What Makes a Group of People “Church?” Part 2

Last updated on: April 20, 2020 at 7:23 am by Roger E. Olson

What Makes a Group of People “Church?” Part 2 2020-04-20T07:23:05-05:00 Roger E. Olson

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Let’s get something out of the way—right away—to head off a predictable but unwelcome response. I have studied American churches for many years. I am the editor (really author) of the 14th edition of the Handbook of American Denominations in the United States (Abingdon Press). I have studied and visited literally hundreds of “Christian” churches over the years and been a faithful attender—often member and sometimes leader—of about thirteen individual congregations. I am convinced that not every group of people who calls itself “church” really is a church—theologically speaking. I do not go with the common opinion that every group that calls itself “church” really deserves that identity. Of course, I have no authority or power to suppress or prevent any group from calling itself anything. But as a Christian theologian who is also an avid student of churches, I have decided that there are many so-called “churches” in America that I do not consider authentically churches.

I am not writing this as a sociologist of religion; I am writing this blog—always—as a Christian theologian. My two main areas of research, study and teaching are historical theology and systematic theology. In other words, I do not approach “church” merely descriptively (except in the Handbook mentioned above—due to its history) but also prescriptively.

Of the myriad of groups in America that call themselves “church,” which ones deserve my recognition as living up to that description? That is what I ask myself and sometimes my students and others.

*Sidebar: The opinions expressed here are my own (or those of the guest writer); I do not speak for any other person, group or organization; nor do I imply that the opinions expressed here reflect those of any other person, group or organization unless I say so specifically. Before commenting read the entire post and the “Note to commenters” at its end.*

I believe we must divide the marks of the true church into two groups—necessary and helpful. The necessary marks are those that must be present within a group of people for me to consider it “church.” The helpful marks are those that should be present within a group of people. In other words, a true church might be defective in its true churchness.

I have to be careful not to let my own tastes enter into this discernment process. I try to keep it as objective as possible, removing subjectivity of personal preference from it.

On the basis of my study of the Bible and numerous books by Christian theologians and forty years of visiting congregations and studying denominations, I have reached these conclusions about the necessary marks or characteristics of true church:

First, the people of God must be gathered (physically if possible) in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, learning, spiritual formation/discipleship, mission and fellowship. “People of God” means people who confess Jesus Christ as God and Savior and who seek together earthly embodiment of his kingdom.

Second, the group must proclaim, teach, and adhere to basic biblical truths such as the gospel of salvation from sin by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, and through faith in him and that “faith” must be robust repentance and trust and commitment to Jesus Christ as the only Savior and Lord of the world.

Third, the group must adhere to the basic truths of the Nicene Creed whether the creed itself is ever repeated in worship or printed in some publication of the church. (The Apostles Creed briefly summarizes the essentials of the Nicene Creed and is sufficient.)

Fourth, the group must at least be open to all kinds of people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, class and culture. (I have a problem recognizing a group as true church insofar as it is defined by a particular special interest such as a hobby or pastime.)

Fifth, the group must not be focused on a particular personality other than Jesus Christ to the extent of treating him or her as beyond questioning and the group must not permit unbiblical, heretical ideas to be taught within its ranks.

I have reached these conclusions about the helpful marks or characteristics of true church:

First, the group ought to resist the temptation to be trendy, relevant, “contemporary,” appealing, attractive insofar as that takes attention away from the gospel of Jesus Christ and reduces the group’s gatherings to entertainment.

Second, the group ought to avoid the temptation to focus its preaching and teaching, its worship, its fellowship on feelings or success in life or anything else that undermines the need for conviction and repentance and amendment of life.

Third, the group ought to practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible reading and study, the sacraments/ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, outreach to the poor and confession of sins.

Fourth, the group ought to face outward toward the world with engagement with projects and programs for the common good of the community outside the church and not be solely focused on itself. This includes evangelism and missions as well as seeking justice for the victims of injustice.

Fifth, and finally, the group should offer opportunities for members of the congregation to participate in worship beyond merely singing and watching and listening.

Now, many of the congregations I have visited over the years mostly meet my formal criteria. What drives me away from many of them is a discernable disregard for doctrine and theology, very poor preaching, little or no serious teaching, campy worship designed to entertain, no “sense” of the presence of the Holy Spirit at work among the people, either too much emphasis on “reverence” or too little regard for reverence in worship.

*Note to commenters: This blog is not a discussion board; please respond with a question or comment only to me. If you do not share my evangelical Christian perspective (very broadly defined), feel free to ask a question for clarification, but know that this is not a space for debating incommensurate perspectives/worldviews. In any case, know that there is no guarantee that your question or comment will be posted by the moderator or answered by the writer. If you hope for your question or comment to appear here and be answered or responded to, make sure it is civil, respectful, and “on topic.” Do not comment if you have not read the entire post and do not misrepresent what it says. Keep any comment (including questions) to minimal length; do not post essays, sermons or testimonies here. Do not post links to internet sites here. This is a space for expressions of the blogger’s (or guest writers’) opinions and constructive dialogue among evangelical Christians (very broadly defined).

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What Makes a Group of People "Church?" Part 1

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