Are we Constructing Church Buildings
or Building Congregations?
Philipose
Vaidyar
When
we ponder the act of building churches, do we unintentionally overlook the
crucial endeavor of constructing congregations? This observation draws us to
examine whether the essence of a church lies within its physical structure or
its spiritual community. Delving into the depths of biblical scriptures and
historical context, we unravel the significance, shedding light on their harmonious coexistence and divergent implications.
The dichotomy between constructing physical structures and nurturing spiritual congregations is a fundamental consideration in the realm of church development. But does the essence of church-building transcend mere bricks and mortar? Can we glean guidance from biblical verses that underscore the Church's resilience against adversity?
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus' declaration that He would build His church upon an unwavering foundation - impervious to the forces of darkness - illuminates the spiritual fundamentals of church growth. Moreover, the Great Commission to Disciples in Matthew 18:19-20 reveals the mandate to make disciples and teach them everything that He had taught.
Contemplating
the role of church leadership, it becomes evident that erecting cathedrals,
complete with crosses and altars, might not capture the heart of Jesus'
mission. The Church's historical role in evangelization has often led to
misplaced priorities, where structures overshadow the essence of faith.
Episcopal churches, in particular, have sometimes faltered in understanding church planting ministry. Despite opposition, the invisible growth of the Church endures in the shadows.
Blunders
emerge when church leaders emphasize structural endeavors over cultivating
faith communities. Fundraising for grand structures often occurs even in
regions lacking the critical mass to support such constructions. Presbyters
occasionally prioritize constructing new church buildings, while the needs of
existing congregations remain unaddressed.
Examining
church plaques that honor clergy and inaugurations, it becomes apparent that
the labors of evangelists and missionaries often go unnoticed. This discrepancy
between visible recognition and unseen efforts highlights the need for a shift
in focus.
Here is one of the smallest stone plaques that we probably can see (proper names changed). It reads...
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
ST.XXXXX
CHURCH -XXXXXXXXXX
NAME
OF THE TOWN, NAME OF THE DISTRICT
OLD
CHURCH BUILDING DEDICATED BY
BISHOP MOST REV. DR. NAME
IN
THE PRESENCE OF
BISHOP RT.REV. NAME-XXXXXXXXXXX
0N
MONTHXXX 19, 19XX
NEW
CHURCH BUILDING DEDICATED ON
AUGUST
27, 2019
BY
BISHOP REV. DR. NAME-XXXXXXXX
IN
THE PRESENCE OF
BISHOP OF REV. DR. NAME-XXXXXXX
REV.
NAME-XXXXXXX (VICAR)
If the church leadership emphasizes such external honors, the mission's
significance dwindles, and its impact declines. Missionaries and evangelists,
serving as frontline witnesses, shape a church's vitality. Recognizing and
defining the roles of evangelists, missionaries, and presbyters is vital for a
holistic understanding of ministry dynamics.
Historical success stories should guide churches in revising
conventional strategies. Tailored approaches, adaptable to different cultural
and linguistic contexts, hold the potential for fruitful missions.
The practices followed by congregations in Kerala cannot simply serve as a blueprint for initiating mission fields in other states or even within Kerala itself. Establishing a successful mission requires a clear vision and effective evangelism and church-planting strategies. Mere random appointments and transfers won't yield lasting results.
- Changing times demand
evolving strategies; historical practices might weaken in hostile
environments, especially in mission fields. Structures of typical
architecture and symbols placed can invite unnecessary attention that can
be avoided.
- Opening a new field
necessitates at least two workers, not merely a single individual, and
should ideally involve two families. However, independent missions and
churches often thrive with single families that commit to long-term
dwelling, witnessing, and congregational growth.
- A presbyter or an evangelist
appointed for a three-year term may struggle to yield significant results
in a mission field unless partnered with a co-laborer who remains
constant.
- The selection, training, and
appropriate placement of individuals are crucial. Pioneering missionaries
should be carefully chosen, adequately trained for missions (which might
not require a B.Th or M.Div), and equipped with essential resources for
survival.
- A mission field shouldn't be
a place for punitive transfers or disciplining candidates.
- If two persons or families
fail to collaborate effectively in a mission field, transferring one of
them to another field isn't a suitable solution other than helping a
family cope with their struggles.
- Routine presbyter transfers
may be suitable for traditional churches but hinder growth in pioneering
mission fields.
- Church members, mission
candidates, and church leadership mustn't assume that poorly performing
graduates should be sent to mission fields and academically proficient
individuals should be sent for higher studies to be placed in Bible
colleges or seminaries.
- Regardless of urban or rural
settings, church missions must focus on personal engagement with the local
community, going beyond virtual interactions, digital presentations, and
social media posts.
- Numerous congregations today
thrive through the dedication of committed individuals and visionaries who
do voluntary mentoring. They flourish within homes, often unseen, among
close-knit circles of relatives and friends. These gatherings don't demand
elaborate setups like flex banners, microphones, PA systems, or shouting
speakers. Instead, they require the living stones of Christ's foundation,
bound together by unity in spirit and genuine love for one another and the
eternal Kingdom. Such a church can find its place in an upper room, a
basement, or even beneath the surface.
A practical and experienced missionary-turned-presbyter, with first-hand experience in church administration, can truly comprehend the dynamics of pioneering mission fields. Such an individual should lead the mission department of a Church or the Church itself, potentially altering the future path of any Church and its missions by redeeming the time.
Conclusion:
In re-evaluating the contrast between constructing churches and
nurturing congregations, we confront the essence of the Christian mission. It
should transcend grand structures and architectural achievements, encompassing
the transformation of lives and the cultivation of spiritual communities. As we
navigate the intricate interplay between faith and infrastructure, we are
called to embrace a holistic perspective that envisions the church as an
embodiment of both the divine and the human, the spiritual and the physical,
and the eternal and the temporal.
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected
by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like
living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy
priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ”. 1 Peter 2:4-5
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