Trying to discern between preferences and godliness is a big deal in Christian communities and may be the reason for the strange saying I learned in Bible School in the 1980s. “The biggest obstacle to the next move of God is the last move of God.” I will share a few anecdotes and make a suggestion.
Ethiopia
In 2017 Deanna and I traveled with some Brazilian leaders to Ethiopia to learn how they were using Discovery Groups to plant churches. At one of the last places we stopped, we were in a room with a group of denominational leaders. They told us they had struggled to plant 400 churches for many years. “First, we had to buy the land. Then help build the buildings. They help with the roof, and then chairs. Plus, we had to resolve so many problems. It wasn’t easy. Now we get to do the fun stuff. We teach people how to connect to Jesus and how the Holy Spirit will lead them. And we have planted 1,500 churches in the last three years…” As they told us how they practiced Discovery Groups for evangelism and discipleship, they pulled out a denominational manual they had developed. The Brazilian pastors we were with expected to be given one of their manuals as a model to follow. Finally, they asked for a copy. “Oh no. We can give you some principles, but you need to go and make it work among your people. This is not a formula. It is a way of helping people learn to follow God.” That meeting and statement became one of the trip’s highlights and stood in contrast to other church-growth formulaic strategies.
Brazil
A missionary friend told me of a time he was living in a remote Brazilian community. He noticed empty water bottles and plastic bags littering the river and trails where they walked. As he was meeting with the church leaders, he suggested to the group that they do a community clean-up project. One of the prominent community leaders was enthusiastic. “That is a great idea! We could get shirts printed for all of us before we do the campaign.” As he spoke, he was eating candy and throwing wrappers on the ground in the clearing where they were sitting. My friend shook his head. “I don’t think you get it.” As he talked to me, I thought, “That is strange how some people like to wear the same shirts as others in a group. It is different for me.”
A Mennonite Church
I grew up in the East Aldergrove Mennonite Brethren church, and I still consider them one of the great world-class churches. My mom was a little girl when her family moved to help with the church plant, and she remained a member for 75 years until she passed into heaven. Dad joined when he got married. This group wrestled with preferences vs godliness. A big deal was the switch from German to English services. Then the old guard didn’t want the young folks raising their hands or clapping during worship. Over time, I saw a cultural change as they wrestled with following Jesus and putting spiritual values and practices ahead of personal preferences. Over time they changed their language, worship style, and even their name to Ross Road Community Church. I was surprised to see ashtrays outside their main doors when I came home from the Yukon to see my parents. Smoking and drinking were significant issues when I was a teenager. Someone from their leadership explained, “When smoking was in style, we thought it was unhealthy and worldly. We were against it. But when smoking became unpopular, we wanted to be a welcome presence to people who felt rejected by society. We got ashtrays.”
A Suggestion
Ask God to help you be aware the next time you feel critical of others, especially other Christians.
Rather than share your perspective with a third party, try to befriend the person to whom you feel critical and try to understand their perspective or motivation.
This same principle may apply to your children. Take them out for coffee individually, and ask them, “It’s been a long time since I was your age. What’s it like?“
Look for the fruit of what is happening.
Your thoughts?
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