One of the things we say around the Vineyard is "stick to the main and the plain." That phrase has many implications; most often we use it to talk about not getting tangled up in endless controversies over opinions or minor doctrinal disputes. Instead, we focus our attention and energy on the things all Christian churches agree, and we allow for diversity of opinion on those things which divide Christians but are not central to Christian belief or part of the great creeds and confessions of the church. For instance, throughout church history, one of the primary beliefs has been that Jesus is coming back for his church in the resurrection. That is a core belief! However, from the very earliest days of the church there have been numerous opinions on how and when. So instead of spending energy on the how (a-millennial, premillennial, or postmillennial), we focus on the core belief that he is returning. It’s not that it doesn’t matter! It's that a healthy discussion includes all those views and allows people to decide for themselves without fighting about it. I have my view, but if I am wrong, we all still win. There is nothing worth fighting about. There are numerous other issues on matters of opinion, especially when it comes to worship styles, church government, dress, and a number of social topics as well.
So why do churches get so wrapped around the axle about minor doctrinal differences, methodology, ecclesiology, or the like? That my friends is what we call mission drift. When we forget what our mission is, then we tend to major in the minors and get very cross with those who do not agree with us on our pet projects, ideas, or preferences. Jesus’ mission was to seek and save that which is lost. From that grows everything we are about and need to do. When the church isn’t on the same mission as God, we get sidetracked. Some of those discussions are about really important topics. I believe that the Bible speaks strongly about God’s heart for the poor, his hate for injustice, kindness to strangers, and issues of morality, social norms, and every matter of the heart and social interaction. I believe there are really important discussions to be had about the end times because it does affect our view of global missions and informs our views about the kingdom of God. I believe our views of church government affect how we interact with the larger church. These subjects matter, but they should not divide us. So then that which unites us not only creates harmony, but it launches us into the world God so loved that he sent his son to redeem.
With that in mind, next week I want to talk about what being a church on mission looks like, and then in the weeks following I want to look at our mission as a church: to Love God, Love People, and Pass It On.
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