subsequent generations are not scrambling to shore up what they built. In fact, they are silently, almost passively allowing some congregations and denominations to die while investing in local missions that are clear and which invite participation and require far less structure or financial support than conventional models.
Jesus still requires a Body-in-Motion. That suggests that while muscle tone and skin may be "in," skeletal structures have not suddenly become unimportant. How will the Church continue 2000 years of witness to the work of Christ among us in a context that has never existed before?
Here are some emerging trends to watch:
- Congregational campuses will either serve more and more often or they will be sold and smaller groups will meet in homes and larger groups will rent facilities or build multi-use community centers.
- Pastors will be trained (along with other types of Ephesians 4 leaders) locally with input from on-line theological seminaries and their training will center more around the practice of spiritual disciplines and leading the formation and work of disciples (rather than "members").
- In those communities with strong ties among all Christians, denominational distinctions may become only as important as surnames like Smith or Jones - standing for something but not for as much that separates as for what unites the Body - a major paradigm shift led by lay people living in democratic republics. Ministerial alliances and non-denominational associations (like Willow Creek and Vineyard) may become the next mid-level judicatories among those who know or care little for episcopal or presbyterian forms of church organization.
The biblical record suggests that there will always be a need for apostolic oversight. Heresies come and go and should never become confused with eternal truth. Local prejudices still need challenging as does "white privilege." Idiots can still sway the gullible (or the intellectually lazy) and someone has to notice the devil-in-drag among the sheep and in the systems that perpetuate the power of a few. What new forms that oversight may take are not yet clear.
What is clear is that current forms are no longer capable of living comfortably into perpetuity and a serious conversation needs to begin with greater urgency among us.
Jesus engaged his Jewish peers in similar conversations resulting in changes that brought about our own reconciliation with God even 2000 years after his death and resurrection. Monastics brought needed change as did reformers. It is our turn and the importance of our task cannot be exaggerated.
What are your thoughts?
