As I’ve given thought to church planting, particularly in our ‘tradition’ I have come to see the need for a more developed understanding of presence. Not only the presence of God, Father, Son and Spirit - but the importance of physical presence in the life of a church. The evangelical tradition boasts a distinctive approach to the theology of presence, emphasising the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the primacy of personal faith. In this post, we will explore some of the nuances of this perspective on divine presence and its implications for church planting efforts. However, we must also acknowledge the challenges this emphasis presents for ecclesiology and missiology.
A Theology of Presence
Most historic and biblical theology place a strong emphasis on the personal relationship between individuals and God, centring on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The sacraments, while acknowledged, are often seen as symbolic expressions rather than conduits of literal transformation. The crux of this experience lies in the internalised presence of God, shaping the lives and faith of believers from within. Since the 16th century this has been debated within different aspects of Christianity as to the weight that each area holds. However in recent times, particularly during the Covid pandemic, this was brought into focus as ‘church’ went online, and post pandemic where people connected more digitally than in person. Music videos, podcast sermons, and church suites have enabled a connection to the elements of Christianity that many consume but give little thought as to how this changes us, or indeed the nature of the church. Below are some challenges for us to think about in this area, both in our ecclesiology and missiology.
Challenges for Ecclesiology
Individualism and Ecclesial Identity
The emphasis on personal relationship can sometimes lead to challenges in fostering a strong sense of ecclesial identity. This has probably become more apparent in this digital age because our relationships are rarely built upon the physical, and more on a redefinition of ‘friends’ and what it means to foster meaningful connections with other humans. Church planters must grapple with the balance between celebrating the individual's journey of faith and cultivating a robust communal identity within the church. People can read the latest book, follow the latest teachings of a pastor with global reach, and find similar interests with people halfway across the world. However, overemphasis on individual spirituality may inadvertently undermine the importance of a united and distinctive church body. We need to be careful about talking with respect to an individual relationship with Jesus, if it means a disconnect from His church. None of the New Testament authors would have been able to couch these things in the same concept. As we are in Christ, we are inevitably in His church. Yet, I have met more and more people who talk about having a thriving relationship with Jesus, and see this more pantheistically expressed on a walk in the forest rather than a dependence on other followers of Christ. The local church is not just a place where we attend, but a family of faith we belong to. Not just as part of a WhatsApp group, but a place where we laugh, weep, and worship together.
Limited Ritual Significance
Modern expressions of worship often focuses less on elaborate rituals, including sacraments - and more on a sense of feeling. This presents a challenge in creating meaningful and impactful worship experiences that resonate with a diverse congregation. Church planters must find ways to infuse significance into symbolic practices while maintaining theological integrity, providing a challenge for the ecclesial expression of the church community. It is no surprise that as we see churches with a diversity in age range, race, language and culture that friction happens. However, this aspect is seen in the book of Revelation as the diverse church sings to the worship of Jesus, the slain lamb. It appears that worship when it is focused in it’s starting point on Jesus, then diversity is expressed, rather than when diversity is either suppressed or manufactured. When worship becomes about my own tailored experience, then we are atomised from the very beginning. I’ve been reading lately about silent discos, places where due to noise constraints, people listen to music on headphones individually and dance as if at a party. In some instances the experience is shared as everyone listens to the same music, chosen by someone external. In others, each individual listens to whatever they want, dancing to the rhythm of different music. In the modern church I have a fear that the latter is what we are beginning on seeing, a cultivated individualism and autonomy that has each person as the curator of their own personal experience.
Challenges for Missiology
Contextual Relevance
Our theology of presence, rooted in individual experience, may encounter difficulties in adapting to diverse cultural contexts. Most of our cultures, and in our context in Ireland, are changing rapidly. Globalisation has many positives and negatives, and yet one comment is that rather than simply going to the nations, it appears that many of the nations are now coming to us. This has been one of the most life transforming and encouraging experiences in my ministry experience. I often think of the sons of Isaachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32, “who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Now I know it is a different context, but that element of holy adaptability and curiosity can often be missing in the modern church. Effective missiology demands an understanding of how the personal and communal dimensions of faith intersect with the cultural fabric of the community. Church planters need to navigate the tension between a universal message of salvation and its contextual expression, ensuring relevance without compromising core theological tenets.
Community Engagement
While there is an appropriate celebrate of the individual's direct access to God in evangelical theology, missiological challenges arise in engaging and impacting communities. Church planters must actively seek ways to integrate their congregations into the broader community, addressing social, economic, and cultural needs. This demands a nuanced approach that balances individual spiritual growth with collective community transformation. This is always a tension that has been struck, and there are many voices who can often see this as a false dichotomy between word and deed ministry. In order to engage in church planting, careful thought needs to be given into how both are accomplished, and how this will be received in each specific community. Francis of Assisi is attributed to have said, “preach the Gospel, if necessary use words.” As much as this is a great quip for a coffee mug or t-shirt, there is a clear necessity for both what Peter talks about as proclaiming the excellencies of Jesus, and living out our faith among people who do not believe.
Conclusion
Having a thought through theology of presence gives us a unique perspective on the Christian faith, emphasising personal relationship and the internalised work of the Holy Spirit. Whereas there are not clear steps as to how we can do this, there is enough to discuss in our preparation for church planting journeys. As we delve into church planting, we must confront the challenges it poses for ecclesiology and missiology. Balancing individualism with a robust sense of ecclesial identity, infusing rituals with meaning, navigating cultural contexts, and engaging communities present complex hurdles. Yet, it is within these challenges that opportunities for growth, adaptation, and the vibrant expansion of the Christian faith lie. As church planters grapple with these complexities, they pave the way for a more nuanced and impactful expression of the theology of presence in diverse and evolving contexts.
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