Yesterday I got into a great conversation about inclusion in the Church.
I originally stated that we let people belong so that they can become . . . become more like Jesus. I think that most churches have this process reversed. That is, they expect people to become like Jesus before they will ever let them belong. In other words, if you are not like us, or a currently participating in some visible sin, then we cannot let you belong. Stay outside while we sing “Just as I am.”
By belonging I’m simply referring to giving all people, wherever they are in their journey, the opportunity to find love and community so that they can encounter the transformative power of Jesus.
We are about actively ushering not-yet-Christians into the web of relationships among the church and welcome them be involved (though not leading) in the life of the church. In turn, the church – God’s missionary people – continue in prayer for the person and seek to demonstrate the love of God in practical ways, not to complete strangers, but instead people who by all accounts do not know God but are in genuine friendship with missionary people who do. In this way, the not-yet-Christian is not connecting with the church in terms of events and large programs, but instead smaller face-to-face ongoing contact with people who love and speak truthfully to them. In other words, they belong.
The not-yet-Christians see the very natural and practical outworking of the gospel in people’s lives and begin to identify themselves with the church before they identify themselves as Christian by speaking of my church—which we do not believe indicates faith but is a good step along the journey to speak of my Jesus.
As trust builds with their friends and the church, they have become accustomed to hearing about Jesus Christ often and at some point God gives them faith and they pass from death to life. This precise moment is often unknown to us and what we are less concerned about what is the exact moment of salvation and more concerned about their understanding of the gospel and love for Jesus Christ that changes them. They are becoming.
The non-yet-Christians are well aware that Christian friends have been and are praying for them and have always desired for them to make a decision to follow Jesus. So, when they do become Christians, they confess Christ to their friends and are overjoyed and spread the good news throughout their social network.
The new Christian then is baptized so they can make a public profession of faith and makes a covenant with the rest of the church body. They naturally want to invite their friends and family to their baptism so that they can begin their work as a missionary and confess Christ to their friends because they are overjoyed and desire to spread the good news throughout their social network just as the gospel was brought to them.
I think the emphasis on "process" is the most glaring omission of the church. The moment of decision movement that followed the great awakenings caused all kinds of damage to the understanding of the great commission and sanctification as the necessary process that begins at justification. It is amazing how many folks believe salvation is a destination rather than a launching pad. Our testimonies say that much. They are obsessed with the point of salvation rather than the shaping that has occurred afterward. Michael, your thoughts are needed, and I would love to talk with you about practical ways in which we can encourage this in the church.
I often say that what God sees as a process, we see as a destination. Anytime you would like to get together, just let me know. I can tell you this, that it is messy.