Relative Values

There is a huge difference between faith as "group think" and personal faith as the result of reflection and self-actualization. We know the movements, and outcomes, of "group think" in our history. Some are positive and some are negative. But is there ever a time when self-reflection, personal integrity, and self-actualization would not be desirable?

Surely, through cell groups and small groups -- whatever you want to call them -- self-actualization is furthered even in the largest churches. But there are (do not doubt it) many, many small churches where people gather who are looking for intimacy and personal attention. Often they are Fowler stage twos who find themselves in a stage three or four world. The faith development of their peers and secular post-christian thought has made them speechless and uncomfortable in a faith understanding they feel no longer fits the world they observe around them. They hunger for one-on-one or opportunities to be gently led into a larger understanding. I am not speaking of demythologization alone -- though the breaking and reinvesting symbols with meaning is a large part of this process. I'm speaking of the social aspect of the process -- finding a safe place for this to happen. Then, once the work is done, once faith is broadened, they are safe and secure and empowered to re-enter a larger "faith-society," if you will, of their peers. They are now comfortable and not intimidated. They know "the language" and can embrace the concepts of a more mature (or at least more contemporary) way of understanding.

I know there will be a lot of people who think I'm just nuts saying this, but I hold to it with all that I am. I have seen it over and over and over and over. If you had, for example, a psychological problem that caused you to feel out of touch with your peers, and you went to a psychologist for therapy with a wonderfully successful outcome, then you would not buddy around with your psychologist forever--you would be off to better things. In a real sense, small churches struggling to survive in urban areas can find a niche in this specific place of need. I know this is so. This type of personal attention is often prohibitive in large churches -- because, by nature, they DO live as 'group think,' often with a charismatic leader. This is wonderful! It is a gift to be in a large church with all the ministries and programs and opportunities. However, the small church has value as well -- and often must struggle because those who come to such niche ministries are often the very ones who are learning the disciplines of spiritual devotion and stewardship.

We just can't afford to forget that Jesus came for the least and the lost, not the most influential or the most lucrative, or the "most time left to serve." There is a real need for the small church, with all its survival struggles, to remain an important and recognized part of the overall landscape of Christian community.

Rick Warren put it this way:
"Small ministries often make the greatest difference. The most important light in my home is not the large chandelier in our dining room, but the little nightlight that keeps me from stubbing my toe when I get up to use the bathroom at night. It's small, but it's more useful to me ... " [Rick Warren, The Purpose-Driven Church]

I am praying for the United Methodist Church and all her leaders.

Love in the Lord,
PH