Recently Dr. Wendell Willis shared his
frustration with his students at Abilene Christian University who do not share
his passion for the New Testament teaching about the church (see his article:
“The Erosion of Community—A Challenge to the Church,” Christian Studies No. 25, 2011-2012; pages 9-19). Even though many
of the students would be characterized as committed believers at some level,
most do not have a solid belief about the church, “nor do they see a need for
one” (p. 9).
It raises a fundamental question:
does the church exist to cater to my felt needs and keep me happy, or does the
church exist as a visible community for me to be committed to as the ongoing
work of God? This question frames the “continental divide” for us regarding the
nature of the church. Our culture has deeply ingrained in all of us that
institutions, organizations and groups exist to meet all of our needs. This
supersedes any thought of my committing myself to serve in such a setting.
I am especially intrigued with the
first two occurrences of the word “church” (ekklesia) in the New Testament.
They are both in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18 & 18:17). The first reference
talks about the nature and power of the church, and the second reference points
out the key role that church has in the reconciliation of relationships. The
church is built upon a confessional recognition of Jesus as Lord, and even
death itself cannot prevent this community of faith forming. Additionally, this
community of faith is the context where reconciliation occurs because of the
initial reconciling work of God in Christ for that community to start with!
What a place to start with our ideas regarding the nature and need for the
church!
In Christian
love, Curtis
