Will the Future Have A Church?

Once, a friend was traveling on a subway in New York City. As she did, she noticed a fellow passenger staring at her, specifically at the cross hanging around her neck. 

        “Can I help you?” She asked after a moment.

        “Why yes,” the passenger replied. “I was just admiring your

         necklace. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out what it is!

        “Why, it’s a cross!” my friend said, surprised.

        “Pardon me for asking,” the woman replied, “But what’s a

         cross?”

Now, on first glance, we find that story far-fetched. But it’s not, for we no longer live in a Christian world, but a post-Christian one—one that no longer identifies with Christian images, words, or culture.

One obvious example is the absence of Blue Laws. Does anyone remember Blue Laws—regulations that prohibited certain activities on Sundays so as not to compete with worship and Sabbath rest? Why, in Hagerstown, MD, when I grew up, nothing was open on Sundays, and no sporting activities ever occurred. But today, everything is open, and sporting practices and games abound!

Now, such change is not necessarily “bad,” but it is a wake-up call reminding us that the church no longer receives preferential treatment in culture. In fact, the church is sidelined. Thus, as we envision ministry, we must remember: people will no longer come to us; we must go to the people.

In other words, we must become missional, viewing our own backyard as a mission field filled with disinterested, irreligious people. In sum, we must revive what the Brethren once called “home mission,” reaching not only the “…ends of the earth…” but also “…Jerusalem, and…Judea and Samaria…” (Acts 1:8). 

Turn Inside Out, Radiating The Passion Of Jesus

For starters, turn inside out, radiating the passion of Jesus. The best textbook for envisioning ministry is the book of Acts. In Acts, the early church models an outreach alive and vibrant, turning inside out for Jesus. 

My favorite Acts story is Paul and Silas in Thessalonica (Acts 17). Paul and Silas hold a revival meeting, challenging all “…that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah!” (Acts 17:3). And some Jews believed, “…along with quite a few prominent women and a large number of Greeks” (Acts 17:4), Luke tells us. "But the Jews became jealous, and with the help of some ruffians in the marketplaces they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar...[dragging Paul and Silas' friend Jason, and members of his house church]...before the city authorities, shouting, “These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also...They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus.” (Acts 17:5-7)

Wow! Talk about vibrant, faithful ministry! Paul and Silas model holy boldness, going beyond conventional outreach to the Jews, toward community outreach to the Greeks. Paul and Silas are clear:  Jesus’ mission is not tame, but a risky, ‘turning the world upside down.’ 

And so a question: are we ‘turning the world upside down’? Mission is not launched, tamely. Mission is launched, boldly, as we ‘raise our sights,’ passionately, announcing, there is no other king than Jesus!

Jesus’ Kingship is crucial. For we’ll never do faithful mission, unless we’re convicted that Jesus is Lord, the source of all conviction, the Anointed One, the Messiah, who in turn, anoints us. Frankly, it’s that conviction that fuels and energizes our outreach.

If ever there was one on a mission, it was Martin Luther King. But King’s mission almost died early when a deranged woman plunged a letter opener into his chest, early in his career. Rushed to a Harlem hospital, doctors carefully removed the object, but needed to make an incision that cut across the wound. The result? A permanent scar on King’s chest, in the shape of a cross. Reflecting later, Andy Young, a King confidant, revealed that King looked at that scar every morning, as it reminded him of the passion behind the passion: Jesus. Martin Luther King’s dream wasn’t his dream at all, but the dream of Jesus.  And so, is Christ etched into our life? Faithful mission never comes alive unless our passion is the passion of Jesus!

Be Open To New Methods  

But as you turn outward, have you noticed that we live in an Amazon-driven world, delivering messages and products in innovative ways, even by drone? Yet many churches still deliver the gospel using the “same old, same old.”

Now, please don’t misunderstand, there's nothing inherently wrong with the ‘same old, same old.’  But sometimes, we keep familiar traditions not because they’re effective, but because they’re familiar, and the familiar requires less energy than a new venture. But we can do better! We can take new risks, at any age, expending new energy, empowered by Jesus. Peter is spot-on in Acts 2:17: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17). New dreams for new methods are especially needed.

Tod Bolinger tells of Lewis and Clark’s quest to reach the far West. On first blush, their conventional methods appeared adequate. Hit the Continental Divide, find a river, and then paddle to the Pacific. But the ‘same old, same old’ was not enough, for instead of encountering a river, Lewis and Clark encountered the Rocky Mountains! And so, they had a choice. To adapt to unexpected terrain or paddle harder! Thank goodness, Lewis and Clark flexed their method; the U.S. would be vastly different if they had not adapted. 

But often, we don’t adapt; rather than flexing our methods, we just paddle harder! And so, yes, turn inside out with boldness, in Christ, but be open to new methods. A resource I often commend is the ‘Growing Young’ materials from Fuller Seminary. But whatever you utilize, turn outward, be in mission, in some unconventional way. 

Move Prayerfully, But Urgently

But as you do -- move prayerfully, but urgently, for a battle rages for humanity’s soul, as mega forces other than God, strive to capture human life. Just look at the rise of violence, and how violence dupes us into believing it can solve human dilemmas. But violence is never a solution. Only reconciliation through Christ is the solution. But we get complacent, thinking we have all the time in the world to convey that message. 

In C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, there’s a classic scene where Satan and three of his demons discuss how to win the hearts of humanity. A first demon pipes up: "I've got it! Let's tell people there is no God!"  ‘That won’t work, Satan replied.  Then a second demon volunteers:  I know, we’ll tell people there is no heaven, no hell."  ‘That won’t work,’ Satan replied.  And with that, a third demon leaped to his feet:  "I have it!" he shouted. "We won’t say there’s no God -- we won’t say there’s no heaven, no hell. We'll just say, there’s no hurry." And with that, Satan’s beamed:  ah, the perfect lie to capture the hearts of humanity.

The first missional church, the early church, didn’t believe that lie. They exhibited a phenomenal urgency in outreach, fueled by a Jesus who reminded them that the stakes were high. Jesus’ admonition in Acts 26, first spoken to Paul on the Road to Damascus, is especially striking: “Up on your feet…” Christ remarks. “I’m sending you off to open the eyes of [the world], so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light…I’m sending you off to present my offer of…a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who [really live] by believing in me.” (Acts 26:17-18, The Message). 

Notice that being a missionary for Jesus is not just a matter of proclamation, but also invitation. Specifically, an invitation to know Christ and the Body of Christ. Irreligious people are best convinced of Christ when they're in the company of others seeking to know Christ and His other way of living. 

And so, I offer a challenge: adopt a new resolve to reach people for the Savior and his other way of life. For there is a battle raging for the soul of humanity. And so, this is not a time for complacency, excuses, or rationalization. This is a time for urgency! This is a time to get up on our feet and point people to Jesus! 

One of my favorite stories concerns the time the kids and I got lost in Puerto Rico – way out in the countryside. We literally didn’t know where to go. And so, I did what any responsible Dad would do. I sent my 12-year-old son, Peter, into an unknown restaurant to get directions! After all, he knew 7th-grade Spanish! In short order, Peter got flustered, and for good reason. The folks in the restaurant were fluent in ‘mile a minute’ Spanish, and the restaurant really wasn’t a restaurant- it was a bar.  Racing back to the car, Peter was frantic. 

“Did you get directions?” I asked 

“Not really,” he said. “But some guy did try to help.  I mean I didn’t get everything he said, but boy

         was he animated! “Señor,” he motioned: “Señor: go this way -- not -- that way!”

We might not be the most fluent folk, but we can motion: go this way -- not -- that way. In this disoriented, irreligious world, we can redirect people to Jesus and His other way of living. For a battle is waging for the soul of humanity. 

Thus, in this violent age, missionaries of reconciliation are urgently needed, dreaming new dreams and seeing new visions that point people to Jesus. Don’t believe the lie that there is no hurry. Rather, claim the truth, there’s a new urgency to reach people for the Savior and His other way of life! Up on your feet, church! 

Turn the world upside down, church! Not only in Nigeria, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but in every corner of your home mission field, as well. For Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah.  Our deepest conviction, our deepest passion. 

For there is no other Savior, no other Lord, no other King -- but Him!

What Are You Thinking?

I want you to remember a number. Are you ready? Here it is:

6,200. 

That’s the number of thoughts the average person has every day! This number comes from research conducted at Queen’s University, where social scientists isolated “thought worms”—consecutive periods of time when an individual is focused on the same idea. So, a lot is going on in your head right now, as your mind whirls through all kinds of mental activity.

God is especially concerned about the content of your thinking—your mental activity. For God knows, in the words of Proverbs 23:7 (KJV), that as a person thinks, so he or she becomes. In the same way, as a congregation thinks, so it shall become. Saturate your 6,200 daily thoughts with the weaknesses of your congregation, and weak you will become. However, saturate your 6,200 daily thoughts with the strengths of your church, and strong you will become.

Now, I’m not saying we should ignore weaknesses, either in ourselves or in our church. But I am saying that what we dwell on—either individually or corporately—has a distinct outcome, either for good or for ill.

Is it any wonder the Apostle Paul encourages us to center and discipline our thinking? Specifically, “focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8, CEB).

There are obvious personal implications related to Paul's words.  But also corporate outcomes, specifically for the church.  And so, in line with Paul's teaching, what is true about your church? What is holy about your church? What is just? What is pure? What is lovely? What is worthy of praise?

A few years ago, a friend had a bad case of warts. She tried everything: salicylic acid, liquid nitrogen, even duct tape. Nothing worked. Finally, the health professional she consulted suggested a strange remedy: think different thoughts about the warts.

Rather than dwelling on the fact that they were a pain (and they were), my friend was encouraged to dwell on the prospect of the warts going away. And they did!

We can’t say conclusively that thinking hopeful thoughts made the difference—maybe the duct tape worked after all! But in some way, my friend’s change in thinking contributed to a promising, healing outcome.

Have you noticed? There are warts all over the church these days: declining attendance and revenue, conflict over biblical and political issues, and tension between younger and older generations. In most cases, people dwell on the pain of it all. But Scripture encourages us to think about the promise of it all—believing that the troubling aspects of church life can be addressed, and that decline, conflict, and tension can be healed.

Now, let me clarify: I’m not talking about some kind of New Age self-talk. I’m not promoting the power of positive thinking. Instead, I’m commending the power of thinking positively about God and His priorities. For God is alive and working in your congregation with a determined intent for good and not for ill. God wants our churches to be effective. God wants them to thrive. God wants his church to flourish.

But here’s the question: have we noticed? Have we thought about God’s positive work? Are we dwelling on it?

Church, let’s dwell on the positive work of God! Let’s “give praise to the Lord; proclaim his name,” in the words of Isaiah 12:4–5. Let us “sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things!” (Isaiah 12:4–5, NIV).

Such an affirmation was very much needed in Isaiah’s time, for the Israelites were caught up in the negative—and for good reason. They were severely troubled as problems flared up from within and foreign enemies threatened from without.

But here’s the deeper issue: much of that adversity was of their own making. Israel had focused largely on its own agenda and mission rather than God’s. The result was idolatry, as they became preoccupied with their own consumption, convenience, and comfort rather than with the Lord's sacrifice, salvation, and sanctification.

Israel’s experience reminds us that our worship today only truly comes alive when we, too, face our idols. And let me tell you—they’re everywhere.

Author Tim Keller defines an idol as “anything more important to you than God. Anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God. Anything you seek to give you what only God can give. Anything that is so central and essential to your life that, should you lose it, your life would feel hardly worth living.”

Idols are often revealed, in the words of pastor Jeffery Curtis Poor, through four questions:

• Where do I spend my time?
• Where do I spend my money?
• Where do I get my joy?
• What is always on my mind?

Examples might include money, career, technology, family, sex, success, entertainment, or material possessions.

Now, please don’t misunderstand—there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with any of these things. In moderation, they are good and meaningful parts of life. But when we become more preoccupied with them than with Jesus and His mission, we step into idolatry—worshiping something other than God in Christ as supreme.

Listen: each of us has surrendered much to the Lord. But each of us—individually and corporately—still has areas not fully given over to God.

Thus, we must not only lift our hands in celebration, but also bend our knees in confession—bowing before the Master of the Universe, admitting that we have not always prioritized His sacrifice, salvation, and sanctification, but instead our own consumption, convenience, and comfort.

The result of such contrition is far-reaching. As we confess, we make more room for God. And when God has more room, God has more space to do even greater things.

So, if you think God has done great things in your church, you haven’t seen anything yet! But it all hinges on our willingness to relinquish more idols—prioritizing not our own benefit, but the cause of Christ—for the glory of God and the good of our neighbor.

2023 marked the 100th anniversary of one of the Church of the Brethren’s most remarkable mission outreaches: the birth of EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria.

If ever there was a community of believers who model what it means to celebrate God’s faithfulness, it is this vibrant body of nearly one million brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet this explosion of the Gospel has not happened without warts—it has happened amid intense challenge and opposition.

For years, EYN has been harassed and persecuted by Boko Haram, one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world. Over 1,600 EYN churches or church branches have been burned or abandoned, representing 70% of its material assets.

Yet EYN continues to thrive—overflowing with celebration.

Whenever Boko Haram invaded, EYN members fled their homes and church buildings. But it didn’t stop the church. Wherever they relocated, they established new outposts—new congregations.

Recently, an EYN leader reflected on this growth despite persecution:

“EYN is a wounded healer... Boko Haram has succeeded in destroying church buildings, thinking that they will stop Christianity. However, as we ran away, we ran with our faith—and Christ ran with us.”

My fellow believers, keep running with your faith—for Christ runs with you!

Yes, these are tough and menacing times. Warts are everywhere. But we celebrate a God who is greater than our warts—who is able, even in our most perplexing moments, to give us the power to flourish.

So, what are you thinking?

Are you dwelling on all that threatens you and chases you, or on the God who embraces you?

Every day, you will think 6,200 thoughts. Think thoughts of weakness, and you—and your church—will be weak. Think thoughts of strength—the strength and faithfulness of God—and you and God's church will be strong!

Awesome Disciples

Picture in your mind the most awesome person you’ve ever met or heard of. It could be a family member, like your grandmother or great aunt. It could be a historical figure, like Benjamin Franklin or Rosa Parks. 

Now, if you were to isolate the reasons why this person is so awesome, I’m guessing all kinds of things would come to mind: their stamina and courage, their character and compassion, their patience and charisma.

But there’s one characteristic that marks almost every awesome person: they are willing to leave their comfort zone for a larger cause.

Take Rosa Parks, for example. She could have easily stayed put at the back of the bus in her seat. But because she knew it was crucial to advance the cause of justice and equality, she stepped out of her comfort zone and refused to move. The rest is history, changing the lives of millions.

Myron Augsburger, the Mennonite evangelist and theologian, is one of the most awesome people I know. Once I asked Myron why he kept risking for Jesus, constantly leaving his comfort zone to expand mission points.

“It’s like this, Paul,” Myron shared. “As a Christ-follower, I’m called to live in more than one world. For example, my home is in Harrisonburg, Virginia, but I’ve learned to be equally at home in Washington, D.C., on the West Coast, or in India—all for the cause of Jesus. Paul, as a Christ-follower, you’ve got to learn to live in more than one world.”

Have you noticed that Jesus lived in more than one world?

Jesus was very much at home in Nazareth, but to accomplish His mission, He constantly ventured out. During His earthly ministry, Jesus traveled to Capernaum, Cana, Tyre, Sidon, Bethany, Emmaus, the wilderness, and Mount Hermon.

Based on the Gospel accounts alone, it is estimated that Jesus “chalked up” a whopping 3,000 miles of mission travel.

Think about it: Jesus could have easily stayed put in His comfort zone, the familiarity of His home in Nazareth. But He knew that to accomplish His calling—to be about His Father’s business, to truly be on mission—He needed to live in more than one world.

It’s tempting to stay put in our comfort zone. But like Jesus, to accomplish our calling—to be about our Father’s business, to truly be on mission—we need to live in more than one world.

That means not just being committed disciples, but growing into awesome disciples who repeatedly leave their comfort zones and risk for the Savior.

But some of us push back.

“Paul, in all honesty, I think I’m already doing my part. Given all I have on my plate—and at my age and station in life—I don’t need more awesome. I need more Advil! I need to check out for a while and get some rest and diversion.”

In that regard, I’m reminded of two senior golfers who were also slowing down a bit. Day after day, they kept knocking golf balls into a water trap, but they kept playing on, retrieving them.

One day at the water trap, one of the golfers encountered a talking frog.

“Listen,” the frog said. “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into an awesome, gorgeous princess.”

The golfer thought and thought and thought. Finally, he grabbed the frog and put it in his pocket.

“Are you crazy?” his buddy exclaimed. “Why didn’t you kiss it?”

“Well, it’s like this,” the golfer replied. “At my age, I’d rather have a talking frog!”

I get it. At any age, young or old, we get tired and reach our limits. We don’t need more awesome—we just need the kids to sleep through the night or our medical challenges to settle down.

But at any age or condition, God still calls us to go beyond our fatigue toward even greater expressions of His mission in Jesus.

For Peter reminds us in Acts 2:17:

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.”

So, what is your next mission dream?

What is your next prophecy—your next vision for the outreach of your local congregation?

In Israel, there are two principal bodies of water: the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

The Sea of Galilee is an incredible lake—13 miles long and 7 miles wide. It is filled with fish and surrounded by lush foliage. It is also home to countless birds, including cranes, pelicans, and more than 25 species of raptors, such as imperial eagles and spotted eagles.

On the other hand, the Dead Sea is a desolate body of water, 50 miles long and 11 miles wide. It contains no fish, seaweed, plants, or living creatures. In fact, fish that accidentally swim into it quickly die because of the extremely high salt content.

Yet both the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee are fed by the same source of water: the fresh, living Jordan River.

The difference is simple.

The Sea of Galilee releases the living water it receives back into the Jordan and beyond.

The Dead Sea releases nothing. It retains everything it receives.

The result is striking.

The Sea of Galilee is full of life and vitality.

The Dead Sea is a place of death and stagnation.

The same is true for people and churches.

When we release and share the living water we receive from Jesus, we thrive and live.

When we hoard and retain it, we stagnate and die.

Awesome people and awesome churches—those who live in more than one world and risk beyond their comfort zones—share the living water they receive.

They do this not primarily for their own vitality, as important as that may be, but for the vitality of others.

They know that sharing Jesus in word and deed is a life-or-death mission, impacting not just us but all people—beginning in our neighborhoods, then extending to our towns, our regions, our nation, and eventually our world.

This widening mission echoes Jesus’ call in Acts 1:8:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (emphasis added)

So keep witnessing in your Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth— wherever that may lead!

Keep getting out of your comfort zone and living in more than one world, acting out your identity as awesome disciples.

Get out of your familiar seat. Move to the front of the bus. Risk.

And help change the world for Jesus.

How to Navigate an Upheaval

Most agree that these are days of upheaval. For some, the disruption is long overdue and welcome; for others, it’s upsetting and deadly. But all must find a way to move through these turbulent times

Let me suggest guides for navigating our current upending. Think of them as lighted buoys in the dark, choppy water around us as we look to Jesus and His Way as our “north star” (Rev. 22:16).

Navigational Guide #1 – Love Your Enemies

Cultural chaos is marked by “the blame game,” name-calling, and the identification of enemies. Amid such strife, Jesus advises a difficult, audacious response: “…Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44).

Loving and praying for enemies is not synonymous with condoning their behavior or failing to convey truth; please understand this. Instead, it’s relating and transmitting truth benevolently rather than being overcome by evil. It’s being proactive, overcoming “…evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

An expression of the “good” is a change of speech tone. Rather than communicating caustically, we respond decently and wisely. As the writer of Proverbs reminds us: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly” (Proverbs 15:1–2).

How might I speak the truth, but also craft and watch my words? How might I relate to my enemies candidly, benevolently, and wisely?

Navigational Guide #2 – Honor Jesus as Lord

Those with authority, including political leaders, urge us to follow them and their priorities. The Leader of the universe encourages us to follow Him and His Way of life. The two are not identical; no secular leader fully embodies the Almighty.

Therefore, there will inevitably be a difference in priorities and perspectives—a disparity of some kind, at some point—between the Way of Jesus and the way of secular authority.

In Acts 17, Paul and Silas preach Jesus in Thessalonica, much to the ire of the Jewish leaders. “‘These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also…They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus’” (Acts 17:6–7). If we’re fully faithful to Jesus, we can expect a similar scenario; at some point, the Lord’s Way and the world’s way will clash, and we’ll need to choose obedience to God over human authority (Acts 5:29).

Thus, beware of being in lockstep with any political or secular ideology. Pray for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–3), but remain constant, loyal, and bound to one cause: the Way of Jesus.

Where does a secular authority “have my ear” more than the Savior? How might I increasingly honor Jesus as Almighty and Lord?

Navigational Guide #3 – Prioritize the Vulnerable

 These seasons are especially risky for the marginalized and vulnerable. It’s difficult enough for people with power and resources to find their way in chaotic chapters, but those lacking connection and assets soon become lost in the fray.

Thus, the Bible calls us to remember the least, lost, and lonely during turbulent times. “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute [vulnerable]…defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8–9); “…Love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). Such attentiveness is not synonymous with foolish handouts or lawlessness but, instead, with risky hospitality, loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30–31; Luke 10:25–37).

How can I curb my fear, aiding the vulnerable during turbulent times? How can I go beyond anxiety and prejudice and embrace the stranger?

Navigational Guide #4 – Make the Church Your Tribe

Seasons of upheaval are opportunities to deepen our identity as the People of God. Instead of seeking community (e.g., relational support, friendship) within an ideological tribe (political party, social media group, etc.), we connect more with Christ’s tribe, the New Community—the Church.

As we do, Jesus “rubs off” on us. We no longer view life through an ideological lens (such as politics) but through a Christ-centered perspective, shaped more by the Sermon on the Mount than by our favorite podcast. As a result, Jesus increases while human opinion wanes. We are captivated by the One who is neither left nor right but embodies a “third way” surrendered to the Almighty and His reign—a Kingdom that challenges all secular thought systems.

The result is a swelling hope that is not dependent on circumstances. We increasingly understand that the most crucial victory is assured: the triumph of God in Christ.

For a time, political and social systems wield power and dominance. We become incredibly anxious when they shake and rumble. However, “another way of living,” an alternative Kingdom, ultimately has the last word.

John the Revelator reminds us of God’s eventual achievement: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life…On either side of the river is the tree of life…and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him…And there will be no more night” (Revelation 22:1–5).

What’s “rubbing off” on me—politics or Jesus’ alternative way of life? How can Christ’s New Community, the Church, be my tribe?

In 1436, a young cleric noticed the proprietor of a fish shop using leaves from an ancient codex (book) to wrap his product. Among the pages was a second-century letter written by an unknown Christian author to Diognetus, a seeker curious about the peculiar character of the early church amid the upheaval of his day. 

The cleric retrieved the epistle, discovering a fascinating description of Christ-followers, the people of the Way (Acts 24:14). The letter’s author recounted to Diognetus that Christians have a “…wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners…They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh…They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven…They are reviled and blessed…they are insulted and repay the insult with honor…To sum up all in one word—what the soul is in the body, Christians are in the world.”

I pray we’ll be the soul of our society during this turbulent era. Our culture doesn’t need more rancor but more centeredness in a righteous reality that transcends political and ideological bias. Sure, speak the truth, no doubt. But articulate it with benevolence and spiritual savvy (Ephesians 4:15; Matthew 10:16)—flavored with the conviction that, ultimately, our salvation comes not from human systems but from the rule and ethic of God in Christ.

Ironically, then, the way through our current upheaval is via yet another upending sparked by Jesus. For Christ wants to turn our society “upside down” (Acts 17)—as we love our enemies, honor only one Lord (Jesus), prioritize the vulnerable, and make the Church our tribe. 

Daring, demanding stuff, for sure, but bright buoys—the only faithful way to navigate choppy, troubled waters.

Loud Love

In our many years of ministry, Robin and I have met many unforgettable people. Some are still with us, but others have gone on to glory, including a larger-than-life character named Gene Ball.  

At his memorial service, Gene was eulogized in various ways: colorful storyteller, master salesperson, veteran choir member. However, I especially appreciated the description from one family member: Gene was a guy who reached out to you with a “loud love”! I mean, there was nothing subtle about the devotion of Gene Ball! He enveloped you with acceptance and kindness. He didn’t just deliver caring words; he incarnated compassion, giving you his very life in Christ.

Consider 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; “loud love” reverberates throughout this text. As Paul clarifies in verse 8, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” Not surprisingly, our Scripture is filled with intimacy, as Paul refers to those in Thessalonica as “brothers and sisters” (vv. 1, 9) and beloved “children” (v. 11), and describes himself and the other apostles as a “nursing mother” (v. 7). What we’re encountering, then, is not a mere sharing of information or ideas in this text; it’s a radical exchange of one’s very essence, as Paul, through the power of Jesus, gives his very life to the Thessalonians and, in turn, challenges them to give their very lives to each other.

I wonder if that kind of exchange is happening in our lives today. Beyond “the Gene Balls of the world,” are we exercising “loud love”—not just sharing the gospel of God, but also our very lives—enveloping one another in generous compassion, incarnating the tender care and kindness of the Savior?

Hope is our emphasis in this season, for hope changes everything! But hope is not nurtured without demonstrative, extravagant compassion. Have you noticed? Ours is a hostile, hopeless world that’s loud, for sure—but not with love, but with harshness and rancor. And so, to paraphrase the words of Scottish minister Ian MacLaren, we need to be enormously kind to each other, for “every man [or woman] in this room is fighting a hard battle.”

This is not just true regarding our personal struggles, but also our collective struggle as the body of Christ. Have you noticed? There’s a fierce battle between dominant culture and the Christian church—between the way of the world and the Way of Jesus. The world is filled with racism; Jesus is filled with equality. The world is consumed by lust; Jesus is consumed by holiness. The world is addicted to violence; Jesus is devoted to peace. The world is hooked on consumerism; Jesus is committed to simplicity. And so, if we’re attentive, we’re in a hard battle not just individually, but collectively, as we live in tension as Christ-followers within the broader culture.

But what else is new? A headline theme in 1 Thessalonians overall is the battle between the church and dominant culture. That’s inferred as Paul speaks of his suffering, outrageous treatment, and strong opposition encountered in Philippi in verse 2 of our text. But it’s especially pronounced in Acts 17, as Luke describes Paul’s first visit to Thessalonica. While there, Paul and Silas cause an uproar among the establishment—both secular and religious—because they declare that Jesus is Lord rather than Caesar. “These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also,” the authorities complain. “They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus” (Acts 17:6–7).

Friends, don’t be surprised if we find ourselves in a similar situation someday. I’m not suggesting that we look for trouble or provoke it. However, I am saying that if we truly desire to turn the world upside down for Jesus, there will be, at some point, tension between us and the establishment—the dominant beliefs of our day. For if we truly believe Christ is Lord and not racism, consumerism, militarism, postmodernism, nationalism, or hedonism, we’re innately out of step with culture, proclaiming the narrow but liberating way of Jesus. And so, our goal as those entrusted with the Gospel, to quote Paul in verse 4, is not to “please people, but God who tests our hearts.”

John Lewis was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and early 1970s. In that role, he and his companions—people like Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, and Martin Luther King Jr.—sought to uplift the Way of Jesus in the face of rampant injustice and discrimination. In describing his calling amid such oppressive reality, Lewis said, “Sometimes in life, we’re called to get into ‘good trouble.’” I like that! So, what kind of “good trouble” are you called to engage in?

Again, I am not urging us to seek out trouble or provoke it, but I am asking that we not avoid the uncomfortable as we lift up Jesus as Lord. Perhaps it is addressing injustice, as John Lewis did, for injustice is an urgent, vital concern. But maybe it’s another societal need that Jesus lays on your heart. One prospect is the lack of reverence and holiness in our culture, a virtue Paul accentuates in verse 10 of our text. And so, here’s an idea to prime the pump—to get us started on the road of riskier faith. The next time you’re in a restaurant with family or friends, take a moment before or after your meal arrives and offer a spoken prayer of thanks at your table. Don’t strive to be showy, but don’t be shy either. Pray a meaningful prayer—not a quick one—out loud. I guarantee you a thoughtful spoken restaurant prayer will create a stir! And not everyone around you will be happy, including some folks at your table! But friends, it’s good trouble and a great way to begin growing in a willingness to be more uncomfortable for Christ.

Such risk empowers us both individually and corporately to intensify our witness for Jesus. Ironically, it’s our oddness, our peculiar, countercultural ways—our difference, our “loud love”—that grabs the attention of outsiders, prompting them to ponder, “Who are these people?” In 1436, a young cleric noticed the proprietor of a fish shop using leaves from an ancient book to wrap his product. Among the pages was a second-century letter written by an unknown Christian author to Diognetus, a seeker curious about the peculiar character of the early church amid the loud rancor of his day. The cleric retrieved the epistle, discovering a fascinating description of Christ-followers, the people of the Way (Acts 24:14). The letter’s author recounted to Diognetus that Christians have a “wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners… They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh… They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven… They are reviled and blessed… they are insulted and repay the insult with honor… To sum up all in one word—what the soul is in the body, Christians are in the world.”

Friends, that’s what “loud love” ultimately does: it shapes us into the very soul of society. In a world filled with loud rancor, loud love stands out—becoming leaven in the loaf, salt to the earth, and hope to the world. It radiates another way of living, prompting curiosity in people and drawing many to the Savior, His people, and His cause.

You see, the “most evangelistic thing the church can do today,” in the words of Bryan Stone, “is to be the church—to be formed imaginatively by the Holy Spirit”—to be a contrast society to the dominant culture around us, nurturing hope. And so, not surprisingly, Paul ends our text today by urging the Thessalonians “to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). 

And what is a life worthy of God? It’s the life, in part, that Paul and the apostles modeled to the Thessalonians, summarized throughout our Scripture text: a life that is “holy, righteous, and blameless” (v. 10); a life of sacrifice, seeking not to be a burden (v. 9); a life not asserting one’s authority (v. 6); a life not seeking to please people (v. 4); a life not full of error or impure motives (v. 3); a life that dares to tell the gospel despite strong opposition (v. 2). In sum, a life—you guessed it—of “loud love,” that not only shares the Gospel but gives its all, “our very lives,” totally, freely, and compassionately (v. 8).

It is my prayer that we will increasingly “give our all” to one another and our neighborhood, that we will get into “good trouble” locally and globally, radiating “loud love.” For in a culture torn apart by rancor, folks yearn for a people living out empathy, justice, holiness, kindness, and care—the fullness of compassion and love. Talk about nurturing and stoking hope! People are more expectant when another way of being—grounded in benevolence, not rancor—comes alive right before their eyes.

You know, I think Gene Ball would be pleased if we headed in that direction. But more importantly, I think Jesus would be immensely pleased. For Jesus is the epitome of the fullness of demonstrative, lavish compassion—not just giving us the Gospel, but giving us His all: His very incarnation, His very life, the totality of His empathy and care. 

And so, friends, be like Jesus. Share the Gospel, but also give your all—your very lives—enveloping people near and far with divine care, justice, holiness, and tenderness -- nurturing hope. Reach out and multiply the full compassion of the Savior, lavishing on everyone the “loud love” of Jesus.