Letters to Nicolay 8

Dear Nicolay,

In one of my last letters, I stressed the need for significant and even radical change.  By the way, radical means “returning to the roots”, and that is where we need to go – to return to our apostolic foundations.  Some people believe that is impossible and unrealistic.  Perhaps they are right and we should just make the best of our circumstances and get on with it.  That brings me little satisfaction when I know it is not God’s best and he wants so much more for Ukraine.

In this letter, I want to outline or build a framework for the ongoing dialogue.  We need to know where we are and where we should be going.

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WHERE WE ARE

Two words define where we are – Institutional and Christendom.  As I define these, you will recognize and be familiar with them.

The signs of institutionalism are as follows:

• A professional clergy class divided from the laity.
• Depersonalized ministry where people’s names are often not known.
• Life and protection of the institution is more important than its mission.
• Majority of resources are directed inward not outward.
• Separation from the world.
• Conformity expected, diversity discouraged.
• Social order more important than social justice.
• Outsourcing of functions, e.g. theological education.
• Centralization of authority.
• Culture of restraint – must seek permission.
• Look more into the past than the future.
• Mission becomes strategy.
• Roles become tasks.
• Teams become structures.
• Networks become organizations.
• Recognition becomes compensation.

Nicolay, do you recognize these signs among the churches?

Another word to define institutionalism of the church is the term Christendom.  It is hallmarked by:

• Mode of engagement is come to us versus we all go to them.
• Focus is on dedicated, sacred buildings which are stationary.
• Professional clergy class primarily led by pastor – teacher – stationary men.
• Institutionalism and control of Lord’s Supper and baptism.
• Wish to be a “Christian country”.

Nicolay, allow me to suggest that where we should be going is to return to our apostolic roots – to apostolic practices and traditions.  (I Cor. 4:16-17; I Cor. 11:1-16; Phil. 4:9; II Thess. 2:15)

Let us return to:

• Open participatory gatherings which met in homes with face-to-face community edifying one another maintaining open networks.  (I Cor. 14:26)
• Practicing the actual living headship of Christ.
• Practicing the priesthood of all believers.
• Practicing non-hierarchical, functional leadership.
• Practicing consensus decision-making.
• Practicing the Lord’s Supper as a celebratory meal.
• Practicing immediate baptism of converts.
• Practicing acts of mercy and justice.
• Practicing the training and sending of apostolic workers.

Nicolay, please consider these things.  I will in future letters expand my thoughts on each of them.  Greetings to Anna and your children.  Hope to see you , when I return.

Christ is all,
Rich


Note:
This is a series of letters between Rich Correll and Nicolay that bring to light many simple church principles.

Rich Correll has been involved in Ukrainian church planting for 18 years.  He pioneered church planting and church planting training in cooperation with many Ukrainian churches.  He is currently encouraging simple, organic, reproducing churches.  Contact him at: richcpti@gmail.com

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