"More divided than ever." It's a cringe-worthy phrase I hear way more often than I'd like lately—because it seems to be true. Though our culture increasingly rejects labels, it's also become a place where loyalty to one group means a complete rejection of and distance from those outside that group. But is it possible to challenge someone's position while keeping a larger sense of unity? Is that unity even worth it? Could our differences be beneficial?
Recently, I heard a fascinating podcast discussing some of these questions. Political scientist John Hibbing and historian John Moss discussed biology, political leanings, and how some historical points of contention have brought about some of the best innovations in US history. Though the podcast was mostly about American politics, I couldn't help but think of the evangelical landscape today.
In today’s climate of pervasive divisiveness, it is particularly important to learn to appreciate one another's differences if we're to advance the gospel together.
Innovation and Convention
Throughout history, there have always been those within larger groups who are pushing towards innovation and others pulling back towards what's been good in the past. When our communities have both and are committed to a singular purpose, it's a beautiful picture of healthy collaboration.
“When we are challenging one another to think forward while also holding the truth of our ancient faith, it can only make us better. ”
One person can say, "I have a great new idea," and another says, "but have you thought through all the implications?" We need each other. When we are challenging one another to think forward while also holding the truth of our ancient faith, it can only make us better.
Whether your natural inclination is to change things up or to benefit from practices that have worked in the past, here are a few things you may want to keep in mind:
To the Reformist
You may walk into any situation and see exactly what can be improved—new carpet for the sanctuary, an app to help your team communicate, a better sound system. You stay current on the latest trends and love telling people how this new thing can improve their lives and systems.
On the other hand, you may also have a string of projects taking off at the same time, several half-baked ideas, and apps on your phone that you never settled on. In all your visions of grandeur, you may have missed the details or the feelings of the people that make these things possible. If that's you, it's good to remember:
Not everything needs to be reinvented. Sure, your church's chandelier may be old, but will changing it really help someone see Jesus better? Though not all systems should be sacred, it doesn't mean they should be changed just for change's sake.
What's especially cool today will likely be dated tomorrow. Find some wedding photos from the 80s if you need a visual. The same goes for the latest and greatest thing you'd like to implement. Some careful consideration is helpful to see if what you'd like to do is going to last or even reach the community that actually exists around you.
Theological depth is important before we forge ahead. We have an ancient faith passed down through the ages. Though our worship forms and facilities will change, the gospel doesn't need you to beef it up. It will endure. Make sure whatever you're doing is rooted and grounded in truth.
To the Conventionalist
You may walk into the same situation as our previous friend and see all its beauty—the carpet hundreds have knelt on in prayer, the extra face-to-face time you get with old methods of communication, the money you can save by making your sound system last a little longer. You like what works and are concerned that new things will not only be more complicated but also less meaningful.
At the same time, you may tend to get set in a previous way of doing things without evaluating its current efficiency. You may assume that what works (or has worked) for you works for every situation. You may be missing the community you have for the community you once had. If that's you, take a minute to consider:
Not everything is sacred. Change can be hard, but that doesn't mean it's bad. In fact, lots of new systems can dramatically improve things once they're established. The horrible road construction I had to endure on my street for years certainly slowed things down, but it's so beautiful and efficient now that it's complete!
Winsome hospitality may require your discomfort. While it's true that projecting worship lyrics on a screen won't necessarily save anyone, it very well may help break down a barrier for the unchurched wanting to visit. Community (not necessarily cultural) relevance is important. So you have to think: Who is your neighbor, and how might some changes help you to better engage them?
Innovation doesn't have to change what's true. Often, we fear change because we may conflate our cultural practices with the truth of our faith. It is good to remember that faith and practice aren't necessarily the same thing. Our practices are important, but they are not everything. The gospel is not so weak as to lose its power when our worship set changes.
We Need Each Other
When we go out of our comfort zones (and into someone else's) for the sake of innovative collaboration, we can truly do something great. Scripture clearly affirms the importance of unity in the church and challenges us to love one another while using our diverse gifts to glorify God.
“Assume and bring out the best of one another, remembering that God arranged the members in the body—each one of them—as he chose.”
We are challenged not to disparage others who hold different gifts. We're to assume and bring out the best of one another, remembering that God arranged the members in the body—each one of them—as he chose. That goes for people working together within one church as well as different churches collaborating for the sake of the gospel.
We truly are better together.
Marie Burrus is UBA's Communications Specialist. She manages, edits, and contributes content for UBA's blog, website, and social media outlets. Marie uses her Master's degree in Intercultural Studies and experience as a missionary in Burkina Faso to write on missions, outreach, culture, and the Christian life.
