The question I’ve posed to The Antioch Group is this: Does the complex organizational / institutional model which is dominant in the American church represent what Jesus had in mind when he spoke of life in the kingdom of God? We’re questioning the biblical credentials of institutional Christianity on practical, as well as scriptural grounds. While it may not be wrong, there’s not anything inherently right about it either. It just is what is. Christian folks participate because it’s mostly what we have. My experience has convinced me it is flawed both in principle and in practice.
It is easy to criticize. In this discussion we are careful to distinguish between the nature of religious institutions and the integrity or motives of people. This commentary is not directed toward any person or group. Clearly, good and godly men and women function commendably within the organized church. That, however, does not constitute an endorsement of its composition. God, who is considerably more humble than we are, works with what we give Him. And religion always makes a strong case for its necessity!
It has been interesting to watch the recent selection of Pope Francis. It is a challenge to even contemplate the sprawling structures of Catholicism, both physical and ecclesiastical, and try to grasp how the process of papal transition actually impacts the faithful among the rank and file. The monumental reforms that face the new pontiff are stark testimony to the impersonal, thoroughly secular, and crushingly insensitive nature of institutions, religious or otherwise.
There is virtually nothing in the words of Jesus or the Apostles that suggests what we have today; an infinite variety of organizations, denominations (over 25,000 worldwide), and church complexes, each with its own hierarchies, structures, moral and spiritual codes, language, heroes and superstars, career tracks, and a prescribed public persona. Jesus taught that His kingdom is ‘within you’ and ‘among you,’ that it is not observable to the natural eye, and that its sanctuary is the heart of every man and woman that would receive Him. “Your body is God’s temple,” Paul taught.
Conversely, institutional Christianity prospers on the premise that the ‘assembly’ or corporate gathering, is the ‘center,’ and everything revolves around it and feeds it. This is not taught, it is assumed. Jesus teachings completely contradict that. The entire book of Hebrews dismantles the notion that we have a continuing need for formalized religion, governed by rules and a priesthood. Christ completely fulfilled all the demands of the law for us, and embraced us in a relationship so intimate that there remains no need for any religion at all!
Institutional Christianity, by its nature, seizes on the energies, talents, gifts, time and resources of the saints, using them to support and expand a religious structure. In many cases there is a watershed at which the structure stops serving the people, and the people start serving the structure, but few leaders have the courage to identify it. The multitude of projects and activities in ‘full-service’ Christianity is frequently in direct competition with the priorities of the kingdom.
In an address to the faculty and staff at Southern Cal, skateboarding legend Rodney Mullen described how ‘context shapes content’ as modern street skaters explore new vistas for their sport. This axiom is certainly applicable to the organized church. The institutional context inevitably shapes the content of the mission and message, skewing it to be increasingly self-centered, self-serving, authoritarian, and sectarian. Examples are everywhere.
Is it possible to see the church through a different lens? What if we could see it more like Jesus described it; an unstructured, grass-roots movement, a person/family centered redemptive organism which functions and grows quite naturally under the direction of the Holy Spirit? What if true Christianity only becomes visible as the actions of one or more redeemed human beings touch others?
What is curious is that so many Christians, particularly the evangelicals, fiercely defend their commitment to being ‘biblical,’ yet have so little Bible foundation for much of their institutional practice. Biblically, a church is not a building or a business, ‘pastor’ is not a career, deacons or committees don’t select pastors, worship isn’t just an ‘up-tempo’ style of contemporary praise songs, and the saints are not required to finance a religious enterprise just because it calls itself a church.
Institutional, cultural Christianity is entirely man made. It is part of ‘the world;’ a realm we must interact with cautiously. (1 John 2:15-17) Religious structures are just scaffolding; people are what God is building. God does not empower institutions; He empowers people. Institutions don’t know anyone, feel anything, or care about anything. They’re only tools. When they fail to help us produce the desired result, we must change. The King doesn’t waste anything or anyone.
Religious structures have very limited ability to respond positively to the individuality, creativity, inspiration, and uniqueness that God’s Spirit produces in His saints. While institutions value conformity, compliance, and obedience, God treasures those singular characteristics in each of us that glorify His ongoing artistry on the human canvas.
This whole discussion many seem rather sophomoric unless one firmly grasps two things. First, how thorough, complete, and far-reaching our salvation is, and how very much confidence God has in every one of His saints. When we began teaching that “You are the Plan,” it was with these two things in mind. God’s resource is His people; all of them.
We do not expect to change the Christian landscape with these ideas. There will always be an institutional Christianity; there are folks who will not feel spiritual, comfortable, or safe without it. Form or tradition will not be traded for any amount of freedom. That’s okay. Most of the early Jewish Christians kept the forms and traditions of Judaism through much of the first century. Those traditions were a cherished part of their culture and daily lives as they followed the Lord Jesus. But the need for radical reform is still critical. Not just an ‘update’ of what exists but a serious reconsideration of the words of Jesus and the Apostolic examples. Increasing numbers of seekers are finding the institutional church an inhospitable venue to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ. Coupled with that, over 70% of church young people are leaving the organized church after a year in college.
Pope John Paul II, in his early years as a bishop in Poland envisioned the church of the future. He saw it functioning outside the great Cathedrals, composed of smaller groups led by lay-people, not clergymen. A kind of ‘home-grown’ Catholicism, centered in personal devotion and relationships.
As we continue this discussion in The Antioch Group, I’m praying many of our folks become pioneers in the exploration of a Christianity that is rooted more in the durable fabric of our daily existence; our homes, our families, our friends and neighbors. The gospel doesn’t change most of the ordinary things of life. It just gives them new meaning and fills them with purpose. Our goal then is to discover the richness of spiritual life and fellowship in this kingdom that is “close at hand.” (Matt. 3:17)
Interaction with the institutional church is surely important; the Holy Spirit promotes unity rather than division. In any case, there is need for the occasional corporate gathering and the communion. Conferences, teachings, and fellowship require some facilities and organization. But there are ways to enjoy them without creating another religious institution.