Does it ever concern you that the local church is not moving with the culture? If the local church is not relevant, it may die out. It's not unhealthy for a local church to fulfil its purpose and die, just like any other organism, but it needs to give birth to new life first!
Moving with the culture is a biblical concept, as long as it is done without compromise of God's Word.
In the Steve Martin version of the famous movie, Pink Panther 2, we see a striking parallel: the incompetent, bumbling, bungling but brilliant Detective Inspector Jacques Clouseau is confronted with a changing world when he sees media contingents excited to report the theft of the Pink Panther Diamond:
Clouseau says in his French-accented English,
"Why are they cheering? This is a national tragedy."His faithful partner, Detective Sergeant Ponton replies,
"We live in a media age. You must learn to adapt."A quick learner, Clouseau replies, "Then adapt I shall", and proceeds to do a very animated media release, looking straight down the TV cameras and speaking to the thief, "Tornado, I'm coming to get you", then to the media, "There's your one!"
Do we actually embrace the opportunities in our culture to further our commission of Matthew 28:19-20, or do we resist the culture itself?
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Mt. 28:19-20, ESV)Embracing culture does not mean we have to compromise. Paul embraced culture:
Although I am a free man and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without that law, like one without the law—not being without God’s law but within Christ’s law—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so I may become a partner in its benefits. 1 Cor. 9:19-23 (HCSB)Paul himself considered the angle of compromise and addressed it in verse 21 - reaching out to those without the law, he could be like them, yet within Christ's law himself.
What distinguishes the 21st century from previous centuries? What distinguishes this generation from others? How can we embrace these changes in a positive gospel-embracing way? Here are a few very limited observations to think about:
- We live in a world of idolatry. Love of self, self fulfilment.
- Sensuality; we are bombarded with sensuality. Sex sells.
- Self absorption; addiction to technology, gizmos and gadgets
- This is a generation of entitlement: "You deserve it!"
- Media-driven political agendas, Facebook and Instagram
- False-assurance. Children are rewarded for coming last. Failed parenting.
- Tolerance. Anything goes. Do what you like. Whatever feels good.
- Travel: it's easy to travel anywhere in the world.
- Millenials: born 1984 onwards. This generation has a high sense of entitlement.
Churchleaders claims there are 8 reasons why the local church isn't reaching people. Although I don't entirely agree with their reasoning in factors 2,3 and 7, there are some valid points in the article. The article focuses on ministries of the church, but as you read this excerpt, I encourage you to think in terms of personal ministry too:
#4 – Your ministries don’t match the needs of your community.
Across the nation, communities are changing. Wise churches pay attention to these changes and make sure their ministries match. As the community changes, the ministries of the church need to change to adapt. It’s possible your ministries meet the needs of the community 20 years ago, not today. Listening to the community may not be as important as listening to God, but it’s right behind...
On one hand, we bemoan the busyness of our culture, but on the other, we keep planning events... Are those really the needs of the community?
If they are, then by all means, move forward.
But it’s possible you might need to do more homework.
If you want to know the needs of the community, ask people. (my underlining!)
Ask people. That's a fair point. Observe the needs of the community. Consider your strengths; your spiritual gifts; your interests and skills. Ask yourself how these can all combine to present ministry opportunities. Think strategically. Pray strategically. Be intentional in your mission. Get involved. Work within the culture to achieve these things.
References:
Pink Panther 2, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Robert Simonds Company, 2009, USA
https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/310590-8-reasons-church-isnt-reaching-people-church-fuel.html