How do you plug a hole?

One of my very first entries last year concerned my (then) recent decision to leave the church I had attended for nearly three decades. I felt then that my departure would not be the last. In fact, in discussions with some, we described a few families as "dominos" and predicted the order in which they might fall. Unfortunately, most of what I predicted has become reality with the resignation of three church leaders.

I love Jesus and I love His church. Most of my close friends would say the same. There is no joy in, "I told you so," only regret and a sense of loss. Jesus calls His people to unity and love. There are no two more important ingredients to a healthy church than these (OK, maybe grace, which makes unity and love possible).

Unfortunately, the recipe for some churches contain gallons of "truth" and buckets of "tradition." The keepers of truth know how to use their Bible's concordance and can tell you what page 1,649 has to say about "the issues." They memorized a few scriptures a long time ago (or know someone who has, which is sufficient) and use them as a sword in battle. Keepers of truth are not bad people. Truth is important to God. But the Bible says that truth apart from grace is called the law. It didn't work ... God said so.

Keepers of tradition are those who just don't like change. Introduce something new, and its probably a bad thing ... until they get used to it. Then it becomes the tradition they'll fight to preserve. Keepers of tradition are not bad people. Tradition is important to man, as it helps define identity. But the Bible says that tradition is folly -- it only serves to divide people. (I'm thinking specifically of teachings regarding which foods are clean to eat, and the celebration of certain "holy days." In both instances, God says that the traditions are divisive and we must be careful to respect the traditions of others, lest we fall into discord.)

When keepers of truth and keepers of tradition become the leaders of an organization, it usually means the end is near. Isn't that true of almost any business? You don't see Ford selling the Model T, or Dell hawking a 286 personal computer. Both were breakthroughs in their day. Both were probably defended as safe and effective when compared to the next generation of available wares. But if the two companies stopped there, they would be out of business today. There owners, out of work.

Is the same true for a church? If a church decides that "truth and tradition" as defined in 1850, 1950 or 2006 is to be preserved at the expense of new understanding and innovation, is it in danger of becoming obsolete? Are its leaders (either those wearing the title or those that drive opinion) in danger of losing the community?

Perhaps.

But it's not a casual topic -- something we pick up and set down with ease. It's the church, after all -- the Bride of Christ. There's nothing casual about that.

When the Hagerman's left the Central Church of Christ, the hole was just big enough for a trickle to pass through. It's now a stream. With each departure, another becomes easier.

I wonder what God thinks. I wonder if it is His doing, or if He's just watching as a non-particiating bystander. Another question for my list when I get to meet Him in person.