The Relevant Church

The relevancy of the church in 2017 can become more evident through growth and expansion in three critical areas of her calling; vision, visibility, and voice. 

Vision

The struggle of the church at large often runs parallel to that of Elisha’s servant Gehazi; limited vision.  This is apparent when we are placed in political and legislative environments that appear to favor those who oppose the kingdom agenda. Like Gehazi, we too must be able to perceive that they who are with us are more than they who are against us.  Kingdom citizens are empowered to see in a dimension beyond those who are without the hope of Christ.  Though it may be the right prescription, a pair of glasses can only be as effective as the clarity of the lenses.  If they are soiled with dirt and smudge, the images that they allow will always be unclear and indistinct.  Such is the case for the church, her vision is limited by the lenses of her heart.  Jesus said blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.  The purity of our hearts expands our vision to see a God who desires to take relevant measures in transforming the hearts of men from saying to the church, “what do you think you’re doing”, to asking the church, “what must I do?” 

Visibility

Additionally, expansion in the area of visibility is also a prerequisite for improving the relevance of the church.  Tracing the life of Jesus, it is indisputable that one of His most pronounced characteristics was visibility.  He recognized the value of what He brought to the world and the detriment of withholding it from those to whom He was assigned. Notice, He did not wait for this population to come to His church. Instead, He went to where they were to meet them at the point of their need.  Though there is safety and security inside of her walls, the church must awaken to the reality that her calling is to the field. When Jesus arrived in the country of the Gadarenes, Legion recognized the timeless truth that this territory is not big enough for the both of us, so somebody has to leave.  How long will the church allow Legion to reign in the territory of her calling? And, in what areas is the enemy taking advantage of our lack of visibility and kingdom colonization?

Voice

Finally, working in concert with the visibility of the church is her voice.  The church must no longer accept the deception that the world doesn’t want to hear the truth.  The Bible is clear that freedom is a product of truth.  Faith comes by hearing and it is hard to stay bound after the seeds of truth have been planted in one’s heart. For the reasons outlined here, expansion in the area of vision, visibility, and voice can serve to enhance the relevance of the church both in 2017 and beyond.