"Shalom" and the Church in Complex Culture

The Hebrew word, "Shalom," has relevance to what is happening in our cities and towns today. This beautiful word, found in the Old Testament, is translated in English with the word “peace.” The English word “peace,” however, is woefully inadequate to describe the fullness and richness of shalom. Its meaning has many faces:

Shalom does not only mean the absence of conflict, or the opposite of war. Shalom is the harmony and wholeness which flows from the establishment of proper relationships between God, persons, and the world. Shalom signifies flourishing relationships between persons, families, and peoples. It conveys a wish for abundance and success in one’s life such as material prosperity, bodily health, happiness, and positive well-being.

God's primary motivation for judgment can be expressed as justice: His concern is for the poor, the captives, the blind, the stranger—all those who become the objects of abuse (Kenik, 1979:37‑38).

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus sent out His disciples with the instruction, “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you (11:5-6).” God intends for shalom to exert direct influence on society; that all life should flourish, and all obstacles to abundant life be removed. Not everyone will be receptive, but that does not mean we should not persist.

As the culture of our society becomes increasingly complex (racially, culturally, ideologically, generationally, etc.), the need for shalom intensifies. God intends for His children, the Church, to be those people who extend the shalom of God (good will, encouragement, and happiness) to everyone they meet.

If we believe even a tiny bit in God's sovereignty, we must see God at work in the massive movement of people around the world. As the cities of our country and our world are internationalizing at such a rapid pace, it seems that God is trying to send us a message.

For one and a half centuries, we have been sending missionaries into the world. God is now sending the mission field to us in the cities and towns of America. Think about the Day of Pentecost, and all the nations that were represented in Jerusalem. Consider how all of them were welcomed into the Church.

Could it be that those from other countries, whom some Christians consider to be a problem, are really God's gift to the Church at this time? Reconnecting the Church must include reaching out to all the peoples in our community. It is in the best tradition of the love and shalom of God.

        1. How can you extend God’s shalom to someone today?

          2. How is your church finding its place in the complex culture around you?

         3. What is your church’s theology of social change in complex culture?

         4. How can the Church bring God’s shalom to those desiring to affirm life?      

         5. Should "witnessing" and "making disciples" be given equal priority?