When I read Jesus’ words to the Asian churches in Revelation, I can’t truly tie one of them to the American church more than the others.

With only a superficial reading, the Laodicean church seems to resemble many American churches. However, when I read the other messages closely, I see their criticisms applying equally.

And yes, it is a broad question, because what is the “American church?”

Check out Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson, “The Externally Focused Church,” Group, 2002. I am not always quick to recommend books that appear to have a 1-2-3 approach to becoming a better church but this book is worth a look and this was some of the things I discussed with Brian Mavis.

Grace and peace,

Rex

Like some others, I have my reservations about use of the word “effectiveness” in this context. Mostly it is just important to consider at length what we mean when we employ it, lest we make the mistake of employing it as it is used most typically in Western culture (i.e., the “bottom line”, numbers, financial contribution, etc). Maybe ‘affective’ would be better, as it’s a more active word with fewer of the over-and-done-with connotations of ‘effects’. Because becoming Christians, disciples, etc. is always a process. The journey itself is inherent to discipleship, not just an end goal.

I also might add that engaged, tireless, critical self-reflection on this topic (how well are we enacting the gospel?) is a good sign of a healthy church. Without it, life is most likely draining–if it’s present at all.

To take it even further, the sign of an unhealthy church may be one that considers itself to ‘have arrived’.

I also agree with Marva Dawn when she argues that one sign of a church that is dangerously entertaining the powers that be is a church that is obsessed with its own (numerical) growth and self-perpetuation. On that note, I also value the ‘diasporic’ or ‘dispossesive’ way of thinking about church–ever journeying, ever a process of gathering, never institutionally at home in the world–and as such, more able to identify and find life with those on the margins (Christ–Matt.25).

But I don’t necessarily think that this model of church is mutually exclusive with good stewardship. I just think it would look somewhat different than our typical business-model of church.

Rjohns–as always, I appreciate your comments. There are several other churches mentioned in Revelation. Some are praised, some are challenged. Do you see any of the other churches relating more to the American church than others? Is that too broad?

This is just a sampling of what Jesus had to say to a real, historical church in Asia Minor (Turkey). We can use Jesus’ words to these churches to assist us in examining our own.

Like Paul, we still struggle with our sin nature (see Romans), so neither we nor our churches will be perfect until Jesus returns. At the same time, we can live joyfully knowing that if we repent and trust Jesus (and him only) to rescue us from God’s wrath at our sin, then we are saved and covered by his grace.

Good question. And good discussion. Now I have to think about this more. I’ve thought about my initial reactions to churches I hear about. And…

I’ve always had a sense that the effective churches are those who have a lot of stories to tell.