THERE are those within our Church who are concerned with its relevance in the modern world.
This, I think, is a very important concern. It deserves our attention. But what might it mean?
If we mean by relevance that the Church has to change its fundamental teachings and doctrines to make them more acceptable to people, then I suggest we are on shaky ground indeed.
The primary mission of the Church is to proclaim and teach the word of God. This means all of the Word, not just the teachings that people find easy or acceptable.
The Church must remain faithful to the entire Word in its preaching, teaching and living. It cannot make okay those things that, according to God’s expressed will, are not okay.
If it attempts to do so, the gospel it will preach will not be authentic. Then it will have nothing to offer the world beyond what the world has already. In order to be truly relevant in the world the Church must offer the authentic gospel. This mission inevitably leads it to confront and challenge the world just as Jesus did.
If we mean by relevance, changing those things within our Church that inhibit our preaching, teaching and living of the authentic gospel, then, I think, we are likely to be on surer ground.
Knowing what to change and how and when to make such changes can be very difficult.
This experience is not a new one for the Church. In every age, it has been part of the journey.
In our age, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to discern what to change, how and when.
Doubtless, we will need to pray about and debate many issues within our Church community. Such debates will need to be honest and forthright but never acrimonious or competitive. They must be sincere attempts to seek and discover what is true.
Ultimately, we as individuals and as a community, must seek the only truth that has any relevance, God’s truth.
MARK DAVIDSON
Coorparoo, Qld
