State of the Church of Christ in Rural Texas
I’ve been driving around in the State of Texas a lot over the past couple of weeks—hundreds of miles in three different directions. In nearly every little town I’ve seen the obligatory “ Church of Christ ” signs just outside the city limits. Most of these signs look pretty old and weathered. Some are down right dilapidated. Rust is creeping through in spots and colors have faded. I can’t help but think that the condition of these signs is probably very much indicative of the conditions of the “churches” in these towns. And I’m not talking about the paint job on the buildings. I’m not saying it has to do with cause and effect; painting the signs won’t cure the problem. It goes much deeper than that.
There was a time when seeing a C of C sign gave me a little boost—knowing that the “Lord’s church” was in this place. But now, it doesn’t. Because of my preconceived notion about what this little church is probably like and what positive impact it is probably NOT having on that community, the up tick in the heart beat is gone.
As reality sets in more and more, I've been drifting toward the conclusion that most conservative small town Churches of Christ are pretty much irrelevant. Though they are generally made up of pretty good people they, as a church, have little or no impact on the community. In fact, they are pretty much ignored by the community. Sure, everybody knows they are there, but that’s about it. They are basically impotent but don’t know it. They live in a vacuum. Because they go through the motions of the "five acts of worship" each week, they think they are the exact replica of the 1st century church—the one true church—and that’s good enough for them.
They would bristle with “righteous” indignation at the thought of someone calling them irrelevant. But I shake my head in amazement that they can’t see it. It’s beyond my comprehension that they can’t see it. And yet, they don’t
Though I think that there is some positive change taking place in isolated spots, I’m afraid that full scale change is unlikely in the near term. I think that it is more likely that most of these churches will slowly die out completely rather than to risk change. What happens after that is anybody’s guess. Hopefully, they will be reborn with a new and loving spirit that will have a positive impact on their surroundings. Until that time we must keep the faith and share the love. We can’t be the solution for everywhere, but we can bloom where we’re planted. Though we can’t make a difference in every place, we can make a difference in this place. And that is where we need to focus. God Bless you this week as you make a difference your world. Dennis
Actually, I am a little offended by the thought you bring up. I can't help it; I want to see good things among us and I want to know that we bring glory to the cause of Christ. I want people to see the name Church of Christ and think about the love and the grace of Jesus living through this band of believers. Unfortunately what people see is a mixed bag.
We divide because of what we value, rather than finding unity in what is most valuable. We seek to control rather than liberate. We bind up heavy burdens on people who are sincerely seeking to follow God. We call ourselves the one true church and thus judge every other follower of the Christ - in reality we judge ourselves by the arrogance of such statements.
I am offended by your post, but I know that it is painfully accurate. I know a man who wants to be baptized soon. He is from a small town away from here and I know that when he goes home he will likely be welcomed with caution, but over time he will have to conform or be crucified. Will he make it through?
Some will only be offended by your post: they will read it and note that you are attacking the church again. What is truly offensive is the reality of what you have written. That is something MuddyPuddles has no control over in the broadest sense. Rather than look squarely at the problem and attempt to resolve it, some will be angry because you aired our dirty laundry. They are like Alfred E. Newman, "What me worry?" or Supertramp, "Crisis, what crisis?" You continue to raise questions that are not allowed in a forum that is too public.
It is not amusing that when we are offended by this post, we do not react against the legalism, the control, the judgment, the self-righteousness that provoked it in the first place. Rather than repent as king David, we would kill the prophet, Nathan for having the gall to say such things about the Lord's annointed.
Let us drop our offense and be humble before God and one another. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sins and let us re-turn to Him.
disciple (Comment this)
Just as when people do not attend for a while and get upset when nobody notices, how little more would people notice if our congregations closed down? If your congregation were to close its doors right now, who would notice? What impact would that have on the community? Good thoughts Dennis.
Lance
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Only say what is beneficial to them. I am sure you have the courage and wisdom to pray intently before speaking your mind. MuddyPuddles is not in the same circumstances you are - from his vantage point one course may be correct, wheras from your God appointed place in life at this time, a different course may be better for those you love and work with.
Love does not provoke us to say only what is true, rather to speak what is best for our hearers. Be strong and courageous, but look beyond your church's present situation to what may be in 20 years, if you are patient and determined now.
Please do not be discouraged with whatever is occuring. God is able to use all things for your benefit and for the benefit of his people who are seeking him. You need not speak in such a way of yourself. You are a servant of God who is able to use your weaknesses as his strengths. Lay this burden down at the crucifixion so that he may fill you with new life and vitality. You are making a difference by faith - - not by seeing.
Best wishes and love,
disciple
p.s. I hope this is not too forward (Comment this)
BC (Comment this)