Which Church Identity?

Churches today are searching for new identities. Certainly, when the absolute goal is to grow or too become more successful, a church would need a powerful identity. Identity plays a huge factor when you are striving to build a spiritual church! One common question arises in the process of becoming what has so habitually  impounded replication of identifying to the right style of church.  That question is: Which church type or identity is effectual for positive growth in this time and place?

There are three types that popularize the identity discussions that impact lives nationally and globally.

1. Attractional churches – Churches that attract
2. Missional churches – Churches that go out to those far from the front doors of the church
3. Dysfunctional churches – Churches that seem to think inbound struggles are God’s plan for discipleship

Personally, I think that the third identity images most churches in America today.  However, the first two offer growth applications if each is done with the proper motives.

1. To grow a church that honors God’s Word and plan for salvation.
2. To grow a church that continues to establish positive results in Kingdom principles.
3. To grow a church that implants truth and purity, evidenced by an outward life style that glorifies God.
4. To grow a church that is willing to move with God as He moves and when He moves.
5. To grow a church that is not identified with man’s apparent flaws but with God’s holiness.
6. To grow a church that is influential in community and social applications.
7. To grow a church that is sold out to the directives of God’s mercies and passions.

I would add here that the third choice, dysfunctional, has caused so much pain and schisms that one would wonder how it even exists? It does in a huge way.  Controlling spirits (another blog in another inspirational moment) have just what they are titled: control.

The Attractional church can also be defined as the church that promotes huge in house events and markets itself well. That a person senses an attraction to the event through the marketing of name brand, not generic, personalities that are advertised. This type of church is really great and offers plenty of ministry opportunities to those who are attracted.

The Missional church can be defined as the ‘go group’. They mix with the neighbors, the co-workers, the unfamiliar and the lonely. They make friends with people and build relationships slowly, with positive results for evangelism in its purest sense.  Their quest is to take the love of Christ beyond ‘walls’ that separate and build ties that communicate a lasting, trustful relationship with Jesus.

To learn to identify can be a life long adventure with many twists and turns. The journey can take you to the far left in thought and bring you back to the far right. The key is to get a balance on identity and build on that.  Don’t follow that crowd, follow the leading of your heart as Jesus leads. Find the identity that fits like a glove and wear it with confidence.

So many articles are written today on which identity is the right one. By the time that decision is made there will be another discussion on something ‘new’ that just broke over the horizon. One thing you can be assured of, the dysfunctional one is the one you do not want to be identified with. What works is what God is doing. So find out where He has moved to and move away from where He isn’t to where He is.

Best

Dennis