Last month I suggested that change is not the enemy of the church. My hypothesis was based upon the fact that we live in a world with rapid cultural paradigm shifts. So, if the church is to remain relevant and viable, it must consider new delivery systems to reach the people. Our theology, Jesus is the Savior of the world, is eternal, but the methodology, the way the message is promulgated, should be context-driven.

   Before considering the questions I ended my article with last month, let me offer some reasons why I think we must be open to changes in the way we do church.

• We are no longer a community-based church. We have members from throughout the metropolitan Washington area.
• The reasons people attend church have changed. Most are no longer in search of material things, physical security and selfhood. They are hungry for self-fulfillment.
• For the most part, people do not need the church for self-actualization. Many are fully employed where they can apply their talents, skills and ambitions.
• On Sunday the church has to minister to individuals who have been inundated with different forms of church all week. The local church becomes one of the many voices vying for their attention.
• The patriarchal (male ruling) form of governing the church is no longer accepted as the norm. The church must balance the biblical mandate with its new cultural realities.
• The way people absorb, analyze and integrate information has been reconditioned. Computers, e-mail, internet and mobile phones have changed the channels for receiving information.
• People who the church ministers to are no longer homogenous - if they ever were - in their thinking and expectations. The church must have multiple ministries that will address members' needs and concerns.

According to Eddie Gibbs, in his book, Church Next, "Churches can become so traumatized by their internal problems that they fail to notice that society at large is in the midst of a cultural shift of seismic proportions, which affects every area of society." The church can take one of three roads as it relates to change. First, it can be against the culture and isolate itself from what is happening in society. Second, it can become like the culture and conform to its mores. Finally, the church can be in the culture, but not be stained by the culture. The church is called to bear witness to the gospel of the Kingdom of God within the social structures, while resisting the forces to subvert its mission. (To be continued.)

(Next month I will consider the questions raised by White and propose some needed changes.)