A while back, I shared a moment of doubt with my partner about my faith, expressing uncertainty about my Christian identity. His response was blunt: “You’re not Christian! What’s Christian about you? You haven’t been Christian for years!”
I was taken aback. “What do you mean?” I replied. “Isn’t being Christian about love and justice?” His retort? “That’s not what being Christian’s about!”
This exchange left me frustrated. I’ve grown disillusioned with superficial expressions of love within the church. Recently, during a discussion on what constitutes a successful church, I found myself increasingly upset. Many participants spoke about success in terms of making disciples or fostering authenticity, while I felt the need to explode with rage at the narrow definitions being presented.
I’m weary of Christians who preach about prosperity and forgiveness without addressing deeper issues of justice. My frustration is particularly directed at white and Asian Christians.
The notion of Christian nationalism, which suggests that the U.S. is somehow divinely favored and rooted in “Christian” principles, is deeply problematic. The reality of our nation’s history—marked by conquest and exploitation—stands in stark contrast to the message of Jesus. Where is the gospel in a political agenda that prioritizes an unborn cluster of cells over the well-being of living individuals? Why is there silence from the pulpit regarding the violence against marginalized groups?
This is where churches, especially those with predominantly Asian American congregations, often mirror the flaws of white American theology, failing to challenge structures of oppression. I only learned about Asian American theology recently, which reflects a troubling lack of awareness in our communities.
Rethinking Success in the Church
So, what would define a truly successful church? It’s time to rethink what success means. Rather than fixating on metrics like attendance or financial contributions, churches should evaluate their own practices and policies. They should center their mission on caring for the marginalized and actively engaging in social justice, confronting issues like anti-Blackness and ableism.
Imagine churches assessing how they treat LGBTQIA+ individuals or how they handle cases of abuse. Do they prioritize reputation over accountability? A successful church would dismantle the foundations of white supremacist theology that permeate much of Western Christianity. This might mean relinquishing assets to support BIPOC-led congregations.
In the end, this radical re-examination might just be what Jesus would advocate for.
Further Reading
For more insights on related topics, check out this post on how to support your journey here. If you’re looking for guidance on fertility, consider this informative article from Make a Mom. Additionally, the NICHD provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- home insemination kit
- self insemination
- home insemination syringe
- artificial insemination methods
- fertility journey
In summary, successful churches must redefine their metrics and focus on justice, care for the marginalized, and dismantling harmful theological structures. This approach is not only more aligned with the teachings of Jesus but also essential for fostering genuine community and support.
Leave a Reply