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Conversations in which the topic of mega church is raised usually polarise discussion. Whenever the impact of organisations such as Hillsong, Willow Creek and Saddleback is considered they are either regarded as a real blessing to the church or as distorting the gospel. It would be fair to say that there are few places which are not aware of the contribution and ministry of the above three, perhaps better known in the terms 'seeker-sensitive' and 'purpose-driven'. But are the only options available to leave them beyond criticism because of the nature of their success, or discard them as a distortion?
Essential to any ecclesiology is the notion of diversity. When Paul reflects on the nature of the church as the body of Christ, he articulates the varied aspects of its giftedness, its leadership, and/or its challenges. The New Testament as a whole reflects a diverse range of faith communities, each with its own challenges. If there is one church which is held out as the ideal its characteristics would be described for us in Acts 2, but that still leaves plenty of scope for the way in which a faith community unfolds its worship and ministry. Which leaves us to ponder the nature of diversity in the church today: is it mere diversity within the church community, or as communities of communities, or something more?
At the very least we need to recognise that there will always be different expressions of church that reflect the different theologies expressed within the New Testament, as well as reflecting the different environments in which they emerge. We could no more expect that a church in a remote community would be an exact replica of one in a suburban area than we would expect a school or sporting club to be. They would exhibit similarities, but exact replication? Even based on the same presuppositions and principles of operation?
But that is not to say that one is right and the other wrong. Each aims to meet its community in a particular way, and unfold a certain practice. There is potential to learn from one another, but not all that is done is readily transferable.
When it comes to church, the same is true. There are many diverse and creative expressions of God's people at work. Not all receive or seek the same publicity, but that is not to deny the authenticity of their witness and ministry. It is not the strength of their publicity machine which measures their worth in God's kingdom (either way!)
In this age of communication we have ready access and opportunity to witness the work of many churches. And all of them bear the grace of God in their context. And all of them face challenges in regard to the extent to which we are all being moulded in the shape of Jesus and his mission.
We need to be careful of maligning churches of any size: mega, mini or anywhere in between: we may find ourselves opposing the work of God. BUT at the same time we need to be careful of promoting any one as THE way... lest we forget to listen to what God might be saying to us in our own locality. But that is not to say that we ought not critique what we see of the ministry of others - not in a public "we're better" forum, but in an effort to get inside the thinking and attitudes which generate and energise communities so that we might all be enriched - for me this is a key aspect of learning.
There are "easy targets" in the church today as far as public discussion often goes. However, the proper evaluation of ministry is never a popularity question... there weren't too many votes in favour of Jesus at the end, or of the prophets...
We ought to be thankful for the full expression of God's church, regardless of size and shape of mission. It reminds us that God is beyond our plans and paradigms, and that God will do all that is necessary to woo people into His kingdom. It is this diversity that we need to cherish.
Posted by gary at January 14, 2006 04:08 PM
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