A Living Alternative

I have been thinking a great deal laterly about the long trail of failures, large and small, throughout Christian history, even up to present. Having just read "Christi-Anarchy" (see the review in three parts- 1, 2 & 3) and exploring the blogosphere buzz around "Pagan Christianity?", it is clear that the Church is under scrutiny from the inside at a significant level. It is an exciting and daunting shift, but also necessary.

Without question the Church (and I am speaking to myself as much as anyone) has much to answer for. Far too often we have strayed from Christ's intentions, both in ruthless atrocities and in subtle compromises. We must heed the prophetic call to repentance and restoration, willing to accept the cost our failings have and will exact from a wounded world to whom we had been sent to serve.

Seeking to follow this path back to God's purposes for us as His people, it is important that we not move on from our failures too quickly. Of course, we must abandon our sin without hesitation, but we cannot simply wipe the slate clean and start over. The scars are there to stay, both in the world at our hands and upon all of us who follow Christ. Those we have hurt will not forget, nor should we. So what then are we to do?

As we recognize the narrative nature of our faith, it is critical to recognize that our failures are part of own story, shaping us. With redemption, we do not forget our sins, but seem them transformed to God glory. As the Church, our mistakes become an integral part of our narrative identity. Our ecclesiology must not be formed only around ideals and theology, no matter how right they may be, but must also reflect the reality of where we have come.

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)

As we seek to be missional Christians, authentic communities of faith, we must be intentional to acknowledge our failings, including them in the narrative message we live and proclaim. Through this, Christ's mercy and redemption can find genuine expression and offer real hope to a watching world.

In what ways can we embrace our failings as part of our story? What does this mean for us today?

Missional Ecclesiology Narrative Theology Failure