What If the Goal of the Church Wasn’t Growth, but Transformation?

We've had the privilege of attending about 15 churches since moving to our area. While it's been fascinating to witness the variety of local church cultures, it's also been challenging to understand where we fit in the broader Church.

The Diverse Landscape of Church Cultures

The cultures of churches vary significantly:

• One feels like a college classroom where everyone arrives with pens and notebooks

• Another resembles a twelve-step group offering support for whatever struggles you face

• One focuses intently on making newcomers feel welcomed

• Another uses so many cues and rites that only the well-initiated can comprehend

• Some are somber, slow, and ancient—like visiting a museum

• Others burst with lights, fog, clapping, high fives, and upbeat music

Even the pastors demonstrate remarkable diversity:

• The theologian who knowledgeably shares deep Christian truths

• The exegete who expertly illuminates the Bible in its original context and language

• The evangelist seeking to convert the unconverted in the congregation

• The exhorter who intensely challenges people to align their lives with God before death

• The teacher who crafts practical steps for conforming one's life to Christ's example

• The comforter who speaks like a wise sage about living well

  
  

Which Approach Is "Right"?

So which of these service styles and preaching approaches is correct? I'd suggest all of them and none of them, depending on your perspective.

My wife and I have struggled to find a place where we can feel at home and contribute relationally, emotionally, theologically, philosophically, and practically. I recognize this is my issue, not a problem with the churches we've visited. It reminds me of a time in my career when I had 8 Executive Assistants in 8 years! Eventually, I had to face the reality that I was the common denominator. So understand as I share these thoughts, I don't claim to have all the answers...

The Core Challenge for Churches

The underlying challenge for all churches is understanding why the Church (with a capital C) exists and how it relates to the local institution we call "First Church on the corner." Most churches attempt to impact the lives of their people and communities, but their approaches differ dramatically. I wonder if they can truly assess their impact on individuals' lives or their surrounding communities.

Jesus' Model of Discipleship

Ironically, Jesus modeled and taught more about what his disciples could be and do than about the churches that would result from their impact. Jesus directed them to make disciples of Him, not simply people who attend services (Matthew 28:19-20). From Jesus' life and the lives of his disciples, we see that disciples are made through intentional investment of time and presence in another's life.

The Apostle Paul understood this clearly. In his letters to those he discipled, he writes:

• "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice." Philippians 4:9

  
  

• "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

  
  

• "Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

  
  

• "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example...We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate." 2 Thessalonians 3:7 & 9

  
  

• "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:15-16

  
  

• What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:13

  
  

• "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2

  
  

We see Paul over and over emphasizing that their lives were changed through him living in their presence and they are to do the same with others.

Relationship as the Core of Faith

Coming into a relationship with Christ and maturing in that relationship most often happens within the context of relationships and community. Churches were simply a byproduct and then a mechanism for Christ-followers to encourage this process. Disciples grew in maturity and love through time spent with each other and those around them. Their communal impact transformed lives and communities.

I'm grateful for the variety of churches, just as I appreciate that restaurants don't all serve identical food in identical ways. Diversity is valuable, but my ongoing question remains: how effectively are these different expressions accomplishing the ultimate reason the Church exists? Want to help the church build disciples? We are working on an incredible new assessment called the Spiritual Formation Index. We need your help by taking the assessment. The first assessment will take just 15 minutes here.