Dr. Lesley F. McClendon presented this devotional at the MC USA Executive Board meeting last weekend. She reflects on what reimagining the church means and how we can stay true to the gospel message, while also accommodating our rapidly changing needs as a culture.
Dr. Lesley F. McClendon is the senior pastor of C3 Hampton (Virginia) and a member of the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board. Dr. Lesley holds three earned degrees in the field of practical theology from three schools, which aid her in seeing things from a variety of perspectives. She is the founder of Herstoric, Inc., a network of female pastors and aspiring leaders who are seeking to discover, recover or refine their voices. Witty, spontaneous, comedic and ever-evolving, Dr. Lesley seeks to be both rooted and relevant — staying on the cutting edge, while remaining true to and standing firm upon the solid foundation of the Christian faith. She is married to Pastor Caleb McClendon, and they are the proud parents of two children, Jackson and Skylar.
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“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
— Acts 2:42-47 NIV
This passage describes a vibrant community that was centered on Jesus’ teachings, fellowship and mutual support. It wasn’t just about attending a service; it was a way of life, built on love and shared purpose. It was where people found things in common, unity.
I believe now more than ever, there is a need for reimagining.
The world around us is constantly changing and so are the needs of people who are seeking a connection with God. Traditional church structures might not resonate with everyone. I’m always going to be on “team local church,” and I believe in the local church, but I also believe that Jesus lives outside of those four walls. Perhaps it’s time to consider how we can follow Jesus’ message through fresh expressions that are relevant for today?
Here’s what I want us to remember: The call to reimagine church isn’t a rejection of tradition, but rather it is a response to a changing world.
Here are a couple of reasons why that statement rings true:
- Shifting demographics: Traditional church structures often cater to specific demographics. Younger generations might find traditional worship styles less engaging, while busy families struggle with rigid service times. Reimagination allows us to create diverse expressions of faith that resonate with a wider audience. I know, for instance, we currently have a 9 a.m. service at C3, but as I consider moving to two services in the future, I want to think about how difficult it can be for young families to have everyone dressed in time for worship.
- Cultural relevance: The language, music and even the message of some traditional services might feel outdated to modern audiences. Reimagining church allows us to translate core Christian values into a language that people can understand and connect with today.
- Accessibility and inclusivity: Not everyone feels comfortable in a traditional church setting. Reimagining allows us to create more welcoming and inclusive environments that cater to people from all walks of life, backgrounds and abilities.
And then lastly, and sadly…
- Declining attendance: The reality is traditional church attendance has been declining for years. Clinging to outdated models might lead to further decline. Reimagining offers a chance to revitalize the church and attract new generations of believers. Jesus never called us to be stagnant.
Imagine a beautiful garden that has been left untended. Over time, weeds take over, flowers wilt and the vibrant life dwindles. The same can happen to a church that resists change. Here’s what has started to happen, and more than likely will continue to happen, if we don’t reimagine:
- Loss of relevance: The message becomes disconnected from the realities of people’s lives, leading to a decline in interest and engagement. I’m not saying we should change the gospel. The mission is the same, but the methods often must change.
- Stagnation and decline: Without fresh ideas and outreach, the church community might shrink, leading to a loss of energy and resources.
- Missed opportunities: The church might miss out on reaching new people and impacting the world around them with the message of hope and love.
Because Jesus promised us that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, I believe there ought to be some excitement when it comes to how we can best present church:
Reimagining church isn’t about abandoning tradition; it’s about building upon it.
Here’s what’s exciting about the possibilities:
- Fresh expressions of faith: Imagine vibrant worship experiences that not only have foundational hymns but, in addition to singing those hymns traditionally, we have the flexibility to incorporate contemporary music, art or even outdoor activities?
- Focus on authentic connections: Create smaller groups, in which people can build genuine relationships and share their faith journeys. This provides a more welcoming community. Smaller groups and diverse worship styles can create a more welcoming environment for people who might feel intimidated by traditional settings.
- Greater impact on the world: By becoming outward-focused and utilizing technology, the church can reach a wider audience and serve those in need in innovative ways. Whether that’s through organizing food drives, volunteering at shelters or offering support groups — I don’t know; I’m sure the options are vast.
But, most importantly, when we allow ourselves to think beyond the status quo and the mundane, we will have a:
- Renewed energy and purpose: Embracing change can spark excitement and a sense of purpose within the church community, attracting new members and, hopefully, revitalizing existing ones.
Reimagining church is an opportunity to breathe new life into the message of Christ, ensuring its continued relevance for generations to come. It’s about creating a vibrant and welcoming space in which everyone feels seen, heard and loved.
Perhaps, this is easier said than done. Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- What excites you about reimagining church?
- What concerns do you have?
- How can you personally contribute to this process?
The views and opinions expressed in this blog belong to the author and are not intended to represent the views of the MC USA Executive Board or staff.
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