Thoughts on the Church
There is a lot more to explore here, but let’s keep it simple. Per usual I feel more confident making these observations about the predominantly white American church because that is what I have been a part of. I hope to add data to these observations soon.
The church has been inconsistent with what God calls us to, especially in our treatment of marginalized people.
This certainly isn’t universal, Christians have done an amazing amount of good in the world.
(Young) People are leaving as a result of what they see and experience.
There is no shortage of data or story to prove this point, but I will add to it soon.
It is not working for those who leave.
If people were leaving and finding joy, freedom, satisfaction, meaning, purpose it would be one thing but largely I don’t belive they are.
One example; Rapidly rising rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, hopelessness.
Tolerance as a religion is impossible.
We (the church) need a long term focus on number 1, and take care of the plank in our own eye.
We can’t point fingers at those who are leaving. We shouldn’t have better marketing schemes. We need to clean up our act. Article. “To use the house metaphor that @KSPrior helpfully offered, if pastors see themselves as the builders of the house, and lots of people are leaving the house because it's crumbling or unsafe, the primary task is to rebuild the house, in quiet, humble ways.” Katelyn Beatty
This is a lifetime focus-- this is not going to change in our lifetime in the Western world.
Scripture
“First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” - Jesus
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” - Also Jesus