In preaching through Acts last year I spent a lot of time imagining how Christians in the early church felt. So many people in our church remarked at how wonderful it would have been to have been a part of that moment. Once we got our heads around the persecution, many felt we were happy God placed us in this century! However as I’ve spoken to people who are passionate about church planting in pioneering settings it appears a palpable struggle persists in embracing the apostolic nature of mission in the current church culture. The early apostles, driven by an unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, planted seeds of faith that grew into vibrant communities by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. However, the contemporary church, despite its vast resources and technological advancements, finds itself grappling with a mission that mirrors the apostolic fervour of old. I want to begin to explore the multifaceted reasons behind the modern church's struggle to embody the apostolic nature of mission and maybe see how we can rediscover this in the future.
Comfort and Complacency
One of the primary impediments to embracing apostolic mission appears to lie in the comfort and complacency that often permeate the modern church as more of an organisation rather than an organic movement of people by the power of God. Established congregations may become content with the status quo, focusing on internal matters and neglecting the outward-focused zeal that characterised the early apostolic community. Comfort can breed a resistance to change, hindering the church from venturing into uncharted territories with the Gospel message. Of course, organisation and structure can be important, but often these movements can eventually become the very thing that they were seeking to push against when they began.
Institutionalization and Bureaucracy
Over the centuries, the church has become increasingly institutionalized, adopting bureaucratic structures that can stifle the agility and spontaneity required for apostolic mission. Read the book of Acts, and most people will long for what appeared to be an exiting, energetic, seat of the pants ride holding on to the Holy Spirit. I wonder how many Christians feel like that today? Endless committees, hierarchies, and administrative processes may inadvertently divert attention and resources away from the dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit needed for effective mission work. Streamlining these structures without sacrificing accountability is essential for revitalizing the apostolic nature of mission. As churches develop, this balance is necessary to prevent stagnation.
Fear of Rejection and Persecution
The fear of rejection and persecution, a pervasive challenge in today's interconnected world, can deter the modern church from fully embracing apostolic mission. We are currently teaching through 1 Peter as a church, and the vein of this letter repeats this drum beat wonderfully. In an era where diverse beliefs coexist, the prospect of encountering resistance or hostility may lead some congregations to retreat into a more insular existence - keeping our head down and privatising our faith. The courage and resilience exhibited by the early apostles, facing persecution for the sake of the Gospel, often stand in stark contrast to the apprehensions of the contemporary church.
Secularization and Cultural Relativism
The pervasive secularization and cultural relativism of the modern age present significant hurdles for the church in its apostolic mission. The relativistic notion that all beliefs are equally valid (or equally pointless!) can create a hesitancy to assert the uniqueness of the Christian message. Navigating the balance between respecting diverse cultures and unwaveringly proclaiming the Gospel truth requires a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach. However, this can also lead the church into simple and blunt apologetics, continuously trying to find ‘check-mate’ answers to the issues raised. A good reading of church history tells us that these things are often circular, and furthermore, that no one was ever argued into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Technological Disconnect
While technology has the potential to amplify the reach of the Gospel, the modern church sometimes struggles with a technological disconnect that hinders effective apostolic mission. Rapid advancements in communication and media offer unprecedented opportunities for outreach, yet the church may lag behind in harnessing these tools. When we look historically, the church was at the forefront of technological advance, now it appears that we are playing catch up. Embracing digital platforms and innovative communication strategies is essential for connecting with a generation that thrives in the virtual realm. Yet, our theology of presence and embodiment must also be well developed that we are not creating a ‘virtual church’ in place of the physical incarnation of the Gospel message that continues the work of Jesus by the power of His Spirit and Word.
Consumerism and Self-Centered Theology
The prevailing culture of consumerism and self-centered theology can distort the mission of the church - and has done much damage in recent years. Christians may approach their faith as consumers seeking personalized spiritual experiences rather than as active participants in a collective mission. Personalised Bible reading, personal experiences of worship through music, personalised discipleship plans may be more akin to professional development that deep soul work directing us toward collective holiness. Shifting the focus from individual satisfaction to a shared commitment to apostolic outreach demands a paradigm shift in the mindset of the modern church. We have spoken about the ‘missional’ sense of the church, and yet as much as this sparked a church planting movement around 25 years ago, much of this spark has failed to further ignite a new generation, and we must wonder if this was a new branding rather than a Spirit inspired movement.
Conclusion
Addressing the struggle of the modern church with the apostolic nature of mission requires a collective re-evaluation of priorities, structures, and attitudes. Overcoming comfort and complacency, streamlining institutional bureaucracy, confronting the fear of rejection, navigating cultural relativism, embracing technology, and countering consumerism are essential steps in revitalising the apostolic mission. The challenges are immense, but the urgency of the Gospel message calls for a courageous and intentional response from the contemporary church. As the church navigates the complexities of the modern world, rediscovering the apostolic fervour of old may be the key to unlocking new frontiers for the transformative power of the Gospel. One of the elements that I will write further on is the separation of holiness and pragmatism, and the possibility of seeing practical holiness inspire apostolic dynamism in our world.
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