Jars of Clay

This post is from the defunct blog "Dying Church"

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7 "But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us." This passage lies at the heart of my understanding of church life. I volunteered to help out here at www.leadingdyingchurches.com because I think the mangerial, corporate, and 'numbers oriented' ministry is bankrupt. Any view of church life that doesn't look seriously at what makes the church unique is just one more view of popularity, profit, and success. Recognizing that the church contains a power that is beyond marketing, curriculum, or culture is the first step in denying ourselves and lifting up Jesus. The church is but a jar -- what is in the jar is far more valuable than the jar. The biggest flaw with corporate churches is that too many of the members of those churches are consumers. They have found a product that they like - at a franchise that makes them feel the way they want to feel. The consumer is using (abusing) the gifts and talents that others have worked hard developing. The church cannot have any coat-tails. Each member must find their own place of ministry, they must foster their own prayer life, and must study the Bible regularly for their own growth. Without action, prayer, and study the garden withers and no fruit is produced. Churches are communal experiences of believers. But each believer has to participate fully in the life of faith. No consumers. No cheap grace. In the end, corporate churches only perpetuate the fraud that the church is unique because of the success of the organization (shown through numbers, budgets and buildings). The church is unique because of the message of good news - the story of redemption and salvation. Paul had it right ... "But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us." Any thoughts for the new guy ... ?

Comments

[Eric]

"The biggest flaw with corporate churches is that too many of the members of those churches are consumers." Pen, I don't know that this is the *biggest* flaw, but it is certainly a glaring shortcoming of the churches I've been associated with. "I'm looking for a place I can be fed." "Can your church meet my family's needs?" "The preacher just doesn't speak to me." These quotes seem to crop up frequently, and while they address legitimate issues -- after all, we do depend on one another in the church, and God does use us to minister to one another -- all too often they become the litmus test to determine whether someone sticks around. I have to admit that sometimes, their leaving is the blessing. (And, of course, my comments apply strictly to believers, who should know better.) Sometimes, we can address these issues by helping people understand their spiritual gifts, and how they contribute to the health of the body. Sometimes, it's just a matter of explaining expectations.

[Pen]

Eric - point well taken. The biggest flaw is a little much... You're right -- attention to the exploration of our spiritual gifts is one way to address the consumer mentality of corporate churches. Another way to combat mass-market spirituality is to raise the bar of discipleship. Requiring Biblical marks of discipleship such as tithing, service, study and prayer would be one way to change the face of corporate churches. Of course those churches would have to seriously consider the need to formalize discipleship as much as they have formalized membership. Thanks for the comment Eric.