Ahead Of The Curve

By pastorbillwalden

Among evangelical leaders, there is much talk these days about being aware of the culture we live in and being able to effectively communicate the Gospel message. 

In fact, a friend of mine, Daniel Fusco, is writing a book on what he calls “Post Postmodernity”, and that we are currently past the Postmodern era.  His premise is something like this: “The postmodern movement has come and gone on the coasts, and the church is just now realizing that it existed, and is trying to respond.  In essence, the church is often too late and behind the curve.”

In general, I would agree with that assessment.  Perhaps the greater question is, “What do we do about it”?

There are many discussions in cyberspace and on university campuses regarding relevance, the shifting culture, and how the church often falls behind the world in communication techniques, social trends, and an understanding of the current worldview.

In many ways, I agree with these analyses.  I read the blogs and the online articles, and I do believe that I have been somewhat shaped by some people’s ideas.  Let me rephrase: I believe that God has used some people’s ideas to stir up new ideas regarding ministry.

I also try to read the national magazines and newspapers to stay somewhat aware of the news both locally and worldwide.  That could keep a man very busy, in and of itself.

But I have a nagging feeling about all this. In light of all the information and ideas that are being shared, all the Barna surveys being offered, and all the hoopla about how to be relevant….something still seems amiss.

I am not saying I am completely opposed to this overabundance of ministry analysis, but has the pendulum swung too far regarding  the latest ideas on “how to do church”?

I think that may be the case.  The church pays a lot of attention to the pendulum. The Church, in many cases, has become reactionary rather than proactive.  God, by His very nature, is proactive.  Shouldn’t His church be too?  Maybe we are too often taking our cues from sincere people, instead of from God Himself?

Some might consider me simple and naive.  I have been considered worse.  Others might think me old fashioned or outdated.  Fine.  I am no super intellectual, but I can tie my own shoes.  I can’t converse with all the current conversationalists, because I don’t take the time to learn their language. Quite frankly, I’m not that interested.

When I do decipher the latest buzzwords, and understand the most current ideas on church, I find that I actually still have an opinion that I strongly embrace and that has Biblical merit.  Life and ideas on the church are still boiling down to where I started in ministry.

Jesus said, “And I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”.  (Matthew 16:18)

My greatest responsibility as a pastor is to stay very close to Jesus, via Bible reading, prayer, self denial, fasting, meditating on the Word of God, and communion with the saints.  I am called to love my wife self sacrificially, to love my kids, and the people of our church.  I am called to love our community, and reach out to them with the love and message of Jesus Christ.

I have every confidence that If I do that, that Jesus will keep me and our church ahead of the curve.  He will show me how to effectively reach my community.  We won’t be playing “catch up”, or be “hopelessly irrelevant”.  He will flow through me and us.  Strategy meetings will not be the focus, because divine inspiration with be taking place.  Prayer will reveal Divine inspiration, and we will be ahead of the curve.  We, as a church, will reach our world.

No gathering and weighing of analysis will be considered indispensable, for the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us.  Our lives will bring forth salt and light, and regardless of a lack of “perfect cultural relevance”, God will use slightly outdated methods to reach people that couldn’t care less about how trendy we are.

This article is not intended to downplay the good work and intentions of many godly people. It is not intended to minimize any group, any technology, or any approach to ministry.  It is not intended to steer people away from being informed.

It is intended to to remind Christians, and especially church leaders, that Jesus is completely aware of where we live, of the culture we are immersed in, of how we might need to change, of how to avoid ruts and spiritual fossilization, and of how to be salt and light to a rotting and dark world.

More than anything else we do, may we seek first His kingdom.

Jesus will keep us ahead of the curve.