SOMETHING IN CHURCH IS EMERGING ALRIGHT

Some analysts say that colossal transitions in the church occur about every 500 years. They also suggest that we may be in such a time. That implies displeasure in what the church presently is, or how it functions. Something is emerging in the church - dissatisfaction. Do you share this?
Are you someone who is familiar with the church? Would you say that the Christianity with which you are familiar has become incrusted with excessive institutionality? Would you say that in some cases the church is predictable, methodical, fossilized and paralyzed? Does it do what is proven and expected and unsurprising, and does the church communicate that people are wrong to criticize it. Have you come to the conclusion that there may be no option but to change, that is, voluntarily or by push back from parishioners?

If you are answering affirmatively, maybe others of us should regard this as encouraging, rather than disheartening. History appears to prove that each time the ecclesiastical status quo has been challenged and perhaps shattered, the results are positive. The Protestant Reformation, the anniversary of which was observed this week, is an example. The organized expression of the church undergoes change that purifies it and brings it more in line with New Testament teaching. A more vigorous version emerges. Faith spreads where it didn’t stand a chance with the prior identity. Presently I see escalating laity involvement. I see lead pastors humbly seeing themselves as one of the many servants of God within community. These are good signs.