Danger Signs - I

Photo by Kevin Jarrett on Unsplash

With the Denver Convention just over a week away, it is timely to consider some of the major issues confronting our movement. Here are some initial thoughts as part of a series of post leading up to and during the event.

I love the Church of God.

I was raised in this movement (i.e. third generation) and have devoted a large portion of my life to vocational ministry within it. It has shaped me, and I remain a passionate advocate of our message and the unique role we have within the larger Body of Christ.

I started ChoGBlog out of a sincere desire to contribute constructively to our collective interests and mission, however, putting myself out there is risky. While I try to cover topics that highlight positive aspects of our history, theology, and endeavors, I also believe it is necessary at times to speak truth to our shortcomings and blind spots. Despite some of the things I have written, or the topics I have covered, my intent is not to be unnecessarily negative, dramatic, or divisive. For, if we are to fulfill the calling that God has placed on us and live up the ideals we proclaim, it is vital that we prayerfully discern and consider the admonitions that come our way.

Throughout our history, various individuals have felt the call to speak into our movement and the challenges we face. For example, I am sure most of us remember the Crossroads books that Gilbert Stafford gifted us a quarter century ago (yes, it’s been that long). While they generated considerable discussion at the time, I’m not sure they amounted to much, most likely due to Stafford being unable to complete his project. Today, more than ever, we need informed voices who can address the unique challenges of our time.

The above preface is necessary because this post and the ones coming up may be perceived as pessimistic in their outlook, as if I have a general negative view of who we are and our future. I want to emphasize, on the contrary, that ultimately this comes out of love and hope.

As I see it, the Church of God is possibly facing one of its most critical periods since its founding 145 year ago. This year’s General Assembly will be consequential due to the decisions we make or do not make. Certainly, we have come up against major challenges and difficult times before, but none may be as great as the current existential threats spurred on by a convergence of pressures, internal and external. I share this not as a doomsday declaration, but as a thoughtful call for reflection, repentance, and renewal.

What makes the current environment so threatening?

We are living in dangerous times. The United States is experiencing monumental political disruption, and the entire world is affected by it. This adds fuel to the fires that have already been smoldering and spreading in recent years, both outside and inside the church. For example, religious life in North America has been shifting for decades, both in the state of Christianity and in the compromised political alliances people of faith have entered into. Add the lingering effects of the recent COVID pandemic on congregations to the mix, and we have a volatile situation that is easily enflamed.

The peril for us in the Church of God is that the pressures we are feeling have the potential to fracture us and dismantle whatever sense of movement still remains. Despite the shortcomings of our current structure and vehicles for meaningful dialogue, the need for identifying and mitigating the dangers ahead is as urgent as ever.

The upcoming General Assembly is one of the now rare moments that we have to come together to work through issues impacting our present and future corporate life. Every two years is hardly enough, but it is what we have at this point. It is highly unlikely that with the time allotted and the nature of the meetings themselves (which are often loaded with PR and marketing components) we will be able to adequately process the things that really matter this year. Whether or not they are on the formal agenda for the impending GA, they will surely underly all the discussion that takes place in the meetings and around the entire convention.

Denver is potentially a pivotal moment for us, either through our action or inaction.

In a follow-up post coming in a few days, I will share my list of the major challenges that we must consider as soon as possible. Watch for that.

In the meantime, before I share my list, I would love to hear yours. What are the danger signs you believe we should be heeding as a movement?