What is the Church?

 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

HOMECOMING

One of my favorite Christian authors is Henri J. M. Nouwen. One of the most gripping books he ever wrote was called, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming. He chanced to come across a reproduction of Rembrandt’s Prodigal Son painting. Sometime later he had the opportunity to actually go to St. Petersburg, and see the painting in person there in a museum. Through a friend of his, he was able to sit and meditate on the painting for over four hours. His book contains his thoughts on this experience.

What is unique about this book is that  Nouwen weaves together parts of the biblical narrative, parts of Rembrandt’s own story, and his own reflections inspired by the painting itself. This tri-fold weaving of resources makes for a memorable and remarkable writing that forces one to think of deep issues of the heart.

When his friend introduced Henri to the Hermitage museum, he was afraid that,  with all of the time and trouble it took to arrange a personal encounter with the painting, he would disappointed with the actual picture itself. He maintains the exact opposite. He says, “Its grandeur and splendor made everything recede into the background and held me completely captivated. Coming here was indeed a coming home”(p.8).

“Homecoming” is the dominant metaphor for Nouwen as he views the painting and reflects on the biblical story and how it touches the deep recesses of his own needy heart. This metaphor never grows old or out-dated. In the beauty of coming home, Nouwen maintains that reconciliation, forgiveness and love are felt and extended. This is what makes home so beautiful.

Viewing the painting itself, one sees the son kneeling in front of the father who gathers the son’s head into his bosom, placing both hands on the back of his shoulders. Brokenness embraced is a  beautiful thing. Throughout this entire book Nouwen is slowly but surely building a strong case for brokenness being the ground of our Christian being. Only through our own poverty can we expect to feel the rich embrace of the Father’s love.

In Christian love, Curtis