Churches: Mold Them Into the Image of God or their Denominational Leaders?
A perspective for local denominational organizations/judicatories on how they best empower their churches to serve from the base of their local context.
Synopsis: George Bullard discusses the importance of crafting a church in the image of God rather than earthly institutions. For the church to be made into the image of God, it must be open to spiritual, strategical and structural change.
Rundown: Articles on Baptist associations are often applicable to the local denominational organizations/judicatories of various denominations. They may be called associations, districts, classis, synods, and by other names. They are typically organisms more than organizations. Relational more than functional. Regional and national expressions of denominations are more organizational and functional.
GBJ Blog Post 111 includes—a Column, personal Reflections from George, and questions for your Reaction.
(This column appears this week in the digital and print edition of The Baptist Paper. Access the column in the digital edition HERE. The Baptist Paper is a publication of TAB Media. Request a free trial HERE. See all TAB Media columns written by George Bullard HERE.) (Subscribe to this Substack Blog using the “Subscribe now” button below.)
Into Whose Image Should Associations Nurture Churches?
“Is there anything I need to know?”
My life as a consultant allowed me to visit many churches and associations. When consulting with a church, I typically contacted the association to let them know I was working with a member church.
I gained crucial pieces of information such as opportunities and challenges facing the church and hidden information that might be landmines for my work with them. Sometimes I got information I am not sure I wanted to know.
I often obtained information that included the future the association desired for the church. At times this helped me learn about the unrealized potential of the church. At other times it was pressure from the association regarding what this church ought to do and how my consultation should bring this about.
When this was the case, it was clear the association wanted the church to be nurtured into their own image for the church.
(Continue reading HERE.)
Reflections from George:
In my 45 years of denominational and consulting service, I worked with thousands of congregations either one-on-one, or in clusters/cohorts of three to ten congregations.
I always sought to help congregations be molded in the image of God for them, while at the same time being aware of the denominational family of which they were a part.
I always saw helping congregations be molded in God’s image for them as a primary issue. Being molded in the image of denominational leaders was a secondary or tertiary issue.
It was important to allow denominational leaders to help me understand every congregation, internal and external issues, and how I could best help each congregation. Hearing the perspective of denominational leaders was always important.
At the same time, that was not the deciding factor. The most important factor was to help congregations hear the voice of God speaking into their unique situation.
This did not always please local or regional denominational leaders. They wanted a certain outcome. I could not compromise my values and principals to deliver on their expectations.
Never have. Never will.
Reactions:
You are invited to share some reactions (comments) to this article and my reflections. Here are three questions to guide your reaction:
How can denominationally affiliated congregations be true to God’s unique call upon them, and at the same time be loyal to their denomination?
How has your congregation handled this situation?
As a denominational staff person, consultant, coach, or mentor how have you handled this situation?
Comment to me from a reader: Loved your piece this morning. The cookie cutter style of church identity is a real problem and completely at odds with Baptist culture—or what used to be Baptist culture.