Semantics or Sacred Reality

While waiting between TV football games recently, I looked up to see a commercial for the U.S. Marine Corps. Having served with Marines a couple of times in my Navy career, I paid attention, and this is what I heard: “You don’t join the Marine Corps; you become a Marine. Subtle but significant. It didn’t take long for that idea to move into the realm I know best, the church. Reputable social researchers say that Generation Z people (birth after 1997) continue to lose interest in the traditional church. They use words like “irrelevant” or “uninteresting” or “out of touch.”

So, here is church Number 1: “You know, Gladys, if we could just get some more young people, we might survive as a church. We need new blood. Some of our 37 Committees don’t even have leaders anymore. I don’t understand why people don’t join, put their membership here.”

Church Number 2: “What we need is an aggressive Membership Drive followed by an equally strong Stewardship Campaign. Let’s canvas people at the Mall: “What church do you belong to? Where is your church membership? Come join us; we’re a very nice organization. We’ll give you a set of the Bylaws, a bumper sticker for your car, and a box of offering envelopes. And, in time, if you prove yourself, we’ll vet you for a position of leadership. Did I mention a nametag with your picture on it?”

It could be said of both churches: “We do ministry to support the organization.”

Church Number 3: “Our expectation for you is that you become Christ, not simply a name on the roster. We’re not about an organization that does ministry; we’re about personal transformation into a brand new being. Our goal is not for you to be a certified member; but to become Christ alive in the world.”

Is it all semantics? Is this just playing with words? I don’t think so. A mindset, yes. The church was never meant to be a holding pattern or a hotel. Transformation means a tent and a compass and a large supply of courage. You don’t join the U.S. Marine Corps; you become a Marine. You don’t just join a church; you become Christ alive, the fullness of God in the flesh.

“He came to his own people but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves…” John 1