Much of society has come to celebrate the role of the individual. We love stories that revolve around the solo renegade, the superhero, the maverick, the main character. Meanwhile, the ideals of community and togetherness, while not necessarily destained, rarely receive the same spotlight treatment.
Institutions like churches often struggle in this environment. That is, unless the institution pivots to a focus on an individual. In the case of many churches, the central figure has become a “lead pastor” of some sort. What that leader says and does comes to matter the most. The charisma of the leader is of utmost importance. But where does this leave the congregation? They become the dutiful servants of the leader, at the risk of becoming less dutiful servants of our Lord Jesus.
Now none of this is meant to undermine the importance of going to church. The opposite is actually the point I am working towards here—as long as the church that one attends routinely is focused on the mission of Jesus and not the mission of an individual church leader.
When we get involved with a church that is truly (because many are not) grounded in community and togetherness, we live out the mission of the universal Church that God established through the life of Jesus and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Churches should be communities that don’t reflect us individually or discriminately; instead, they should reflect us collectively as one humanity.
Churches should, in nearly equal parts, challenge and encourage us. If a church only affirms us as we are, we can never grow to do the big work God has desired for us. If rebuke and challenge is all that is preached, we may never see that God loves us for who we are organically and has noble plans for our everyday lives.
The biggest risk we face though is not being involved with other people of faith at all—going it alone. While it can be healthy to rest from community from time to time, community is the calling God has for all of us. As Christians, we should seek out communities of faith that are authentic, expansive, and action-oriented. We should embrace togetherness with others who love Jesus and seek to follow the ways of our Lord.
Jesus lived life as an individual human being, yet even our Lord did not do ministry alone. Disciples were close confidants and friends, and necessary for continuing the mission and expanding its reach. Furthermore, the Spirit that came after our Lord’s ascension is one of wondrous community, urging us to work alongside one another to most effectively advance the Eternal Kingdom that Jesus started. We must repent from the idolatry of individualism and embrace our communal calling, our common humanity.
Since last November I’ve been writing this series of blog posts on the Church Calendar and its seasons. The reality is that the Church Year has the greatest spiritual impact on our lives when we participate in its seasons with others, often by going to church. Churches are not perfect places by any means, however they can help us avoid going through the struggles of life alone. And the Church Calendar itself can act like a spiritual guide to help us discover our role in the great big world.
May we be both humble and brave enough to not go it alone. To become involved with true Christ-like community—at churches, in our neighborhoods, and in our world.
Relevant Reformation 