By: Mike Kelly
Retired Pastor
Sage Kadow, a self-described “Ex-Christian, long-time Atheist, Secular Humanist” answered a question someone asked:
“What will it take for churches to become relevant in society again?” She answered “Something they would never do.
Become community service centers without the religion. In other words, live what they preach instead of preaching how to live.”
Both the question and the answer intrigued me. Is the Church now irrelevant in society? I think there are a lot of churches that are irrelevant as a body in their society.
However, they serve a purpose for their congregants and that purpose carries over into their lives. And since they live in society, there must be some carry-over into their society.
For instance, the church teaches Believers to love in a way that serves those around them. That may lead congregants to volunteer at a Community Pregnancy Center or Christian thrift store. Both those organizations benefit many in society.
But, I would rather agree that the Church as a whole is less relevant today than 100 years ago. Scripture is no longer the foundation for moral judgements. The Church is no longer seen as the holder of “Truth”.
Instead, truth has migrated from a place where one could plant their flag to a moving target, depending on who is looking for truth. Truth is no longer a fixed reality but an individual’s judgment.
Also, much of what made the Church relevant 1-200 years ago has been given up. Churches were the foundation for education. Virtually every major university in America has the church as its foundation.
Same for hospitals and homeless shelters. Society needed the church to meet needs. Now we think it is the government’s job to meet needs. Now, instead of turning to a church, we turn to an agency.
And, due to much sin by weak humans, the church has lost its reputation as a place of safety. The inherent trust in pastors, priests, and leaders in the church has been replaced with doubt.
So, yes, the church is less relevant but I would not go so far as to say it is irrelevant. The answer this atheist gave is exactly right.
For the church to be relevant, it needs to “live what they preach instead of preaching how to live.” Isn’t that exactly what Jesus meant when he said to let our light shine? When he said to go and make disciples?
Paul makes it clear in Eph 4:17-18 “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.”
We need to live what we preach instead of just preaching it. Paul goes on to say in Vs 25-32
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Living like that would go a long way to re-establishing the relevance of the Church and the powerful message of salvation that we are to preach to the whole world.
Remember that old expression “people believe what we do, not what we say.”? It highlights the importance of consistency between words and actions.
It suggests that while people may doubt or question what someone says, they are more likely to trust and believe what someone actually does.
This principle is supported by the idea that actions speak louder than words, and that people are more likely to be swayed by tangible evidence of someone’s character or intentions.
Ask yourself: Are there ways I could live my faith more openly so that others might see Christ in me?
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Mike Kelly is the founding pastor of Bryan’s Grace Community Church (retired) and Board Chairman of Bryan’s Sanctuary Homeless Shelter and Williams County’s Compassion (free) Medical Clinic.