Tension

Excerpt from Dan Kimball 2 Days in middle of Kansas with Shane Claiborne

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The parts I shall remember from this trip is the incredible warmth of the people in Kansas. Seriously hospitable and friendly. I also will remember the earnest desire to try and figure out what God wants them to do in their churches to impact emerging generations. From young to old, there was a genuine sense of passion for the gospel being known and experienced to future generations. There is tension however. How do denominations who are very focused on being the denomination and all that goes with it make change? I didn't realize how important denominational loyalty is in certain parts of the country. But it raises a tension as denominations are slow to change and if a church wants to be missional it means that change and fluidity become a normal part of things.

At the events there were quite a few younger college age people and one girl sticks in my mind with her questions and what she shared. She shared with visible angst about the tension she feels having grown up in a certain denominational church and her parents still are part of the church. She shared that the people are wonderful, but the church is a traditional church in it's format and practice. She shared that she can't relate to the culture and way the church functions anymore. She is torn, as she is faithful to the church and does not want to disappoint her parents, but she no longer feel she fits within that church. So it created a dilemma for her.

I got to talk with her after the formal event was over and she shared that it isn't the theology of the church as she isn't changing her theology. But it is the vibe of the church and the traditions and styles which she cannot relate to. She wants to be part of a church that is more vibrant, outward and missionally focused, engages the arts, speaks to her more personally and encourages her to be the church, not go to church. I sensed that this was somewhat a theme for many there. A lot of denominational pastors were there and there is a growing tension between what the traditions of the denomination practice and do but it isn't speaking or connecting to the hearts of many younger people. During one of the Q and A times I made a comment how we must not put tradition ahead of mission. If we do that, it is death. I mean that tradition started for a purpose and if the purpose is not longer valid or matches what the church needs today or even blocks mission - then mission must be put ahead of tradition. As long as it does not compromise Scripture or the gospel. But most traditions are simply traditions which were formed in a certain cultural context and time period, but not prescribed in Scripture. So there is a dilemma as some traditional churches are literally dying out and wanting to change but it is very difficult to change.

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