Chart - Niebuhr's "Christ in Culture"

For more information and practical projects you can do to discover the make-up of the complex culture in your community, I would refer you to: Kauffman, J. Timothy. Reconnecting the Church: Finding Our Place in Complex Culture. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris, 2010. It can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, the iBooks Store, and Xlibris.com; it is also in Kindle and Nook format. Check it out.

Christ, the Alternative to Culture

Jesus never asks us to go where He has not already been. Our approach to ministry should, as well, stem from the conviction that Christ is already at work in any culture and is working to change it. Reconnecting is about discovering where He is and what He is doing. In his classic, Christ in Culture, Richard Niebuhr described five types of relationships between Christ and culture. Niebuhr’s brilliant analysis of the Church and culture, over the last two millennia, has stood the test of time.

1.   Christ in opposition to culture.

2.   The Christ of culture.

3.   Christ above culture.

4.   Christ and culture in paradox.

5.   Christ as the transformer of culture.

At the time he wrote his book, there was little to suggest that an ideological sea change was in the process of occurring. For lack of a perfect term, one might consider naming it secular post-modernism. Nor did Niebuhr imply that his five approaches were the only ones possible. On the other hand, Tex Sample, for example, proposed that in suggesting “Christ as the transformer of culture,” Niebuhr should have included that Christ is transforming culture because He is in it.

Most of the five interactions between Christ and culture were responses to philosophical changes in the culture of their day. Considered, in this light, it seems appropriate that, in a secular/postmodern world, an additional connection would be likely to emerge.

In John, chapter one, we are told that Christ is in culture, in history, in nature, and in the cosmos. It is Christ in whom and through whom all things were made. Nevertheless, John writes realistically about how evil, bondage, and death exist concurrently. In Jesus, Himself, a new kind of life entered into the world. Through the incarnation, Christ is not separate from the world but enfleshed in us, and by extension, in the Church. Jesus affirmed much of the traditional patterns of his own culture, but was critical of the hypocritical lifestyles, and legalism that suffocated the spirit of the Law.

Christ, the Alternative to Culture

The Church, by its very nature, is a different culture. Its values differ from those of the dominant culture. One might even say that in many instances they run counter to that culture—a stealth insurgency, if you will. Those who truly live out Kingdom values will demonstrate a community life that contrasts with and shows the inadequacy of the dominant culture. This new interaction underscores the winsome benefits of kingdom values: love, mercy, forgiveness, goodness, etc. It also unmasks the unsatisfying hallmarks of the dominant culture: selfishness, cruelty, revenge, evil, etc., as being unsatisfying. Christ offers Himself, through the Kingdom community, as an alternative to the dominant culture. The relationship is similar to Niebuhr’s “Christ against culture,” whose tendency was to retreat from culture, which was characterized by the rise of Monasticism. This new relationship could be called, “Christ, the Alternative to Culture.”

Instead of an island, this alternative could best be described as a peninsula: outreach, influence, welcome and sanctuary. The culture seems to have moved so far away from Christ that Christ’s only resort left is to appeal to culture as an alternative to it. In addition, people become aware of the inadequacy of the culture to the point of being dissatisfied with the culture. I would remind you of the companion verse to John 3:16, verse 17 (NIV): “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Rather than escape, or to transform, even to condemn culture, Christ offers Himself as an appealing alternative.

The Church is being challenged to live with absolute integrity. In an alternative to culture, people really need to see a difference—a winsome and attractive difference in the way Christians live. Absent that difference, there is no alternative. So, in this relationship, Christian disciples are committed to live in society, and be equipped to model an attractive lifestyle to those burned out by the dominant culture.

What is your thinking on this topic?

Tim Keller on the Theology of Ministry in Complex Culture

I have been reading Tim Keller’s book, entitled Center Church: Doing Balanced Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City.[1] My brother-in-law is an Elder at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, and sent me this book. Although Redeemer is in New York City, Keller’s interest is to help any local church develop a biblical and relevant philosophy of ministry. The following is a passage from his introduction:

“Lints explains why we cannot stop with our doctrinal foundation but must also look at our setting—our historical moment and our cultural location:

“Having recognized the source of the conversation [God], we must then take into account those with whom he speaks. God does not speak in a vacuum but to and through people, and in and through history. The speech of God…is addressed to people across different cultural histories, and for this reason (among others), it is often misunderstood and misinterpreted…

Nicodemus and the Pharisees stood in a tradition, were conditioned by a culture, and applied certain principles of rationality to their own conversations with Jesus. We do the same today. It is…[critical that] the people of God [come] to the awareness of their historical, cultural and rational filters so that they will not be ruled by them.”[2]

This reveals, I believe, one (among others) of the key reasons for failures in fruitfulness. We must discern where and how the culture can be challenged and affirmed. The answers to these questions have enormous impact on how we preach, evangelize, organize, lead, disciple, and shepherd people.

“A theological vision allows [people] to see their culture in a way different than they had ever been able to see it before…Those who are empowered by the theological vision do not simply stand against the mainstream impulses of the culture but take the initiative both to understand and speak to that culture from the framework of the scriptures…The modern theological vision must seek to bring the entire counsel of God into the world of its time in order that its time might be transformed.”[3]

Keller, then responds the Lints. “I propose a similar but slightly more specific set of questions for the development of a theological vision. As we answer these questions, a theological vision will emerge:

·        What is the gospel, and how do we bring it to bear on the hearts of people today?

·       What is this culture like, and how can we both connect to it and challenge it in our communication?

·       Where are we located—city, suburb, town, rural area—and how does this affect our ministry?

·       To what degree and how should Christians be involved in civic life and cultural production?

·       How do the various ministries in a church—word and deed, community and instruction—relate to one another?

·       How innovative will our church be and how traditional?

·       How will our church relate to other churches in our city and region?

·       How will we make our case to the culture about the truth of Christianity?”[4]

“This concept of a theological vision explains  how, for example, our conservative Presbyterian denomination, in which all churches share the same detailed doctrinal foundation (Westminster Confession of Faith) can be deeply divided over ministry expressions and methods, such as music, preaching styles, approach to organization and leadership, forms of outreach, and so on. The reason is that churches with the same basic doctrines are shaped by different theological visions because they are answering these questions about culture, tradition, and rationality differently.”[5]

The framework Keller is developing here is presented to provide the local church, no matter where it is located, with a theological basis for ministry in what I call, “complex culture.” I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

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[1] Keller, Timothy. Center Church: Doing Balanced Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 2012.

[2] Lints, Richard. A Fabric of Theology: A Prolegomenon to Evangelical Theology. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), 1993, p. 83.

[3] Ibid. p. 316-17.

[4] Keller, Timothy. Center Church: Doing Balanced Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 2012, p. 18.

[5] Ibid. p. 18-19.

Wesleyan Sources of Theology

What are the sources of Wesleyan theology? Two hundred years after the birth of the Reformation, an Anglican clergyman in England named John Wesley began his ministry. Wesley was not a systematic theologian. Rather his consuming passion was that of an evangelist. Wesley’s major focus was on discipling new believers and fostering their spiritual growth in the context of 18^th century England. Significant to note is that Wesley was and remained an Anglican priest.

He was steadfast in his belief in the supremacy of scripture as a source of sound doctrine. However, he also believed that secondary sources were needed, if a genuine experience of faith was to be nourished in 18^th century England. Wesley experienced at least three influences that brought him to that understanding.

First of all, the Enlightenment in Europe was in full swing. These new ideas, being voiced, tended to reject the Church and its teaching. The Roman Church no longer had control over the dissemination of knowledge. The Enlightenment called for the rejection of tradition, the exercise of reason, and independence from Rome. Secondly, he had been greatly influenced by his experience as a member of the Holy Club,[1] his education, and the emphasis of reason in both. Thirdly, Wesley had not found assurance of salvation through his works. However, through the assistance of the German Pietist, Peter Böhler, and while Luther’s preface to the Book of Romans was being read at Aldersgate Street, Wesley reports that his heart was “strangely warmed.”[2]

John Wesley’s Theological Sources: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Indeed, the impact of the above influences had great significance for Wesley’s theology. First and foremost, Wesley considered the Scriptures to be the primary source of theology. In addition, he incorporated three auxiliary sources that directly supported his formulation of theology: tradition, reason and experience. Wesley’s use of these four sources for his theology is what Albert Outler has called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.

Tradition
A Miriam-Webster definition of tradition is “an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior” (as in a religious practice).” To be fair, Wesley was reacting against the anti-traditional Enlightenment. Positively stated, we all approach the Bible with presuppositions concerning what it will say to us. Also, our cultural context forms us, and makes it possible for us to misinterpret Scripture. As a result, Wesley suggests it is good to include the thought of faithful interpreters of the past to keep us on the road of right thinking.

Reason
As we have seen, John Wesley lived and ministered in the Age of Reason[3] and this fact is perhaps why he felt compelled to include reason as a theological source. He insisted that he who rejects reason rejects religion also.[4] Colin Williams summarizes John Wesley’s view on reason in the light of tradition:

“The importance of reason is not that it provides another source of revelation, but that it is a logical faculty enabling us to order the evidence of revelation; and that with tradition, it provides us with the necessary weapons for guarding against the dangers of unbridled interpretation of scripture.”[5]

Reason summarizes and systematizes truth so that it can be presented in a logical way. God’s truth should make sense to those who hear it.

Experience
Probably due to his contact with the German Pietists, Wesley added experience to his list of sources. He had been using the first three sources, but had failed to experience assurance of salvation. He understood experience as being something more than that which can be observed or felt through sensory perception. Beyond the senses, Wesley contended, we experience love, awe, aesthetic, acceptance, and conviction. Experience occurs when, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children” (Rom. 8:16). Williams comments further on Wesley: “Experience therefore is the appropriation of authority, not the source of authority.”[6] In other words, scripture does not confirm scripture; rather scripture is confirmed by our experience.

Conclusion

Together, they are very helpful in formulating theology in a rapidly changing cultural context. The strength of this method is its complete reliance on scripture while using the other three sources. Tradition keeps contemporary theology tied to the faithful interpreters of the past, reason fulfills the need to stay in tune with current thinking, and experience makes certain that theology remains anchored in a real and felt relationship with God, and the knowledge of His presence.

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[1] The Holy Club was a group of students who covenanted together to hold each other accountable to practice the spiritual disciplines faithfully. For their efforts, their colleagues labeled them “Methodists.” Later, they embraced what was intended to be a derogatory name.

[2] Wesley, John. The Journal of the Reverend John Wesley, A.M.. Vol. I, Nehemiah Curnock, ed., London: Epworth Press, 1938, p 476.

[3] The 18^th century.

[4] Wesley, John. The Journal of the Reverend John Wesley, A.M.. Vol. V, Nehemiah Curnock, ed., London: Epworth Press, 1938, p. 364.

[5] Williams, Colin W. John Wesley’s Theology Today. New York: Abingdon Press, 1960, p. 31.

[6] Williams, Colin W. John Wesley’s Theology Today. New York: Abingdon Press, 1960, p. 33.

Core Values -- Establishing An Identity

In their book, Built to Last, Collins and Porras wrote about the need for, and the importance of, core values. I will paraphrase their comment about the importance of cove values in business in the context of the Church: core values are the church’s essential and enduring beliefs not to be compromised for financial, membership gain, or short-term expediency.[i] They are a small set of general guiding principles (no fewer than three, no more than six); they are not to be confused with a mission statement or a strategy. That may be one reason why it seems difficult for some churches to put their mission statements into practice.

In 1963, Thomas Watson, founder of IBM, wrote in a company booklet,

“The basic philosophy, spirit and drive of an organization have far more to do with its relative achievements than do technological or economic resources, organizational structure, innovation, and timing. All these things weigh heavily in success. But they are, I think, transcended by how strongly the people in the organization believe in its basic precepts and how faithfully they carry them out.”[ii]

He was speaking to an organization’s core values. Each local church ministers to a unique assemblage of people. And each church ministers in a distinctive mixture of peoples, cultures, generations, and lifestyles which I call complex culture.[iii] In order to minister effectively in such a context, each local church needs to decide, beyond its Christian identity, why it exists? Only then, can the congregation begin to work on its mission, and design strategies to accomplish it.

For that reason, a mission statement must issue from core values and a rock solid vision, or it cannot effectively be put into practice. It is like trying to discover how to get to an unknown destination without knowing where you are.

CORE VALUES                    Who are we?
VISION STATEMENT         Why are we here?
MISSION STATEMENT      What is our purpose?
STRATEGY                           How will we accomplish our purpose?

In most cases, a core value should be boiled down to an “intense simplicity” that gives significant guidance. Sam Walton said the following about Wal-Mart: “We put the customer ahead of everything else….If you’re not serving the customer, or supporting the folks that do, then we don’t need you.”

If you have too many core values, you might ask yourself the following questions. Questions like the following can help you identify those values which constitute your authentic core.

·         Which of these values would we strive to live up to even if our community ceases to reward us, or perhaps even penalizes us?

·         Which values would we be willing to alter or discard if the environment no longer favors them?

·         What is it about our church which if this value were gone, would compromise our authenticity?

Each local church should formulate its own core values, and nail them down. Then everything that is done needs to be ordered around them. Core values function as an internal compass, and function largely independently of the external circumstances.

Collins and Porras included in their book the core values of many major U.S. corporations; here are two. Notice that their five core values are captioned by one major vision. Take a look at each company. They are illustrative of the different directions core values of successful companies, and by extension, a local church might take.

Wal-Mart – the customers are central

·         “We exist to provide better value to our customers” – to make their lives better via lower prices and greater selection; all else is secondary

·         Swim upstream, buck conventional wisdom

·         Be in partnership with employees

·         Work with passion, commitment and enthusiasm

·         Run lean

Marriott – concern for our employees is central

·         Friendly service and excellent value (customers are guests); “make people away from home feel that they are among friends and really wanted”

·         People are number one – treat them well, expect a lot, and the rest will follow

·         Work hard, yet keep it fun

·         Continual self-improvement

·         Overcoming adversity to build character

These companies are constantly changing their methods and strategies, because their clientele’s needs and preferences are changing. However, a successful company that stays on message does nothing that is incompatible with its core values. The same will be true of an effective local church.

Anchor these core values in concrete. Determine that they will not be changed for any reason. Hold fast to the core values. They will give to the church:

·         A certainty of purpose.

·         A guideline to form new policy or programming, as the need arises.

·         Greater understanding among the people of the congregation as it addresses changes in program or methods.

Is it, in your opinion, essential for a church to identify its core values? If not, why not?

What do you think should be decided first, core values or mission statement? Why? Why not?

What are your core values?

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[i] Collins and Porras. Built to Last. New York: Harper Business, 1994, pp. 73-75.

[ii] Thomas J. Watson, Jr., A Business and Its Beliefs. 1963.

[iii] In July of 2012, I describe, in two posts in this blog, the concept of complex culture and delineate its constituent parts.