It's not new, but the use of the word "unchurched" is one I find disconcerting. It is frequently used by church planters to denote the heathen, their "market" and "target audience"--in contrast to church hoppers, who are merely disgruntled with their current congregation and shopping for a new one.
Like Burger King's "Whopper virgins", these unchurched are the fresh-faced masses who have never had the privilege of hearing a truly relevant "talk" on improving their lives from a gel-haired hipster, while sipping a hot cup of Starbucks. Okay, sorry. I'm going to cut the gratuitous cynicism for a minute.
Our family has some unchurched friends, and to be honest, the last thing I want is for them to become churched. I would love it if they became followers of Christ, but I'm not sure I want them becoming churched before they become regenerated. These days, attending church can be a sure-fire way to become inoculated to the gospel. It's a great way to convince yourself that you're okay with God and he's cool with you, that He may even be pleased with your Sunday morning ritual.
Am I nitpicking, splitting hairs? Perhaps those who use the word unchurched have merely chosen a softer word than "unsaved". The problem is that becoming "churched" is not the solution, in spite of arguments to the contrary.
The formula goes like this: If we could just get them into the doors of the church, they would see that we're not that weird, that we don't use hymnbooks, we don't have pews, we don't have a portrait of George W. Bush in the foyer. We don't even have a foyer. When they see the programs we have for their children and meet other people just like them, they'll decide to stick around. Then we may drop the gospel bomb. But by then it will be too late. Their relational connection to the church will be so strong that they will not be likely to leave without extreme discomfort.
Then, my friends, they will be churched.
10 comments:
Hey Matt, Good point! I am definitely with you. I occasionally use the word in a statistical sense. "Unchurched" and "Unreached" are DEFINITELY different concepts, and I think "unchurched" has a place in statistical considerations, but not in the normal vision of reaching our friends.
In the Old Testament, there was centripetal motion: "Everybody come to Jerusalem, to the temple and to God." In the new covenant sense, there is centrifugal motion, "Everybody go out and introduce them to Jesus. Then disciple them and fellowship together...as you continue to go out!" Evangelism and getting your non believing friends to come to church ain't the same animal.
Matt,
You are very right... A great open-air preacher once asked me when I told him of people's concerns over feelings being hurt by the idea that they are NOT, in fact, Christian because they simply attend church services...
"What are you worried about? That you'll send them DEEPER into Hell?"
Jesus didn't go to church either. And oh...He also didn't have a bible by the way.
Matt! I think you are making a good point but obviously it will draw some heat... so be it as it surely needs to be said!
After yesterday's "all church informattion" meeting following our morning service, I am definitely more convinced of the validity of your argument.
It is increasingly difficult to see how today's typical "church format" is a good platform for making disciples and helping newbies grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Many church-goers never get any practice or help in learning basic Christian disciplines. Rather, they end up turning everything over to the "chosen few," full-time/paid staff, rather than experiencing God for themselves. Somehow we have allowed church to become a mere spectator event and given up on being a living body which is representative of Christ.
As a church member, I have tried to help turn the "big ship" in a more favorable direction, but I am not sure it is possible or even desirable. It is similar to to cleaning off the big stacks of stuff that acccumulate on top of a desk. Sometimes you just have to "chuck it all" and start over with a clean slate!
My faith suffers at times like these when I see so little expression of incarnational living in the midst of an above average local church congregation! We've surrendered way too much to culture and secular pressures to conform.
Lord, please guide all of us to a closer relationship and place with You! Help us to create an environment where others can meet with You, grow as part of Your Body and help others see You in all Your glory! If there is a way to help the "big ship" make course changes please help us to find it!
The church is "unchurched."
We have strayed so far from the intention of what the church is supposed to be that I think it would be almost 100% unrecognizable to a 1st century believer.
This is not to suggest that contemporary forms are the problem. The issue is the missing "eternal purposes" for the church. Community in a crowd of thousands? I don't think so... Preaching and teaching as the primary expression of the time spent together? Naw. Worship from a platform in the front of the auditorium? Well... occasionally, I guess. I could go on, talking about these forms, which aren't bad in themselves. They drown out the more important values that a church should be about.
We produce a pretty good show but have failed to embrace body life in a way that honors the definition of the church.
Matt....
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Inoculation to the gospel is quite possible just by attending church: (maybe even highly probable?). Who is to say? A significant portion of "church-going" people might not even know Jesus or follow Him (Matthew 7:21-23). I agree with Kelly....there is little to non existent discipleship in evidence. Please Lord help us become salt & light once again!
It seems like just last week I was having a discussion about the proper definitions or understanding of the terms "Unchurched" and "Unreached" online. I think it's good to revisit the words we use as the different cultures and groups seem to change the meaning of those words with time.
The word "Gay" has been changed to mean something different over the years, it no longer means happy, it has been changed to mean homosexual.The word "Evangelical" has changed over the years, it used to mean those focused on sharing the good news, not sure how many now associate "Evangelical" with good news anymore, it has been changed to be more of a term to describe one's religious/political association.
As Tedstur stated, the 1st century believer would not recognize what man has created as a substitute for the Ekklesia that Christ started building with his disciples.
I grew up in the "traditional church", and grew up thinking that "Unchurched" was the word to describe anyone who was not on the membership role of a "traditional church". I have since been on a Spiritual Journey outside the walls of the "traditional church", and now believe the word "Unchurched" has nothing to do with someone's membership status with a "traditional church".
I now personally believe "Unchurched" is the word to describe those who are not in fellowship with at least one disciple in the Ekklesia sharing Christ's love with them. This could apply to both those who are lost in the world, and those who are active members of a "traditional church".
Ha, ha. That was quite funny, I enjoyed reading that. It's laughable how pathetically far from the truth some have strayed. Actually it's quite sad, but sometimes quite scary so it feels easier to laugh than cringe.
Ain't nothin wrong with pews and hymn books if those people are worshipping in spirit and truth. Personally I prefer a house church or something similar. And as for entertainment churches, well they make me sick. We visited a church recently on holidays; they entertained but did not pray once or read the Bible once. I went the next day and told the pastor off; we are called to worship not entertain.
hearing a truly relevant “talk” on improving their lives from a gel-haired hipster, while sipping a hot cup of Starbucks"
That is a classic line!
Wow! What a site. You have a real knack for making a blog readable and easy on the eyes. I am always interested in reading other sites about religion, they give me a lot to consider. I don't have time to read everything right now, I found this site when looking for something else on beliefnet.com, but I've bookmarked your homepage and will check back soon to see your latest articles. What is your preferred translation of the Bible? I think they are all good, don't really have a favorite myself. I have a blog with daily Bible readings on it. Please visit it - it as at www.GotTB.com. I just redesigned the site with a new look and feel, please let me know what you think of the new layout. God's Peace!
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