More often than not, “partnering in missions,” means small churches give what little money they think they can afford to a larger church or a missions sending agency that will handle mobilization, screening, indoctrination, training, sending, and maintenance of missionaries on the field. This is not “partnering,” it’s outsourcing.

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The Counterintuitive Church (pt. 8, The Impractical Churches Among Us)

Posted April 9th, 2009 by Ernest

PREVIOUSLY: Impractical Spaces

Lest you think these last few posts reflected only the thoughts of a lone anonymous cynic, I’d like to introduce you to some of the many other intentionally impractical leaders among us:

When he started the Evergreen Community in Portland, Oregon, Bob Hyatt had a vision- he knew what he wanted his church to be (biblical missional community of faith), and what he didn’t want it to be (legalistic, programmatic, location-dependent). Now, five years later, Evergreen meets in three locations (two pubs and the facilities of another church), and has established itself in Portland as the church for people who are burned out on church. Evergreen’s intentionally small gatherings allow for conversational dialogue and the kind of accountability that only true community can provide. “Community isn’t optional for followers of Jesus.” Bob counterintuitively says, “So if you’re not sure Evergreen is the place for you, there are lots of other churches in town that might be a better fit for you.”

Michael Carpenter planted intentionally nontraditional Matthew’s Table in Lebanon, TN. The Nashville suburb’s claim to fame? It’s the proposed site of Bible Park USA, a “Christian” Theme Park. Matthew’s Table is an impractically missional gathering of believers in an unlikely place. Why Lebanon? “I have to honestly say that this is the VERY last place I thought we would plant, yet I am glad we are here.” writes Michael. But for him, it’s not so much about strategy as obedience. “This is where God sent us, period.”

Todd Littleton is the epitome of Impractical Church leadership. While most of the players in the “missional” conversation plant their own churches in trendy neighborhoods where it might be easier to find like-minded people, Todd has remained pastor of Snow Hill Baptist Church in rural Tuttle, OK for the last 15 years. Their worship isn’t focused on twenty-somethings or lighted with candles, but Snow Hill is an incarnational gathering. I visited one Sunday morning, and was greeted by a little old lady who spelled it out for me: “We are a different kind of church. Around here, we try to be ‘missional.’ That means that we take Jesus to the people instead of just inviting them to church.”

The list is long: Marty Duren in Buford Georgia. Steve McCoy outside Chicago. Both traded denominational influence for influence in their local communities. Kevin Jamison moved into Middletown, Ohio just as everyone else seemed to be moving out. Dr. Thom Wolf is a brilliant thinker and teacher who left a prominent teaching position to move to India. Andrew Jones and his family live in a truck. There are many Counterintuitives among us.

I don’t have a problem with megachurches or their pastors. I do have a problem with the fact that we listen to them so much. We read their books. We pay to hear them speak at conferences. We look to guys like Perry Noble, Mark Driscoll, and Mark Batterson for practical tips on how to grow our churches, open video venues, or make them more relevant. They are great guys- godly men, to be sure. But I think we’ve heard what they have to say. I think we need to hear from the Impractical Churches among us.

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2 Responses to “The Counterintuitive Church (pt. 8, The Impractical Churches Among Us)”

  • Dave Says:
    April 9th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    I have heard so much on Christian radio about the problems we are having in America with churches that don’t really do much to make a difference in society. Those preaching these messages are in many way themselves Mega-Churches. I don’t know much about them or their churches but I am impressed that there are more and more people who are saying that what we are doing “just isn’t working.” Lots of people come to church but little is seen in the way of a Christ-like impact on society.

    It is time for more inconvenient churches to hear the call of God and move in the power of his Spirit to do more than just put on a “side show” event for people to come see.

    Dave

  • Todd Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 6:24 am

    Ernest,
    Thank you for the commendation. I am hopeful there are many more of us who, as my mentor used to day, “put our heads down and do our jobs.”

    I believe one of the contextual issues we face is how to embrace the counter-intuitive to celebrity culture. There may be room for those who have ascended to places of prominence. The real issue comes in how that space is used to speak truth to power(s) in ways that play up the way of Jesus and play down the photo-op.

    Maybe more of what I am trying to say is, there is a way to live out the way of Jesus that does not demand I also press my agenda, my book, my whatever. Too many should be writing who are working. Contrary to one popular preacher, there are many who can and would do well on television, the radio or the web, who may feel that a bit of self-aggrandizement under the banner of “spreading the gospel.” So, they quietly put their heads down and do their jobs.

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