The Embarrassment of Competing Churches
Recently, I witnessed a most disturbing display at our NSW state conference (of the Churches of Christ). However, allow me a few paragraphs to set-up my description of what vexed me so.
A couple of years ago, my wife and I lived not too far from two steakhouse restaurants (imagine our luck). Interestingly, both erected signs along their footpath advertising curbside delivery service. The idea being: telephone your order ahead of time, park outside the restaurant, and a smiling attendant will deliver your food directly to your car.
A special service, no doubt! But what I found particularly amusing was, being merely 50 metres apart, another restaurant’s advertisement included the words, “The Original”. Two restaurants, in close proximity to each other, promoting the same style of service, in aggressive competition.
To add insult to injury, I discovered that these two restaurants are franchises of the same company. Regardless of who offered this service first, they are on the same team, essentially!
Similarly, consider a Bible tract I once found discarded on a footpath:“What the Bible Has to Say About Infant Baptism”. The answer inside: “Nothing!” The tract proceeds to outline a theology of Baptism that we, in Churches of Christ, would actually find quite satisfactory.
When would the mission of God ever need an evangelical tract arguing against another church’s theology of Baptism? The answer: Never! Whether we agree or disagree, certainly the reconciliation of humankind with its Creator is not dependant on one’s opinions regarding Baptism. Churches, supposedly on the same team, compete with each other all the time, to the detriment of our effectiveness in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus.
Why do I bring this issue to your attention? Because a similarly disappointing display of intolerance was visible at our 2006 NSW State Conference. The offence was not made by the conference organisers, but by the host facility.
Upon our arrival, attendees were greeted with a wonderful sign that asked the question, “Looking for A Real Church?” This question had been prominently displayed on that sign for many months so, surely, this church was not referring to us? Would they consider Churches of Christ real churches? What constitutes a real church anyway?
How easy it is for us to get caught up in debates relating to who is a real church, or who are the originals, when God is really only interested in men and women, girls and boys, receiving his gift of grace, by faith. Whether they raise their hands when they sing, or read their prayers from a book, the only questions that should concerns us are, “Will they publicly confess that Jesus is Lord?”, and, “Do they believe that God raised him from the dead?” (Rom 10:9). A real church is the kind of community of faith that helps others realise this salvation in their lives.
May the Church stop competing and get on with God’s business!
[published in The Australian Christian on 5 June 2006]
