It is a common attribute of human nature to sufficiently confuse means and ends as to engender a considerable loss of perspective in relation to both objective and intent.
Within our current political milieu, the ongoing question for many has to do with: "Where are we; where are we headed?" - or indeed: "what, in any objective sense, is it all about?" As such, the present scenario is seen by many as engendering no small dilemma.
Something of this nature frequently applies to the Church as well. Within this context, one is accordingly impressed with the words of the early Church chronicler in which it was observed that "day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47 NAB). Such, of course, represents the desired end of any meaningfully dedicated church.
At the same time, it is often easy to confuse the effective working of God's Spirit as opposed to our own, more often than not, ineffective pursuit of attendance figures, outreach accomplishment, community recognition, organizational quests ad infinitum. Reality itself should effectively generate no small question as to the distinction.
In the Acts account, the local church's role tended to find expression in an active commitment to spiritual interests, prayer, meaningful fellowship, sharing of concerns, "gladness and sincerity of heart," etc. (vv. 42-47a) - all of which was then attended by "the Lord add[ing] to their number."
In addition, and of necessity, the early Church would soon develop methodologies for spreading the Gospel, programs for serving the needy, and other necessary pursuits as well. But of far greater effect than many of our present programs, drives and gimmicks (we were once acquainted with a sizable rural church that annually sponsored a "John Deere vs. International tractor Sunday" in which the side with the most tractors of their brand driven to Church would be pronounced winner)ad infinitum), the emergent fellowship possessed not only a vibrant spiritual emphasis. but a relational dimension and quality of spirit committed to the outflow of love and divine grace. Within such setting, once again, the Lord not only "worked with them" (Mark 16:20) but "added to the Church" (vs. 47).
Herein, we suggest, will be found the more effective "program."
Burl Ratzsch
