Cape Town 2010 Advance Paper

Witnessing to Christ in a Secular Culture

Author: Michael Herbst
Date: 14.07.2010
Location: Greifswald | Germany
Category: Truth and Pluralism

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Editor’s Note: This Cape Town 2010 Advance Paper has been written by Michael Herbst as an overview of the topic to be discussed at the Morning Plenary session on “Making the Case for the Truth of Christ in a Pluralistic, Globalized World.” Responses to this paper through the Lausanne Global Conversation will be fed back to the author and others to help shape their final presentations at the Congress.

1. This happened during a school conference in the city of Greifswald, Western Pomerania (former GDR). There was a parent representative on the school council who was completely unchurched, and was interested in the cathedral of Greifswald. He knew the church from various visits and now asked me the very telling question: “Do worship services still take place here occasionally?” The question was telling, because on the one hand it expressed the assumption that religious life in this city had perished long ago. On the other hand the question signalled that, although the religious life of this church has not perished, it happens in the corner of those who are faithful to the church anyway, and does not really become public.

2. Mission never happens without a context: God’s mission will take its own shape in every context. Thus we have to look at the East German post-socialist and post-Christendom context in particular.

One of the main challenges is certainly the stable situation of unchurched people in Germany: “By this we mean people who have not belonged to any church for three or four decades and ‘who have forgotten that they have forgotten God.’ In the East of Germany, they make up 70-75% of the population, which is about 10-12 million people; in the West, they make up 25-30%, which is about 15 million people.” (1) In 1959, the Pomeranian Church still had 700,000 members, whereas now only around 100,000 people belong to the Protestant Church, which is about 20% of the population.

It is a church that is still shrinking. However, it does not shrink so much because its membership is declining but because of migration to the West and because its membership is getting older. It has been like this for at least a generation. Many leave, mainly those who are gifted and nimble with their tongues. We speak about “brain drain”, the loss of the elites. It is a small church in a minority situation and surely no longer a “Volkskirche”.

3. When it comes to the matter of truth, the East German situation is ambivalent. On the one hand people experienced a strong meta-narrative during the GDR era. Marxism claimed to witness to a universal truth with a strong eschatology: the course of history headed for the paradise of communism. The Communist Party possessed ultimate authority in most questions of daily life, but also in questions of truth, meaning and ethics. This truth – being itself in a certain sense religious — included, as we will see, a vital anti-church appeal. It was part of the strategy to reject all religious convictions and to “inform” people that religion is nothing but “opium for the people”. On the other hand, this meta-narrative failed. In 1989 some rejoiced in the defeat of Marxism, others grieved for the loss of their ideological home, but most acknowledged the defeat of Marxism. The end of meta-narratives finds its very special expression in this context: many East Germans have lost confidence in any truth claim. “Never again”, they say! Their caveat against religious truth claims is twofold: their Marxist past makes them cautious when it comes to religion, their post-Marxist present when it comes to any truth claims.

4. In addition to that we must understand that this part of Pomerania has never been a flourishing spiritual landscape. Revivals only happened locally. After World War II, there was not very much left of the country and the church in Pomerania. What was spiritually inspiring was mainly the immigration from East Pomerania. These immigrants played a major role within the local churches.

The success of the propaganda of the GDR fell on ground that was well prepared by religious indifference and abstinence from church life. However, what was new was that atheism was now anchored above the level of the individual: Not only individual people are unchurched, but most parts of public culture, the educational system and civil places are unchurched as well. (2)

The marginalization of Christians by the regime of the Socialist Party belongs to history too. The politics of the reigning party was hostile towards the church and attacked it mainly where it hurt most: in education and lifetime support. In education, this happened with the fight against religious education and youth work. Education also meant to establish gradually an atheist picture of the world, which then functioned as scientific worldview, and to plant this into the minds and hearts of children and young people. This crop flourished, and for many people it is still part of their deepest beliefs today. And as for lifetime support, the socialist state created its own rites. The church lost its interpretive authority with regard to the major turning points in life, and the authority to support and counsel people from the cradle to the grave, because now the state was able to dedicate names (3), to turn young people into grown up socialists and to comfort people, more or less, in their last hour. Education and lifetime support were taken away from the church, and people were weaned from Christianity generation by generation. In addition, there were pressure, discrimination, and social disadvantages. It became expensive to remain a Christian. Socialist cities emerged, and church steeples were not to disturb their appearance. Some steeples in old cities had been blown up like the church of the University of Leipzig. Rural life was industrialized. The agricultural culture shaped by the church was finally replaced by socialist production cooperatives.

A new pattern of family emerged: the grandfather who had still been confirmed but then withdrew, the father who was never baptized, and the child for whom it is now normal not to belong to any church. The loss of the language of faith should not be underestimated. The grandfather still knew the Christian ABC’s, but did not pass them on to the father. However, some subversive grandmothers did it anyway. But most of the fathers did not have anything left to pass on. Children did not learn the language with which they could have learned to believe.

5. The “Wende” (4) in 1989 did not bring any change. The revival and revitalization that had been hoped for failed to appear. People did not return in droves; on the contrary, the church continued to shrink. Do people not become more and more spiritual? Do we not talk of the return of religion and the re-spiritualization of humankind? Well yes, but not here.

It is not for nothing that former bishop Noack from the East German city Magdeburg says again and again: “Don’t fool yourselves. We ‘Ossis’ [people from East Germany] are immune against religion.” Despite all hopes, the East German variety of being unchurched is deeply anchored in the biography of many East Germans. Eberhard Tiefensee, philosopher at Erfurt University in East Germany, describes religious immunity: “East Germans don’t go to the Dalai Lama either.”

Within 50 years, a new normality has cropped up.(5) Before that, it was more or less normal to belong to a church. Now the opposite is normal, unquestioned, the model of the majority, with which the people in the East are brought up and live. These unchurched people come along with an atheism that is deep but not necessarily aggressive. This atheism comes with a far-reaching indifference toward the whole religious interpretation of life including the offers of the church.

We have to add here the enfeeblement of the congregations who are out of puff. Reforms of the structures are exhausting, because they usually mean it will become more difficult as the numbers decline and neither money nor power will suffice. The focus is more on maintaining what is there than on reaching out to those who are outsiders.

6. How can mission in such a context correspond to rather than contradict the original missionary, Jesus himself? What does the mission of Jesus of Nazareth look like, who declares: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21)? My thesis is: The mission of Jesus of Nazareth was the constant crossing of boundaries for the sake of the love of God.

In New Testament times, there was a clear code as to who was to associate with whom, and also who was not to associate with whom. Pious people were sure that they did God a favour when they separated from others and drew fine distinctions: separating themselves from the tenants of Roman tax booths, from women from the allegedly oldest profession in the world, from leprous people and Samaritans, from women, children and certainly all kinds of Gentiles. In their eyes, holiness was about separation: profane from sacred, holy from unholy, pious from worldly, outside from inside. But what does Jesus of Nazareth do? He is about inclusion rather than exclusion (6), and he draws inside the very people who are outside. Therefore, he crosses boundary after boundary. Worse still, he claims that there is rejoicing in heaven when the walls come down and when people with whom God had nothing to do and who had nothing to do with God – when people like this come home to the Father (Luke 15:7). And he claims that God is by no means honoured when we build walls and keep people from entering the Father’s house. From now on, to be holy means to cross boundaries, to connect with others and to welcome the very people who had previously been “outside the door”. In the eyes of Jesus of Nazareth, the greatest sin is not to be connected to those whom the Father loves, on whose misery he has compassion, and to whom he wants to grant access to his presence.

The companions whom Jesus had called to him saw this in their master. They were amazed. The person who in their eyes was the holiest person on earth was also the least exclusive and the most decidedly inclusive. Thus, the mission of Jesus of Nazareth also became their mission, and crossing boundaries became their passion. Jesus sent them to all, to the entire world, to all nations and peoples. He did not draw any distinctions anymore; becoming a disciple should be the privilege of all people.

This can be seen, for example, in the Apostle Paul. He is infected by the vision of Jesus, and is ready to put his own good completely on hold for the task of reaching people with the message of the gospel. He does not want to ask any longer: What is dear and holy to me, what is my tradition of living in the community of faith, what is my style of worshipping God? He wants to do everything that connects people to the gospel, and he wants to leave everything that could keep them away from the gospel, as long as it is really the message of Christ. He wants to become all things to all people so that by all possible means he might save some (1Cor 9:19-23).

So I can only participate in the gospel when I join in with its dynamic movement towards people who have never heard of Jesus and still live their dismal lives without connection to him. If I refuse to join in with this inclusive effort of the gospel, then I exclude myself from it. A church should be a community on the move, crossing boundaries and making inclusion possible. In theological language, I could say it like this: There is no mission without incarnation — at least, when this is about God’s mission. As the word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), so the mission of the church of Jesus must become “flesh” and go where people are, overcoming social and cultural boundaries and immigrating into every social environment.

7. What does it mean to witness to the truth of Christ in such a context? I would like to suggest that the demise of a self-evident Christian truth claim is not necessarily a disadvantage. When people find faith under these new circumstances, it is always a very personal decision and conviction and not a belonging only due to tradition. But how can we witness to Christ when there is only one absolute (!) conviction – that there is no such thing as “the” truth? In this short paper I can only make a few short suggestions:

When the son of God was born as a baby child God decided to meet with humanity in a very humble way – as a human being among human beings. Again: “The word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). He still is “the” word, but he became “flesh”. There is a universal truth claim in a very humble presentation. His way to gain trust is serving people and asking them to trust his invitation. Paul says, “…we implore you…” (2 Cor 5:20). Christ himself abandoned the option of power and chose the option of loving, serving, telling, asking — “Please, grant me your trust”. From below he served and gained trust. The crucified Lord is the metaphor for our witness to the Gospel in an era that has proclaimed the end of all meta-narratives.
For Christian mission in East Germany this includes discipleship with a special meekness: neither can we deny our conviction that “there is no other name” (Acts 4:12) nor can we go back to a period in history where Christendom made sure that the Christian truth was self-evident and had prevalence. (And to be honest: our witness does not depend on such a position. For the longest period in history Christians did not have such a position!). We witness to Christ from below and with confidence. From below means: loving, serving the poor, telling the story and asking for trust. With confidence means: it is not the general prevalence of Christendom that empowers the Gospel, but the power of the Holy Spirit that brings the good news into the hearts of those who listen. Therefore the Christian church is not contingent on a privileged position in society.

8. There are East German Christians and congregations that follow this pattern. Good approaches can be seen that should not be denied or denigrated. The regular ministry in our local churches can have missionary effects – as long as it is fostered by Christians with the heart of a missionary. There is an opportunity to found Protestant schools, to show a new presence in the educational sector and to earn trust. Furthermore, if people in a village get involved with maintaining a church building, this can lead them to identify at least with the building where faith is expressed. It can also make people think when they get in touch with a Protestant care facility like a hospice and experience it as different. These are important approaches.

There might be even more chances, if diaconical and educational institutions, those caring for evangelism and those interested in church ceremonies understand themselves as a confessing community, focusing on winning unchurched people for Christ. For example, the East German theologian Ehrhart Neubert poses the critical question: “It should be researched whether most of the church staff in the East [of Germany] have a background that makes it difficult for them to see the mission to the unchurched as a major challenge.” (7) Here we have a major problem: In some places we are not only not able, but we even do not want it.

Special missional activities make an impact: The project “Neu anfangen” (“starting anew”) succeeded exceptionally well in reaching unchurched people in a Pomeranian city (Loitz). Every household in this region with a published phone number was called and offered a small booklet with testimonies from the region. A volunteer would personally bring the booklet to their front door if they accepted the offer on the telephone. They would then be invited to a series of evening discussions. A different approach: Twice a year, about 200 women meet in the cafeteria of Greifswald university for “Frühstückstreffen für Frauen“ (“breakfast meeting for women”). Many of them are unchurched. They have breakfast together and listen to a talk on a contemporary issue from a Christian perspective. Fellowship and shared meals are very attractive and important for Pomeranians. In several places, there are “Seeker services” which entice people to come to church – new forms of services with a short piece of drama, modern music, and a sermon with a thematic focus. Not least, several congregations are having very positive experiences with missionary nurture courses. In a short-run project lasting 6-7 weeks, interested people get to learn the tenets of the Christian faith and to discuss them with Christians. Most of these activities seek to offer easy access with a low threshold and most of them are short-term offers. They tie in with themes that query modern vital issues from a Christian perspective. Attendees neither need to be especially educated nor pious. The courses normally take place in a hospitable setting, allow first and fresh experiences of church, and invite attendees to seek for more. A few people are reached by public relations work. But most are reached by personal relationships. The local pastor can invite people when he is known as trustworthy. Even more so, church members can invite other people when there are connections with a bit more depth and unchurched people do not have to suspect that the invitation is more about missionary success than about them. If all works well, then activities like this build bridges to the rest of the life of a church. Very often though, this turns out to be a problem as well, since many congregations are not very much accustomed to hosting formerly unchurched newcomers. More steps need to be taken. It is a long journey to faith!

In some places, the start has to be from scratch. We see entire areas that are hard to reach. It is part of socialism’s aftermath that its intention to create “cities without God” proved to be very effective in some places. This is especially true for the city-districts containing the typical East German architecture with large grey concrete housing blocks. On average, the number of church members here is below 10% of all inhabitants in the district. Even worse, in Bergen-Rotensee (Isle of Rugen) we find that those who are still officially church members have turned their back on church and conversely the congregation does not know them either. Congregational fellowship has vanished from Rotensee, not to mention missionary endeavours. There had to be a completely fresh start here. A new congregation shall grow with the help of a young minister (8) who sets up contacts with local institutions of welfare services, with schools and clubs, and most of all with individual people living in Rotensee. He himself lives next door to those he seeks to reach with the gospel. Diaconical work and evangelistic outreach have to go hand in hand. It is also important for us that worship services are taking place in Rotensee. We expect a lot from word and sacrament, from prayer and worship, even if people do not at first recognize it.

Hartmut Bärend: Kirche mit Zukunft. Impulse für eine missionarische Volkskirche. Gießen 2006, 43.
Cf. e.g. Ehrhart Neubert: Konfessionslose in Ostdeutschland. Folgen verinnerlichter Unterdrückung. In: PTh 87 (1998), 368-379.
Special rite to welcome new born babies – instead of christening.
Peaceful revolution in 1989 when the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe came down.
Cf. Wolfgang Pittkowski: Konfessionslose in Deutschland. In: W. Huber e.a. (Ed.): Kirche in der Vielfalt der Lebensbezüge. Die vierte EKD-Erhebung über Kirchenmitgliedschaft. Gütersloh 2006, 89-110, 89.
Cf. Miroslav Volf: Exclusion and Embrace. A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness and Reconciliation. Nashville 1996.
Ehrhart Neubert: Konfessionslose in Ostdeutschland. Folgen verinnerlichter Unterdrückung. In: PTh 87 (1998), 377.
Burkhard Wagner, a young theologian from Saxony.

Keywords: Witnessing, unchurched, secular, church, truth, meta-narrative, East German, Pomeranian, atheism, marginalization, indifference, mission, context, inclusion, humble, missional

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: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

thanks Haley,

I believe that one of the biggest reasons that most Christian churches are not alive spiritually is because it members are doing everything else but the will of God. Yes, I am aware that nobody is perfect. But, at the same time, we as Christians should allow the power of the Holy Spirit work in and through us in order for the nonbelievers to be able to see in our lives the pawerful changes that God has done in us.

05.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Haley_GWU (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto,

You are definately right in your explaination of the work of the Holy Spirit. Most American Christians are afraid of the Holy Spirit and its workings. I guess, we as ministers of the Gospel, should focus more on teaching others how to live in the Spirit.

05.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ Ernesto:
I wonder why we as Christians are so unwilling to "believe" in the power of the Holy Spirit? Jesus spoke so clearly when he said in Luke 24:49 "And now I will send the Holy Spirit upon you, just as my Father promised."

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down BrimstoneAGS (4)
United States
@ Haley_GWU:
I feel that most americans are not so much afraid of the Spirit as much as they are to impatiant to wait on the Holy Spirit. We are a nation that has always prided itself on being able to get things done on our own(true or not) and wiating on God is hard for american believers. The razzle dazzle of person expierencing golassia or trance like states is cool and all but sometimes the real work of the spirit happens in the quiet waiting for God to show up. I feel that many of my brothers and sisters here could learn to live in the spirit if they would just stop and listen.

28.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down willie_williams (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
I think that the church today suffers from the same problem that the early church and the jews before the church was called the church did. God had instructed them all to teach the children those things that had happened in the past, and how he "God" had brought them out. Too many of our children not only have no clue of the past of the church but no guildence for the furture.

22.04.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down willie_williams (0)
United States
@ sbowling:
most people do not respond to The Holy

spirit because they do not understand the person of The Holy Spirit. Even though we are called Christians many do not understand the trinty of God as father son and spirit.

22.04.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Chels (0)
United States
@ Haley_GWU:
I agree without the Holy Spirit no lastig change can occur sipritually in an individual’s life. It is awesome that the spirit of god swells among and in us as believers. It is a mysterious, but beautiful truth.

09.12.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

thanks Haley,

We as Christians are losing so many opportunities to be a blessing to others who are in different crisis simply because we are "too busy" with out own agendas and unfortunatly the majority of the time is only a routine. We definitely have to make time to be good listeners without interrupting the other person when he/she is sharing a problem. And, most of all not being judgmental.

07.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down willie_williams (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Haley, many times we miss oppotunity to help people, because we don’t listen, and allow people to tell their story.

27.04.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Chels (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
You bring to light the importance of taking time to connect and value people for who they are. Jesus welcomed everyone even the little children. There is no room for judgement or condemnation. There is only room for open arms.

09.12.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Chels (0)
United States

This article mentions that "It is a church that is still shrinking. However, it does not shrink so much because its membership is declining but because of migration to the West and because its membership is getting older." I realize that statement is in reference to the Protestant church in Germany, but I also see this trend within the United States. Many churches are having to close down each year. Congregations are becoming prominently those people with grey or white hair. Interesting points.

09.12.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down dg8074 (0)
United States

I understand that the church in many ways is shrinking because Christians have lost the desire to communicate the gospel. Although we try to be inclusive, there are so many obstacles that often make this seem impossible. Likewise, I applaud those who are able to do full-time missions to unreached people groups. But it seems to me that it is the communities that once thrived on Christianity that are fading the fastest. How do we reach those who are ambivalent to the gospel? There are many, especially in my own community, who have been exposed to Christianity but have never really heard the message. These seem like a forgotten group. It seems like emphasis has been placed on foreign missions at the expense of home missions, thereby allowing the regression of Christianity in in areas that once thrived.

12.11.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Chels (0)
United States
@ dg8074:
Ypu bring up a very interesting point that the article highlights as well- the neccesity of being inclusive. As Christins, we must be intentionally inclusive rather than exclusive. All should feel welcome and accepted by Christ folowers.

09.12.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down L_Sills (1)
United States

Reading this article was simultaneously fascinating, enlightening and throught-provoking. Reading this account of German/East German history and the fall-out from both WWII and the Communist take-over/influence on church and religion is a perspective that I did not have. As an American living in the United States who was born well-after WWII and only shortly after the raising of the Berlin Wall, I find this account interesting and helpful regarding the ways in which time, circumstances and change have played a role in the interest or lack of interest in religion/faith/church.

There were some things in this post that I found to ring true with regard to 21st century attitudes/perceptions/experiences in America regarding religion/faith/church. There is a growing number of people who are leaving church or have never had much, if any, connection with church. Some of them consider themselves "spiritual" but not "religious." And, the number of descriptions as to what "spiritual" means are as varied as the poeple who try to articulate them.

There are some people who simply are not interested and others who once were but no longer find value or meaning or relevance in the church or whatever they believe it may or may not offer.

It is true we cannot judge others too harshly for their lack of interest, when the church is responsible in no small way for this kind of attitude and stance. But, that does not mean that those of us who have faith in God, in the church as it was intended to be and who love others Jesus commanded us to that we should let things go along as if there is nothing to be done about the situation.

We are given the time we have at this time and in this time we must do the things God calls us to do to further God’s kingdom...in, with, through and because of God’s love for all of us. However we can do that in whatever place we find ourselves to be in then that is what God asks of us.

12.11.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down dg8074 (0)
United States
@ L_Sills:
In many ways though, American Christianity has deteriorated too. It seems that we remain focused on other nations at the detriment of our own, often either turning a blind eye or neglecting it altogether. It seems like the time has long past for us to refocus attention on those areas where Christianity was once great and try to stem the tide. We must find out why it has deteriorated and take the necessary steps to re-grow Christian faith.

12.11.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down L_Sills (1)
United States
@ dg8074:
Point well taken and I agree with what you said. And, I think that’s part of my interest in this article is that it reminded me of some of the things that are either "broken" in our country or growing weak under the pressure of the weight of this world.

12.11.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

thanks sbowling,

gathering as the body of Christ is a wonderlfu thing for the fact that we can fellowship with each other, pray and worship the Lord as well. But, we need to be aware of the fact that we have to be somewhat flexible with non-believers and be willing to gather at different places other than the church building. In our days, non-believers are afraid of going to a church service. On the other hand, if they are inivited to a home Bible study, there are more likely to attend in a smaller group setting.

28.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down willie_williams (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
I agree that the church building is not always the best place to wittness to some people. Yes small groups at someones home may be the answer, but think about what Jesus did, he meet people where they were. Sometimes instead of being seen as some supper christian when trying to tell people about Christ it would serve better to let them see him in us first.

22.04.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down akarnett (0)
United States
@ willie_williams:
Meeting people where they are must be the key. Since people are in the home, on jobsites, at the mall and in the street, we should develop a mentality that allows us to build relationships in each of those arenas. We like Jesus must represent God,and we-like Jesus- must come and dwell among men, women, boys and girls. So it is less about in the home..or the church building, but more about in the home AND the church building...and beyond..to anywhere that people are.

26.04.2012

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down brucec (0)
United States

Very informative paper about the “shrinking” church in Germany. I could not nelp but think of how this is similar to the church in the United States. The writer gives the phrase about people “Who have forgotten that they have forgotten God.” That not only is true in Germany, but probably in most communities around the United States. I work with youth and find that many of their grandparents were very active in church and then the parents have not been too active and the kids we are trying to reach have no clue about Jesus Christ and His love for them.

The similarities between Germany and my areas are great – and we did not have Marxism. The church must realize the task at hand. Not only do we need to work hard to share the gospel around the world, but we cannot forget our “Jerusalems and Judeas” We must do all we can to reach people all around us.

12.12.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

thanks sbowling,

gathering as the body of Christ is a wonderlfu thing for the fact that we can fellowship with each other, pray and worship the Lord as well. But, we need to be aware of the fact that we have to be somewhat flexible with non-believers and be willing to gather at different places other than the church building. In our days, non-believers are afraid of going to a church service. On the other hand, if they are inivited to a home Bible study, there are more likely to attend in a smaller group setting.

28.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down BrimstoneAGS (4)
United States
@ Ernesto:
I agree that we need to flexible about where we gather, but we also need flexibilty in where we live. It is easy to gather with non-belivers and draw them into our gatherings and believe me as someone who has many uniqiue places of worship that no matter where you are non-believers will feel like outsiders. But I believe that if we choose as Christ did to llive among those we want to save rather than cloistering off ourselves with only like minded persons and the guy from work that finally caved and came to the bible study, than we will see change. I am not saying do not be with other belivers but live with those who need you not those who do not.

28.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Haley_GWU (0)
United States

East Germany is in a unique situation since their entire society is unchurched. The missionaries are basically starting from scratch. The society is very unchurched and has a loose concept of God and not a very good idea of Christianity. This may seem like a disadvantage; however, I believe it may be the absolute best context for a revival of Christianity in East Germany. The missionaries are to start with the basics and do not have to battle with the preconceived notions of stagnant Christianity. For example in America, missionaries have to fight against all of the cultural stereotypes of Christianity. @font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } This advanced paper was very interesting and exposed some ideas of missions. I did not know that hospitality could play such an important role in spreading the Gospel. I never considered East Germany to be so unchurched. The tactics that Herbst suggest seem relatively simple and manageable for any level of believer. All that is really needed to do missions in East Germany is to live a normal live and gain the trust of your friends and neighbors by simply being hospitable.

08.10.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States
@ Haley_GWU:
Haley,

I agree with you when you stated that the missionaries in East Germany have to start from scratch in regards to sharing the gospel. That, indeed, is a huge plus when planting a new church for the fact that the person who is doing it, does not have to deal with so many attitudes in the Church that the majority of the times hinders the work of God instead of being supportive. In addition to that, the Church planter has the greatest privilege of shaping the lives of the new believers according to Scripture not according to Deacon this or that.

17.10.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down gwu_stevens (1)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto,

You make a good point, and I wonder if this is part of the reason that you can often see a pattern of growth, development, stagnation, and then decline in places where the Gospel is preached. The Gospel is often strongest where it is freshly received, then people get in the way of the Spirit and we see a decline. It is good to see from this article that the pattern is reversing itself in this region. I hope we start to see that in America, but I fear it will take a long fall before it rebounds.

04.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down gwu_stevens (1)
United States
@ Haley_GWU:
It is amazing how simple hospitality can spread the Gospel; it shows how lacking western society is in simply treating others with a little respect.

An illustration: I was on the way home from school the other night (about midnight) on a dark, country road. There was a young man standing on the side of the road waving his arms, so I stopped to see what he needed. He said that his car had run into a ditch and that he had been trying to flag someone down for half an hour before I stopped. Now, I completely understand people’s fears about helping someone out on the side of a dark road at midnight, and I would not recommend some people stopping. But anyone can at least call the police and report it. By simply stopping and helping I was able to tell him about Jesus’ love. this is not to brag in any way; it is just an example of how easy it is to demonstrate God’s love in a depraved society.

04.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Haley_GWU (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto,

You make such an excellent point that a church plant will not have to deal with the misdeeds of the church in order to be fruitful. They don’t have to worry about negative past church experiences in people’s lives like we do in America. This allows for a clean slate and best chance to fully experience God without having to deal with "church hurt baggage."

05.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Haley_GWU (0)
United States
@ gwu_stevens:
Stevens,

Thanks for your example because it is exactly what Christian Americans need to be doing in order to re-introduce Christianity to Americans. Hospitality is essential in America, as well as, East Germany. Americans have such a bitter taste of Christianity and it is our jobs to add the flavor back. If we become true hospitable Christians, we are able to show the love of Christ to those in need, just like you did the other night.

05.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ Haley_GWU:
I have been a part of both an existing church body and a new church plant. My experince has taught me that success can occur in both depending in how much emphasis, trust, praise, and obedience is given to the Almighty One.

19.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down gwu_stevens (1)
United States
@ sbowling:
You’re right that God can work within any body of believers that is willing to completely devote itself to the mission of God. It is true that new churches do not have the baggage of traditional churches, but the major problem with many traditional churches is that they are unwilling to unload their baggage.

In the case of this article, what motivation does the state (Lutheran) church of Germany have to spread the word? Taxes pay to keep the doors open, and the church still has enough political clout to keep that state support. Any church with this mindset is rightly doomed to failure. If our traditional churches want to keep the doors opned, they had better open their eyes, ears, and hearts to what God is calling them to do.

21.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down TomTharpGW (3)
United States
@ gwu_stevens:
I would like to hear a repost on how the pastors and priests of these state churches act towards their congregations and what the typical sunday morning looks like. How well done are the sermons? What pastoral care ministry is there? I make the assumption that there is little going on other than dusting and making the place look good while the priests are off shooting the breeze with their cronies but I’d like to see an actual report on it.

28.11.2011

: Reply Flag 1 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down BrimstoneAGS (4)
United States

I work as a pastor/urban missionary in to the very secular group of people in the arts community that are extremely unchurched but being that I live in the bible belt of the USA it is hard to run from the sins of the church. I am excited though about how excited persons for whom Christ is new are about this new found relationship and just how seriously those who have never read the bible before take the idea of having found new citizenship in the kingdom of God.

17.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ BrimstoneAGS:
Your ministry sounds like it mirrors Jesus ministry. With new believers do you encourage them in being involved with an established church body? I am asking in reference to the author’s words referring to Jesus being inclusive not exclusive, crossing societal boundaries, and welcoming the people who had been "outside the door".

19.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down BrimstoneAGS (4)
United States
@ sbowling:
yes and no. Some folks can thrive in that environment others have the need for looser structure than a local church can offer. our churches in the southern usa are not the best at accepting people who are different than themselves. The true age into where I think we are moving ius one where buildings and bylaws will pass away and belivers will simply gather where ever they can.

22.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down TomTharpGW (3)
United States
@ BrimstoneAGS:
It would be nice if believers would simply gather without need for complicated administrative structures and buildings. Jesus never commanded that we join churches but that we gather. I hope to hear more about this ministry!

22.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ TomTharpGW:
Although I agree that we do not have to join a church body many times in the Scriptures we read where Jesus taught in the synagogue or was at the Temple. With this being written my thoughts are that a body of believers gathering together is good. In our culture the church building has been the common gathering place for believers. Growing up as an unchurched child, to me there is a real special feeling of being a part of a body of believers that I may have little in common with except the mutual belief in Christ.

27.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down TomTharpGW (3)
United States
@ sbowling:
True, churches are as fe have ne and Paul telles the churches that he writes to to seek unity and to fellowship together instead of seperately. But sometimes the large body of believers can be a hinderance to the overall mission of the church because we get too comfortable and safe. Or the edifices of church buildings can be too imposing to new believers or unbelievers. Its 6 of one and half dozen of the other and really the choice just comes down to what will work best at the given time and situation.

28.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down TomTharpGW (3)
United States
@ TomTharpGW:
First sentence should read "a safe haven."

28.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

Yes,

I feel the same way that you do. we should pray for every Christian in the United States so that each of us will experience a revival from the Holy Spirit and that way each one of us as Christians will make a huge difference in the lives of every person who does not know Christ as Savior and Lord.

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down TomTharpGW (3)
United States
@ Ernesto:
A revival is all well and good Ernesto but the true work of Jesus was not to give everyone a warm fuzzy. That was the work of the Holy Spirit which alighted on everyone to empower them to do the work which Jesus directed us to. Christians need to be the small worker in the big world. They need to show small acts of kindness instead of focusing on the huge multi-million dollar campaigns to end hunger etc. Many American and East German families will see ads in the coming year for Compassion International or Samaritan’s Purse but not see the Church around the corner doing anything for them in their community. We need to be establishing relationships witht he poor in our own community and acting biblically towards them as Christ showed us. For that we need prayer, we need the Holy Spirit, we need each other, and we need to get in gear and help people. The East German’s will respond to someone on their level.

21.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down gwu_stevens (1)
United States
@ TomTharpGW:
Why can’t we do both? The advantage of the big organizations is that they have the resources and logistics to be able to reach persons that most of us would never conceive of being able to share the gospel with. At the same time we absolutely should be involved in the lives of those next door to us. The beauty of the Holy Spirit’s work in the church and within us is that it is not limited by our abilities or imaginations.

21.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ TomTharpGW:
You are correct in that the local church body does need to make an impact on their immediate community, but the scriptures tell us to "Go". I think both the local church ministering within the local community and the local church teaming with other churches/organizations to the state, national, and worldwide effort is a win/win situation!

21.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down TomTharpGW (3)
United States
@ gwu_stevens:
The problem with large organizations is that they are viewed by those we help as being impersonal and administratively top heavy. We are a faith of individuals who need to be seen that way to make the maximum impact in the lives of those we minister to. The main problem with big organizations or churches is that it is too easy for us to distance ourselves from the work. We establish companies and charities to work with the poor for us instead of helping ourselves. Then we get to sit back and decide which one we donate to. Then we get frazzled when too many ask us for help and we get jaded. In the end selflesness needs to be done individualy and not through proxies.

22.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down TomTharpGW (3)
United States

The towering cathedrals of major cities in the US are also becoming more objects of expensive renovation and historical significance than places of worship. People are more likely to point to an inner city cathedral and ask when the tours are held than to ask when worship is held. Groups advocate for urban missions in the shadows of massive steeples and flying buttresses where no one goes to seek Jesus’ love or word. And this is in a supposedly christian nation.

It is good to hear that in the aftermath of marxism there is hope coming up out of the crushing atheism that reigned there. Sparkles of light are beginning to shine up out of the darkness. Whether it is one parson bringing food and kind words to individual families or entire congregations joining with welfare services and institutions to aid the poor. It will be good to see the fruits of their labors as they work as the early church did, without power and without being the majority.

Thank You for this article, I hope to see much good from East Germany in the future, and my prayers are for their rekindling of spirit and love for the Lord Jesus.

Tom

03.10.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Haley_GWU (0)
United States
@ TomTharpGW:
Tom,

I really enjoyed your attitude of rejoicing that there is even a hint of light in East Germany. I think it is important to rejoice at the fact that there is even some Christian mission work being done in this broken soceity. I forget to rejoice at the small things because I only see the gaping hole that needs a Christ band-aid.

05.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ TomTharpGW:
Interesting thought and I am not disregarding the importance of buildings. It reminds me that Jesus did his work with the people where they were: on the streets, in houses, beside waters, etc. The buildings are nice but true ministry can take place anywhere.

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

good point,

In addition to take time to listen to others who have many crisis, we can also learn to be aware of the fact that the more we know the Holy Spirit, the more we trust Him. And, of course, the more we trust Him, the more obedient that we will be towards Him.

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Great point-trust and obedience are intertwined and a truth all believers need to daily live.

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

Yes,

I feel the same way that you do. we should pray for every Christian in the United States so that each of us will experience a revival from the Holy Spirit and that way each one of us as Christians will make a huge difference in the lives of every person who does not know Christ as Savior and Lord.

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto, I resonate with your words about experiencing a revival from the Holy Spirit and the difference Christians could make to those who do not know our Lord Jesus.

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

good point,

In addition to take time to listen to others who have many crisis, we can also learn to be aware of the fact that the more we know the Holy Spirit, the more we trust Him. And, of course, the more we trust Him, the more obedient that we will be towards Him.

13.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

I do believe that East Germany’s situation is the future for American churches. According to missiologists, by 2025, Christianity will be more dominant in the East and in Europe as well. If that is true, that the west will need to come up with better and different strategies to share the gosple.

11.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto, I am not disagreeing with your comment of America’s future mirroring East Germany, however I hope that as time passes the prediction is wrong. In this Advance Paper there was a statement that says: "...people were weaned from Christianity generation by generation." I feel compelled to pray for this country a renewal of love for the Father and for our future generations to be followers of Christ.

11.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

I do believe that East Germany’s situation is the future for American churches. According to missiologists, by 2025, Christianity will be more dominant in the East and in Europe as well. If that is true, that the west will need to come up with better and different strategies to share the gosple.

11.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States

Haley, your comment about listening to others is so true. Listening is a gift of time that we should all practice. Our society moves at a fast pace and with that we lose the relationships that could bring great meaning and the opportunity to "go" and share the good news of Christ.

11.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

In regards to witnnessing in a secular culture, we can also be a blessing to others by taking the time to listen to them. You’ll be surprised how many people are desperately looking for someone to hear about their needs and problems. At the same time, if we do take the time to do it, someone else will do it from the secular point of view and we will miss the blessing of being effective witnesses for Christ in a secular culture.

05.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Haley_GWU (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
Ernesto,

I believe listening to people’s problems is one key way believers can form relationships that will lead to salvations. People are paying tremendous amounts of money to professionals who will listen to their problems. If Christians will take the time to invest in people and listen to their struggles, we can see a revival in any secular culture.

05.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down sbowling (1)
United States
@ Ernesto:
I so agree with your comment that someone will listen. My hope is that as believers we will value the time it takes to listen and welcome the Holy Spirit into those moments. Then we will be witnesses to tranformed lives.

11.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Ernesto (3)
United States

good point Michael,

Indeed, Jesus was able to ovecome any boundaries that he encountered during His ministry. He mininstered to those who were maginalized by society, Jesus was passionate for those how were religous and yet they were lost. the Lord interacted with the government officials as well by assuring them that He was the Messiah.

04.11.2011

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Haley_GWU (0)
United States
@ Ernesto:
It is very important to follow the ministry example of Christ when determining your mission strategies. Just like you said Jesus was rejected but it didn’t effect his attitude towards people. Ernesto this was a great point. Thank you for reminding us about the attitude of Christ towards people.

09.11.2011