A previous post suggested it’s possible for the Church to be responsive to people in the world around us without compromising. There’s another option — being non-responsive. We can either be a responsive, non-responsive, or compromising church. To coin a once popular question: What would Jesus do?
Distinguishing Between a Responsive, Non-Responsive, and Compromising Church
Some people expect the Church to conform to the ways and opinions of the world. If we don’t conform, they peg us as intolerant and out of touch. Such conformity, however, makes us a compromising Church. God wants us to live as His transformed people in this world, not conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2). We live in the world but not of it (Jn. 17:14-16). For more, read: Feel Like the Church is Compromising?
Being misunderstood isn’t new. Think of Jesus when He lived on this earth. The scribes and Pharisees constantly criticized Him. Yet, Jesus continued to effectively make disciples, focusing on compassion and true ministry (Matt. 9:9-13). He met people where they were without compromising truth and who He was. The Church needs this kind of responsiveness wherein we respond to the needs of the world around us without compromising truth. We approach people with BOTH grace and truth, the Christ-like way of doing life (Jn. 1:14, 17). — Be sure to read this post: A Church That’s Responsive, Not Compromising
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day held to their traditions so rigidly that they couldn’t respond with compassion. Jesus’ ministry enraged them. Instead of pointing people to God, they focused on themselves and their own ways. Non-responsive churches similarly can become legalistic, holding to what they’ve always done. As a result, people become increasingly frustrated with the church. Attendance drops. They have minimal eternal impact in the world around them. Unfortunately, the people in the world often lump all churches and individual believers together with the non-responsive ones. That, however, isn’t true. — Also read: The Church and Change
Let’s Follow Jesus’ Example and Be a Responsive Church
Through the ages, churches haven’t always stayed true. Some have interpreted Scripture and characterized God through the lens of their own experience, desires, or personal bents rather than letting Scripture interpret itself. As a result, churches often either become dogmatic on that which God has not set up as absolute or wavering on that which He has established as fixed. Is it any wonder people are confused or frustrated with the Church?
To be responsive without compromising, . . .
stay true to who God is, His purposes, design, and mission for the Church.
determine what’s negotiable and non-negotiable.
think creatively about how to take that same non-negotiable message and present it in ways that meet people where they are.
put people over programs.
willingly invest the time and effort it takes to make changes and not fall back on “but we’ve always done it that way”.
always use God and His Word as the standard, not experience, expediency, or the expectations of others.
trust God to guide rather than simply follow what other churches do or what seems right to us.
think about how Jesus would respond to people and their needs. Let’s showcase Him to the world around us.