The last 20 years has seen an explosion of post-modernity pushing a healthy self-criticism into the pews and leadership of the church. For the most part, I think this has actually been good for us. Not always painless, but in ways, making us revisit who we are, what we are doing, and whether we are still connected to the true origins of Christ's call to this enigmatic organism and organization we call the church. The truth is, this paradigm shift has forced us to re-look at ourselves, to admit some of our brokenness and to ask God for guidance. Even for us to see that brokenness, we must invite Him to reveal these things to us, if we are ever to be put us back together in a proper functioning configuration. We are the puzzle here, not God. We are the ones needing to be refit for the task, not the Maker. To be sure, God isn't confused about the church. But as His stewards on this celestial ball, we have the opportunity to partner with Him (in surrender, no less) to stand still long enough for His work of refitting to be done to and through us.
There are times, though, that I think we allow these criticisms to fly by without offering some reflectory responses that are worthwhile. I recently saw on such comment, that I felt was both well meaning, and thoughtful. The problem I had was, well, like many things- I didn't agree. Now, that doesn't make me right- but it does mean we probably have a topic worth discussing. This quote and my response is not meant to single out someone whom I think is particularly wrong, but a statement that is often (at first glance) widely accepted, and hence often unchallenged -- and in my opinion, leads to longer term problems because it is based on a well-meaning but flawed premise. That said, here we go.
This post was as follows:
I DREAM of a CHURCH that invests more money in local and global humanitarian causes than in staffing and buildings. What do you dream of?1
I dream of a church that doesn't pit these things against one another, but recognizes and cares for both. Like many, I want the local church committed to reaching out as its primary work in the world. But the constancy of doing so requires a long term approach that builds a community into the kind of people who care and act with Christ-like character. There is no defense for extravagant staffs and buildings, like there is no excuse for 
failing to reach out to your community and the world. But the Christian leadership "critique" that continues to simplify the issue as one or the other shows a lack of attending to the future or the past.
Like the proverbial man on the ledge, the "American" church didn't get to the ledge in an instant. It walked up several stories of stairs, using its privilege and luxury as a means that turned into an end. The blessed stopped being the blessers, and just kept asking for more blessings. However, the way down from the ledge is not to jump, but to walk back down the stairs. When faced with a serious issue, it is the one who decides to live and face living in a new way that is the truly courageous one. To live is courageous. To jump is simply the way out that seems less painful at the time. But few would think it is the wisest or bravest.
History shows us that the greatest help to reach out to the world has come from visions that could expand and be re-engaged through long term dedication not one time sacrificial displays. I tire of people juxtaposing these two things simply to try to win an audience for the latest campaign, crusade, book or cause. Saying things in short, pithy, sentences might make them simple, but it rarely makes them effective. Answers to serious issues are often complex, require long term planning and commitment, and must go beyond the hope of momentary "humanitarian glory".
This does not absolve local churches from ignoring loving the world by seriously engaging Christ's call to love the world He died for. We must do that, without ignoring care for the body of Christ, its gathered local expressions and the leaders that God has called to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.
The fact that we (by proxy I associate "we" as the broader Christian community who accepts such a posts as the one I am challenging here) are comparing how much money is spent in for church or humanitarian efforts belies a desire to truly find a solution, but instead raises a compartmentalism that always pits agendas as competing rather complimentary towards finding a solution. For 2000 years Jesus words have been a caution against such divisiveness, when he said..
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices‚ mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law‚ justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former" Matthew 23:23
Christ took the Pharisees to task for neglecting the spirit of justice, mercy and faithfulness while still giving. The clear intent of the text was to make sure true mercy happened, while the "duty" of caring for the tithe was not neglected.
We can dream all sorts of things, but the greatest dreams require great thought, which in turn requires faithfulness and planning over generations if necessary. I dream of a church with courage enough to face its challenges and not cannibalise its past, present or future as a way to try to absolve itself of its mistakes, faults or shortcomings. We already have a Savior, and the church needn't try to step in and become one itself, even for its own sins. No one is saying the church is perfect, but we must look at the errors and address them without chopping off the feet to serve the hands.
Are leaders, organizations and buildings needed? Yes they are. As long as we live in a real world with physical needs, we must address the issues in physical, real world contexts. Of course, there must be goal resetting and expunging of the evils of extravagance. Should we be giving and reaching out to those broken, hurting and other real humanitarian needs? Yes, with the joy and message of Christ we should. But let's stop pitting one against the other, when we need to address both and move forward.
Following Christ with you,
Kim Gentes
1. Trotter, David, (2013) "I DREAM OF A CHURCH...", post on Facebook.com 1 March 2013. http://www.facebook.com/dtrotter/posts/10151477572344419 (1 March 2013).
I dream,