Role of the Church

What is the role of the church? What is her mission? We are here to introduce people to Christ. Are we to be judge of others, whether they are sinners or saved? Are we here to enforce a set of rules? We tend to think and talk about the Christianity in terms of being in and out - is that right? Perhaps I'm only speaking for myself, but often I find that we have a lot of patience with someone is still yet to be a believer and the bar to get in is kept low. But once they become a Christian, they suddenly find a series of changes that are demanded of them, and the bar seem to be raised sky high, catching them unawares. Almost overnight grace quickly disappears. We think that knowledge and education will change people, and therefore teach them lots about the faith. That is great and very valuable, but I don't think knowledge (at least not head knowledge and information alone) can change anyone's behaviour. Not in the short term anyway. And this is one of the struggles we have in our churches today. We want quick fix and immediate results. We set up programmes and hope that people will be transformed if they only stick to the itinerary.

I know that transformation is the aim and I have no issue with that. It is how we reach that aim that I am concerned with. Do we put people into a program and hope that there would be changed of heart and change of lifestyle? Well, I don't think so. An internal change that leads to a change of lifestyle and behaviour is the aim. External change is good but external change alone cannot be maintained without an internal change. In fact emphasising on external changes alone can sometimes be deceptive leading others, as well as the person in question, to assume that internal changes are present as well. By external changes I mean, getting rid of vices as well as adopting positive habits, like going to church, being active in church, performing religious rituals like fasting, attending prayer meetings, etc.

I am not saying that teaching and external changes have no value, but all I'm saying is they are insufficient, and more importantly, it can't be programmed. Knowledge is more than information, and true knowledge is personal and relational. Transformation is a result of a personal encounter and relationship with Christ, over a prolonged period. In fact nothing teach us to be more like Christ and strengthen our faith more than suffering and trials, and experiencing Christ through them. I'm not saying people shouldn't change their behaviour when they come to Christ, but it's hard for us to judge a person's growth in their faith by their behaviour and external changes. While I believe our faith should and must be reflected in changed lives and behaviour, they are not a good gauge nor are they any basis for judging internal change and one's relationship with Christ. It is not for us to judge another's growth and walk with Christ based on that. I do not deny but firmly believe, that there is certain value in external changes that can change our inner attitudes and heart. For example, if we acted kindly towards people, simply because we believe it is the right thing to do and not because we have any other agenda, then in time to come we will become kinder. It is the nature of things that we become what we practice and also there is the effect of people responding to our kindness, that can move our hearts and change us internally.

The reason why I'm rethinking through some of these issues is because I'm still trying to work out how we approach those who come into our churches and fellowships who are struggling with various issues. I believe God loves them, extends His gift of life and includes them in His family. How do we communicate this hospitality and gracious and compassionate invitation to these friends? May He gives us the grace to do so, just as He has welcomed us into His fold. May we be an extension of God to demonstrate His love and embrace all who are caught in the bonds of sin. His command is that we love one another, not to change one another ... that is His part. However I do not think that loving a person simply means being nice and avoiding issues that are sensitive. It can also involve loving and honest confrontation of sin and walking through with people as they work out these issues. None of us are excluded and we would be wise to be mindful that we are all weak and vulnerable. That is why we need to be there for and support each other in our struggles.

Being in Vancouver, one particular issue on my mind is gay couples who are living in faithful relationship with their partners. It's been painful seeing churches being torn apart, not being able to agree on how we should approach this very real and practical concern in our community. I wonder what would Jesus do ... what does He want us to do?