The church appears to be in decline in the Western world. After years sensing church goers were in the minority, the latest census confirms that now less than half of Australians identify as Christian.
How do we come to terms with this? Aren’t we meant to be seeing God’s Kingdom increasing?
Somewhere along the way, churches got comfortable. Got stuck. And in staying with the tried and true lost relevance with the people they sought to reach.
Sadly I’m not seeing many answers. Instead I’m seeing churches ploughing forward with what they’ve always done.
The resistance
I can empathise with the resistance to change. For those who still attend a church service regularly, it seems to meet their need for biblical teaching, communal worship and Christian fellowship.
There’s also an apparent sacredness about the way many churches are organised. The activities of the church are full of history and meaning. It seems too much to just give away.
Then there’s importance of staying true to the original design of the church laid out in the Bible. Hang on a minute. Please consider that last statement.
Is there a biblical design for church? There are certainly descriptions of the early church. And Jesus prays that those who follow Him would be united. Then there are some instructions in Paul’s letters about keeping gatherings orderly.
Yet the church we see today is a long way from these biblical outlines. The Bible seems more concerned about the way we relate to God and each other than the form our meetings take.
The future
I actually think we have permission to dream about how the church could look today. It might take some time to accept that statement, but please allow yourself to ponder it.
Nothing can hold back the advancement of God’s reign in the world. And if we’re not seeing it come through the church, it means the church has got off at a station some time ago, while the rushing train of God’s Spirit has sped ahead.
The Holy Spirit is always active. It’s time to discern where The Spirit is leading the church. It’s time to leave behind the idea that church is something we go to on a Sunday. It’s time to dig below the surface and see the reality of the situation the church in this country has found itself in.
Freedom to imagine
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve begun to see a way out. A version of church that could work in our country. Something familiar yet refreshing and new.
If you’re interested in hearing more or joining me on this journey, please start by visiting the website in my bio below. I’m convinced something amazing is about to happen. Even as old models of church appear to be crumbling around us.
Dare to imagine.
Tom Anderson is pioneering www.haventogether.com, an online church plant supported by his in-person church, Catalyst, Ipswich. He has a young, growing family and enjoys playing backyard sport. Tom is a keen long-distance runner, averaging 21km each day last year. He has worked as a teacher for eleven years and enjoys perfecting a flat white on his home espresso machine. Tom would welcome a visit for a coffee some time… or an online catch-up via Zoom. See the Haven Together website to get in touch.
