When you think about it the church is an anomaly in society. Think about it … what other group or organization cares about (1) people’s spiritual lives, (2) people’s personal lives and families, (3) people’s physical lives, (4) their community and it’s welfare and well-being whether its the natural or built environment, (5) the different facets of city and city life, (6) the arts and creativity, and we’re only touching the tip of the iceberg.
I’m looking at and surveying 200 church plants that have began since the year 2000 in several cities out West and one of the common themes I’ve seen all throughout is the church’s involvement in all levels of culture and society. Churches aren’t just a bunch of Christians getting together one hour a week on Sunday mornings singing a few songs and listening to a lecture … they really are transforming agents. Each church surveyed is involved in the fabric of city life in some way, shape, or form and the various ways are as diverse and creative as there are in the number of churches. Make no doubt about it these churches are rolling up their sleeves and jumping in with both feet. They not only care about people’s spiritual lives but overall I see a good application of Jeremiah 29:7.
I wonder how much these churches and others really are the glue that hold together the communities they’re in. Sure, there are many instances where if the church would disappear no one would really notice but if these newer churches are any indication that many not be so true any more. While it may not be as big as a deal to the public eye as the closing of a shopping mall or a Walmart if a church were to cease to exist in a community there would definitely be a hole. Churches are involved in poverty and homeless issues, education whether it’s tutoring or after-school programs, working with various art districts, opening up their own galleries or coffee shops, providing recreational and social opportunities for residents in high-rise buildings, and we’re only just getting started.
Is it safe to say that the church really is an unstoppable force? One hand the church is offering hope for people’s spiritual and personal lives and on the other hand they’re not just talking but jumping head-first into the various social issues on scene today.
