Where Do You See Jesus in your Church - Part 2
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The second in an 8 part series on congregational culture, i.e. the ways that Jesus lives in our churches.
The Joy and Power of Repentance as a Corporate Spiritual Discipline
Years ago I was teaching a teen Sunday School class (aka catechism) that focused on repentance, using the account of the woman caught in adultery who was dragged into the temple courts (John 8: 1-11). As we reflected together, a 16 year old noted, “isn’t it cool that Jesus said that the one who was without sin could cast the first stone at her, but the woman didn’t realize that Jesus himself was the one without sin. And then, he doesn’t cast a stone; instead, he challenges all the people in the story -- the Pharisees and the woman -- to repent.”
That was one of those lovely light-bulb moments that every pastor, teacher, and youth leader longs for (and I quoted that young man when I preached on the passage two weeks later).
I’ve pondered that passage and the issue of repentance a great deal since that evening, and I have come to this conclusion: there is powerful and direct correlation between a congregation’s capacity for corporate repentance and the room it has for Jesus to live in its midst.
Or, to make this statement using different words:
When a congregation repents well, its culture -- i.e. the spirit that lives within it -- will lean towards humility, teachability, hospitality, and a healthy vulnerability that shares how the Lord’s power is made perfect in its weakness. It becomes like clay that is softened for refashioning.
When a congregation does not repent well, its culture will more easily lean towards being judgmental, consumerist, driven by opinions and a critical spirit, less willing to change to follow the Spirit’s leading, less open to hospitably welcoming folks who are not like the majority. Its clay remains hardened.
Paul’s testimony to the Galatians illustrates clearly and simply why this is so: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2: 20a). What is true for Paul personally is also true for our congregations corporately: as our sinful selves are crucified with Christ, the resurrected Christ moves in and makes his home within us. “Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature...Let the word of Christ dwell within you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Col. 3: 5a, 16).
Corporate repentance creates room and invites Jesus to move in.
How might we strengthen our corporate repentance? Here’s a few initial thoughts.
Repentance is both a spiritual discipline and a way of life. As we practice the corporate discipline, we are inviting the refining fire of the Holy Spirit to transform us as a community, and he always accepts that invitation! He brings with him that lovely fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, and this fruit basket expands the room for Jesus to live in our church. Thank you Lord that your mercies are truly new every morning.
Faith Formation Ministries has a discussion guide for church councils and others in leadership to help groups reflect on congregational culture. If you’d like a copy, contact us at [email protected].
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