The Danger of Being Church

What does it mean to be part of the church? What are some of the implications of deciding to be part of the church? What role should the church play in today’s society?

The church is in a bit of a quandary. 1) There is a trend in understanding the “gospel” or the “good news” of the Christian message apart from a committed social body. The Christian message is being preached as something that can exist apart from a social entity. 2) In many parts of the world, the numbers of those who are members of the church is declining. This is especially true of the more “mainline” churches. Some see this as negative because the church is losing the power it once possessed in and over society. 3) As a result, some churches are looking to be more attractive to those who are “searching” or “unchurched.” Many times, though not always, the message that is given, in the hopes of being more attractive, is one that a) promises blessings upon those who become “saved,” b) focuses on the benefits of being “saved,” namely, that people who dedicate themselves to Christ are saved and therefore will not perish, and c) diminishes the radical social nature of what being a Christian means to the point that all being a Christian means is to believe in Jesus and the promise of salvation.

There is a dilemma, however, that is often not noted; a dilemma, I think, that lies in our understanding of what “gospel” means. “Gospel” is often understood as the message of salvation. These two words, “gospel” and “salvation,” are often used interchangeably. The message of salvation, in turn, is often understood in some internal, individualized way. In other words, the message of “salvation” or “gospel” is becoming (or has become) a message that does not exist through or as an integral part of a group of committed believers—the church. The church is becoming (or has become) a way to assist individuals to hear about and receive the message of salvation, the “gospel,” in order for them to receive their reward. It is rare to hear people speak about the church as the gospel.

The Christian message, therefore, is in danger of no longer representing or speaking about the concrete and social nature of being followers of Jesus.

Is “gospel” an internal, individualized message of salvation alone? Or is there more to this understanding of what “gospel” means?

In Mark 1:14-15 we find an interesting understanding of “gospel.” In these verses we find the announcement of the “gospel” (or evanggelion literally meaning “good news”) in two ways: 1) that “the time is fulfilled,” and 2) “the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15, NKJV). This is the gospel message! This is the good news!

According to this announcement as to what “gospel” means, the gospel seems to be about kingdom presence. “Jesus’ gospel is that the kingdom of God is present among us…. The kingdom arriving means that although God’s authority is accessible and active everywhere, it is only recognized and accepted in some circles. Some people are willing to live according to God’s will and authority for their lives. Others are not yet willing to do so.”*

It is interesting to note the connection between the proclamation or announcement of the gospel made by Jesus with the kingdom of God (see for example Mark 1:14-15; Matt. 4:23; Matt. 9:35; Matt. 24:14). It is also interesting to see how the proclamation of the kingdom of God, defined according to Mark as “gospel” or “good news,” is either immediately followed or preceded by the calling of people to follow him (see for example Mark 1:14-15 immediately followed by Mark 1:16-20; Matt. 4:23 immediately preceded by Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 9:35 immediately followed by Matt. 10:1-15). In other words, the formation of peoplehood immediately precedes or follows the announcement of the gospel (or good news) of the kingdom of God.

Kingdom lives are about peoplehood. God prefers that kingdom presence and kingdom lives be lived out intentionally within the lives of people. The image of a kingdom is one that encourages an image of a peoplehood – an identifiable group committed to living out the authority of God in both personal and corporate lives.

There is a connection between the definition of “gospel” or “good news” with the formation of a group of committed followers who are trying to purposefully and intentionally live out the rule of God in their daily lives. A word picture that is used later on in describing this group of people is “church.”

We are, however, reminded of how dangerous it is to be part of this alternative kingdom. Matthew 24:7-14 reminds us of how dangerous it is to be part of the church—a community that demonstrates to the world a different way of living and being—being the gospel of the kingdom of God on earth. In Matt. 24:7-14 we are reminded that nations and kingdoms will “deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matt. 24:9, NKJV). Yet, in verse 14 we are told that even though this persecution will happen, we are still to preach and witness (demonstrate) the gospel—a gospel (or good news) of the kingdom—the kingdom presence of an alternative community—the church.

Why is it so dangerous to be this alternative kingdom or community? Why will other nations deliver us up? Why will those who live out this kingdom be killed? What is it about this particular kingdom that challenges the others?

Jesus’ parables, teachings, and actions demonstrate what this alternative Kingdom will look like. “Demons no longer rule the lives of people. Sick persons are healed. Lepers are liberated. Fisherfolk form kingdom communities. The rich share their wealth. The powerful are merciful and compassionate. The violent ones opt for peace. The revolutionary commits to nonviolent strategies. The hungry are fed. The naked are clothed. The prisoners are set free. Debts are forgiven. Land is distributed. Slaves are freed. Women are treated as equals. Samaritans become heroes. Children are held up as models. Leaders are re-defined as servants. People die for rather than kill each other. Forgiveness rather than revenge is practiced. Justice is the new norm. Oppression is eliminated. God is worshipped.”**

In other words, a different life and lifestyle is taught and demonstrated. There is a new way to live. This new way of living affects all aspects of life—politics, economics, religion, culture, social action, social structures, military reliance, and so forth. And it is this alternative way of life that the church, the community of those who follow Jesus, lives out as it seeks to be the gospel of the kingdom.

This new life is good news! It is good news unless, of course, you benefit from corruption, violence, hoarding, and revenge. If this is the case, things become uncomfortable for you. You may think of this alternative life and lifestyle as an enemy, wanting to find ways to shut it down and drive it away.***

Being part of a community that preaches, demonstrates, and lives out a vastly different way of being is dangerous. How often do we remember how radical it is to go to and be part of the church? Do we remember this when we go to church on a Sunday? Do we remember this when we think of the gospel message?

* Robert J. Suderman, “Jesus and the Church,” in Jesus Matters: Good News for the 21st Century, ed. by James R. Krabill and David W. Shenk (Waterloo, Ontario: Herald Press, 2009), pg. 202.

** Ibid., pg. 203.

*** Ibid., pg. 203.