Which Of These Three Types Is Your Church?

by Mark Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader

Now that the Age of Christendom is over, with the American Church no longer the darling religion (preferred and affirmed) it was here in North America, churches are having to sort through who they really are and what they are made of. As we engage with churches from various denominations or nons, patterns of response are emerging. Churches are sorting themselves, responding to these large-scale changes in similar and different ways. This results in a certain posture toward the larger culture around us. Posture in this sense is a spiritual, relational, emotional, and social dynamic as well as a powerful mindset.

So, without further ado, these are the three most common responses to the changing religious landscape we are observing among churches.

Entrenchment Churches

These churches believe the changing religious landscape is real, yet their response might be called a Level One response. Perhaps entrenchment is a normal starting place when we humans are facing changing circumstances – we clamp down on the approach that previously worked, testing it against changing conditions. What this looks like in real life is a concerted effort to bring back what worked for their church when the church was in its prime, when more favorable cultural conditions were in place. Perhaps they recall that golden-age pastor who led them during the glory days. Perhaps they find a rock star youth minister to revitalize their youth program to look like it used to. Perhaps they restart the various programs which thrived when culture appreciated such programming. In summary, Entrenchment Churches believe their church paradigms, the shape and form of their churches, will be appreciated by their current communities if they just try hard enough or improve the quality of their paradigm. Though these efforts are misguided, they are certainly familiar to most of us, serving as the starting point for many as we respond to cultural change.

Over And Against Churches

When reading paragraphs like the introductory paragraph above, Over And Against Churches believe this is true, yet they really don’t like it. These churches recognize their loss of privilege as North America moves from “Christian-ish” culture toward non-religious culture. They feel the sting of social demotion, recognizing their influence in their communities is waning. They respond to their angst and concern with anger, developing an angry, resentful posture and attitude toward the culture around them. Often they will seize on a particular social issue, becoming banner protest communities against cultural trends, like… well name most any even slightly controversial issue. When church shoppers or spiritual seekers visit or encounter these churches, they immediately observe the angry attitude. If still interested in these churches, these people must decide if they can ratchet up their anger enough to join with them. Sometimes, entire churches are not this way, but only one or two Sunday School classes, or other pockets within these churches. Typically, their communities come to perceive these churches as groups of angry people who generally don’t like those around them.

Interesting note: Strangely, becoming an Over And Against Church can be an effective church growth strategy (think numbers here, not faith development). There are plenty of angry people in our culture who are drawn to other angry people. Some savvy high profile pastors are taking advantage of this dynamic, gathering up the angry people into their fold. The obvious downsides of this approach are incongruence with the approach of Jesus (his anger was toward the spiritual cold religious of his day) and the need to keep finding new issues to be angry about. Eventually, these churches become isolated religious islands in their communities.

Transformational Churches

For those who have the eyes to see….

These churches are not captivated by denial or anger, but have moved on to do what Jesus followers have done for centuries…looking for God’s presence and guidance in their circumstances. Certainly these churches did not ask for the current situation, yet they recognize culture and society changes. Within these changes, they see the opportunities for spiritual engagement with their communities. During times of great change, we human beings often crack open, less defensive while seeking new answers.

Transformational Churches recognize that God is making all things new, is working good from all circumstances, bringing the kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. They see this shifting context as ripe with possibilities, the greatest adaptive opportunity of our lifetimes served up onto our plates. Their energy is up and they are innovating as we speak. Their posture toward their communities is one of engagement and love. Their aspiration is to use the energy generated by cultural shifts to come alive in Christ, transforming themselves and their communities toward the Way of Jesus.

So friends, with which of these three common types of churches are you resonating? Perhaps this article can serve to start a needed conversation in your church leadership and congregation as a whole. This is a fine time to sort ourselves, pursuing ever more faithfully and vigorously the winsome and beautiful Way of Jesus.