Craig Gaunt
5/10/08
Church Planting
Church growth can be defined by both growing in number of congregants and the congregants themselves growing in their faith both individually and corporately. The primary way that a church can grow is if it engages in outreach ministries. Whether this comes by way of feeding the poor, hospital & nursing home visits, or evangelistic crusades, the church is commanded to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). However, to make a disciple is not the same as simply preaching for conversion. It is teaching the ways of Christ through the Scripture to make them more fruitful followers. Sadly, I have noticed that the Brethren, at large, have not emphasized evangelism as a central tenet. It was only after coming to Bethany that I learned about some churches that have recently been planted in South America. I am also well aware of our many service organizations such as Heifer Project, and our avid involvement in Habitat for Humanity. These all spring from our Anabaptist and Pietistic roots, and the emphasis on service in the desire to be fulfilling the second greatest commandment. However, the most vibrant, enthusiastic Brethren of these groups do not seem to care about “preaching what they practice”. Vocal evangelism does not appear to be a high priority in the Brethren anymore. Indeed, all other spiritual gifts appear to have their respected institutions in our denomination (teaching, service, pastoral care, etc.) except evangelism. I say this having the mentality of a majority of Brethren in western Pennsylvania.
My pastor had once told me that service should be a form of evangelism rather than service taking the place of evangelism. After all, I could build a house for any family, and they may hypothesize any number of reasons as to why I do so. I could be a Hindu working off bad karma in hopes of a better life, I could be a prisoner attempting to pay off his debt to society, or I could even be a communist trying to be an example of the “revolution in practice”. If I do not let my words match my actions then I am not honoring completely the God I claim to serve. I know that today, there are several evangelists, and other Christians, in the public sphere that do not live according to the standard they preach. Sadly, it is clear that several Brethren have swung the pendulum to the other extreme rather than taking a moderate position of both preaching the Gospel and living it. Additionally, we also have adopted the notion that we plant churches and have missionaries in every other country besides this one. This is not to say that we have not done ministry services within the United States, but the trend of American churches is quickly becoming one that looks outside its borders as the primary field rather than within. This is a question I wanted to explore further in the course and why it is people feel that this country is primarily all set in terms of being “churched”.
My thoughts are on the contrary; this country (and others in the West) is becoming one that is not un-churched but “over-churched”. What I mean by this is that these countries have had their society’s roots in the bedrock of Christianity, and the faith is saturated within the culture so much that it has become invisible to those within its borders. Citizens have a sense of corporate religious culture but no idea what it means to have personal, living faith. This is evident when surveying people of these countries about the meaning of holidays, particularly Christmas. Most will say it involves Santa Claus, and some will even go so far as to give its true meaning in the birth of Jesus. However, very few will give the exact reason as to why Jesus had to come to earth and become man. This is not the trend in many countries that were considered to be the “2nd or 3rd worlds” during the Cold War. Actually it is quite the opposite, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite laws prohibiting Christianity, oppressive governments, poverty, and persecution, the church is growing and strengthening in several ways. The two main movements that have been prominent are evangelical Christianity and Liberation Theology. My hypothesis for the growth has been several reasons. First, Christianity has either been introduced for the first time or has experienced a revival within these countries, and this gives them a chance to experience the faith new and fresh. On a side note, this is also why many heretical Christian groups are growing in America because they are finding different (but not true or historically accurate) theologies to worship God, but I digress. For non-Western countries, the Christian faith is novel to them in the way that it must have been novel to the early church and the apostles. It came without all the cultural baggage.
Another reason these churches are growing is because their members are not afraid to take a stance against injustices as well as call wickedness and sinful those immoral actions of others that Western churches gloss over or try to “theologize” and make something evil become good for the sake of pluralistic Christianity and not offending anyone. Growing churches are not afraid to lovingly step on people’s toes when it comes to proclaiming truth. In my frank opinion, some toes need to be stepped on to make sure the body still attached is listening and aware that it needs to repent. Although these churches face persecution and death for their hardcore stances, history has shown that the church thrives under such conditions because people’s faiths are solidified and strengthened. Western churches will not grow unless its members stop being soft and lazy when it comes to the work of the kingdom of God.
Finally, another reason I see for more and disciplined Christians is that they see the practicality of faith in Christ and the teachings of Scripture. A good example of this is Liberation Theology, mentioned earlier, and their application of the Beatitudes or the Exodus event. These groups have been oppressed to the point that they can really identify with the groups that the Bible addresses. For them, these are not simply abstract stories that are historically studied or simple lessons that can be recited. These oppressed ones can see themselves being one with the slave, the poor, the marginalized, and the ones that God has promised deliverance. When a person or group does not simply study but actually live out these teachings, then the faith within them grows and not only gives them a sense of identity but becomes appealing to others desiring the same freedom and blessings. In the West, thanks to our prosperity and material wealth, we do not know what it is to be like these certain groups. While the blessings of freedom are profound and we should work to bring that gift to everyone worldwide, we would still do well to realize that all Christians are commanded to preach and live the Gospel in all places. This is how churches will not only be planted but have a firm foundation when they are planted. We need to reclaim and proclaim the simple message of Jesus Christ to the nations. This is what I know I am called to do in my walk with God: preach the Gospel to the United States so that God will reform this country and bring the rampant immorality and wickedness prevalent everywhere to a stop so that all will repent and know.