The Church in every generation is a Church that needs to “rediscover” its way, its purpose for existence.
The Church in every generation is a church that needs to discover the risen life of Christ, the very Cornerstone of what it means to be human.
Until we encounter Christ, and the ongoing change that Christ can bring to our lives, we will be unable to produce the good fruits of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus tells the parable of the landowner whose tenants abused and killed those who came to collect the fruit of the land.
Historically, this is a story of how the people of God rejected the prophets and killed the Messiah.
Pastorally, this a story of warning that if we, the people of God, do not produce good fruit, we will lose what God has given us.
The call to Kingdom living
“Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”
If we are not trying to live the Kingdom life, in relationship with Christ, producing the good fruits of forgiveness, love and reconciliation, then we forfeit the kingdom life ourselves.
The same is true for the Church in every generation. It is especially true for the church now in this Covid-19 pandemic.
If we loose focus on being Kingdom people, even during a pandemic, and doing the work of mission, then the church dies – and so it should.
The “maintenance” model of the Church – building, priest, liturgy – is a model of spiritual death. And this is the model that most of the mainline Church that we know still lives by. That is why most of the Church that we know is in decline.
We need to be careful that Covid-19 does not shrink us further into this maintenance model of church.
The “mission” model of the Church – community, faith, action – is a model of life and vitality. It is a model that is interested in genuine relationships, in nurturing a maturing faith, and in reaching out to the needs of the world around us.
Reaching out, in creative and safe ways, even during a pandemic.
A mission church is:
- a church that accepts Jesus Christ as Lord.
- a church that is producing the fruits of the Spirit.
- a church that is reaching out and connecting in meaningful and relevant ways.
- a Kingdom Church.
“Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven”
