What is the Cure for the Church? (Part two of "The Church--Love it or Leave It?")

What is the cure for the church? (Part two of “The Church—love it or leave it?”)

Actually, we must approach the answer to that question as Jesus would—what kind of church would Jesus attend, or would he, like so many today, just give up, and leave the church?  Hmmm . . .

Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever,1  then he loves the Church, and he would not leave it—neither Church-the body of believers or Church-the Sabbath worship service.  But I do think he might like to shout from a mountain, ‘STOP!  Take a look at what is being said and done in my name . . . Church, wake up!  Rise up and be the people I have called you to be—salt and light in the world.’2 

In rising up, perhaps then we could see as we ought, from two perspectives: we could see how outsiders view the Church, and also how we might draw professing Christians back to the Church.  In both cases, awareness of the state of things is necessary.  Wake up, believer.

Let’s just look at America, which could no longer be called a Christian nation, now could it?  The government continues to try to distance itself from the intent of our forefathers, even though our currency says, ‘In God we Trust.’  Our media portrays Christians as stupid and bigoted because of the rants of a few.  Most of academia--public institutions from elementary school through college--espouses an anti-God slant.  I have been devouring They Like Jesus, but not the Church,3 and have found the insights indicative of viewpoints I regularly encounter about Christianity today.  Common perceptions of the Church include:  The church is an organized religion with a political agenda; it is judgmental and negative; it is arrogant, claiming all other religions are wrong, and it is homophobic.  To outsiders, Christians are the Church and the Church is Christians, and we are not seen favorably; we cannot look the other way!

Awareness #1-We live in a post-Christian society

Awareness #2-Christians/the Church not seen favorably

And yet . . . find someone who doesn’t like Jesus . . . you would be hard-pressed.  From the days he walked the roads of Palestine to today, folks simply cannot deny that he was remarkable in every way.  In fact, strike up a casual conversation with someone and ask what he thinks about Jesus…most like him….yeah, they do.  Most people like Jesus.  Even those who have left him.

One of the saddest recollections I have ever read came from a man named Charles Templeton, a preacher who packed the house in the 50s and 60s, (sometimes alongside Billy Graham), but later renounced his faith.  Lee Strobel, when doing research for one of his “Case For …” books, secured an interview with him when Templeton was into his late 80s and failing quickly.  I just feel compelled to share it here:

‘Strobel directed the old gentleman’s attention to Christ. How would he now assess Jesus at this stage of his life?

Strobel says that, amazingly, Templeton’s “body language softened.” His voice took on a “melancholy and reflective tone.” And then, incredibly, he said:

“He was the greatest human being who has ever lived. He was a moral genius. His ethical sense was unique. He was the intrinsically wisest person that I’ve ever encountered in my life or in my reading. His commitment was total and led to his own death, much to the detriment of the world.” 

Strobel quietly commented: “You sound like you really care about him.”

“Well, yes,” Templeton acknowledged, “he’s the most important thing in my life.” He stammered: “I . . . I . . . I adore him . . . Everything good I know, everything decent I know, everything pure I know, I learned from Jesus.”

Strobel was stunned. He listened in shock. He says that Templeton’s voice began to crack. He then said, “I . . . miss . . . him!” With that the old man burst into tears; with shaking frame, he wept bitterly.’4 

Awareness #3-Most people like and respect Jesus

And for those who have had a relationship with him, if honest, they miss him, just like this poor fellow, Charles Templeton.

A prayer:  Lord, in considering a cure for the church today—your church—we Christians must be aware of how we are being perceived.  O God, forgive us for not reflecting well on you.  Show us how to ‘be’ the Church that attracts outsiders and draws worshippers back—that brings home those who miss you.  Show us how to live and love so as to draw people to you . . . for you are life.  You alone are love.  Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Christine

PastorWoman.com

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