Are We Missing the Little Picture?

95% (yea I used a calculator to figure it out) of my life has been associated with the UPCI. The other 5% was in a very conservative independent assembly. Due to my father's military service, this meant being a part of churches all across the country and in two foreign countries. My family's history with the UPCI goes back to the merger, so perhaps there is some heartfelt loyalty. Some would call it indoctrinated traditionalism. I also have friends and family that are either part of other Oneness organizations or independent works. The significance of their faith is of no less or no more value than my own.

Being exposed to so many churches, I have seen the exemplary, the good, the bad and the very ugly. However, this could be said about any organization or independent movement. IMO, God’s mission for the church is not seen or manifested through by-laws, articles of faith, affirmation statements, or a resolution. His commission is realized through His work in the local church on the street corners of our little towns and ever expanding cities.

I have seen many negative evolutions that have taken place. I am not talking about missing song books or bus routes. I am speaking of my missing friends who worshiped beside me in the pews, the hurt caused by a pastor who has failed, or the inability to preach biblical truth that convicts, separates the wheat from the tares, or brings repentant value to God's message; not because we don’t believe it anymore, but because we are too eager to appease in a effort not to appear judgmental. But these are not the result of some evolutionary change within the organization. It is the result of the evolution of the local church (no matter what its particular affiliation might be).

On the other side, I have seen an explosion in this new generation of it sincere desire to devotion. I am excited knowing that my son and daughter are lining themselves up with a group of young people who are dedicated in their worship and desire to serve rather than be served. I am excited to see the call on young men’s lives to the ministry extending below the age of 20 again; not waiting on a certificate from a college or seminary to signify the call on their life. I am excited about 100 people in a prayer meeting not involved in a one-way conversation but a true communion with God. I am excited to see laymen not take the easy spectator approach, but assume their God given leadership roles and are truly invested in the spiritual well being of those who look to them. Again, this isn’t happening because we introduced the song books again (sorry, we haven’t). It is not because there has been some inspired program passed down from a district official or other organizational venue. It’s because the local assembly and its pastors and leaders have taken it upon themselves.

So, to me, it’s not about what organizational changes take place. Organizations will continue to evolve one way or the other; more conservative or more progressive; more lenient or more strict. My salvation will not be a direct result of the acronym placed in front of or after my church’s name. Forget whether your organization or independent movement is going in another direction or coming back to its roots. Let’s start by taking back our churches!