Reform the Church from Within
Whether or not you’re in a particular church, taking a break, deconstructing, reconstructing, doubting, or hanging on by a thread: If we’re moving towards Jesus, the Church is our rightful home. And we should work to restore it.
I remain convinced that in spite of the fine mess we’ve made of the Church in our American, Capitalistic, politicized expression, she still remains our best hope. Because she’s what Christ left us with.
A long list of wounds
Colonialization. The complicit church during the Holocaust. The complicit church during slavery and Civil Rights (stretching on to today). Pastors leading with narcissism or preaching toxic nationalist, God-and-Country rhetoric.
Perplexingly, the Church remains. Why? Because we’re drawn to organizations that suppress people, or we’re fools? We’re here because, at its foundation, the Church is the people of God, and its foundation rests on God’s faithfulness to us—especially people who have been wounded, marginalized, and oppressed.
Many of us are still showing up because we remain convinced Jesus wasn’t only a good prophet, a historical figure, or a crucified refugee. We're here because, in spite of our doubts, our lives have been changed and hearts softened by the gospel.
Reform from Within
Reformation best happens inside the Church. That doesn't require staying in a certain congregation or denomination: Beth Moore left the SBC, not the Church. Jemar Tisby left the PCA, not the Church. Moore and Tisby left particular denominations that are reeling from racism and sexism. They left loud, and I’m cheering them on. But they didn’t leave the Church.
I believe the Church will always remain. But two things need to happen: Some of us have to stay and persist—it's the people with consciences who cry out that create change. And the church needs to change—leaders have to want to do the work, with all brought to the light.
If you find the goodness in the Christian story, please don’t leave Jesus. Which also means, if it's safe for you, please work to reform the capitol-C Church.
There are a lot of us right with you. Let’s swim up the current together. Where two or more are gathered, we bear witness.