The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Auteur: Chris Wright
Date: 01.07.2010
Category: Intégrité et humilité
Note de l’éditeur : Cette communication préliminaire pour Le Cap 2010 a été écrite par Chris Wright pour servir de synthèse du sujet qui sera discuté lors de la session plénière du matin sur « Appeler l’Église de Christ à retrouver l’humilité, l’intégrité et la simplicité. » Vos réponses à cette communication, par le biais du Forum mondial du mouvement de Lausanne, seront transmises à l’auteur et à d’autres pour les aider à peaufiner leur présentation finale pour le congrès.
La Déclaration de Lausanne est merveilleusement équilibrée dans la façon dont elle allie deux dimensions de la confession chrétienne. D’un côté, on y trouve la confession de notre foi, c’est à dire l’affirmation des grandes vérités de notre foi biblique. Et d’un autre, on y trouve la confession de notre échec, c’est à dire l’acceptation du fait qu’en tant que chrétiens, à bien des égards nous ne vivons pas à la hauteur de l’appel de Dieu. Nous ne nous comportons pas comme des disciples du Seigneur Jésus-Christ. Il y a donc à la fois proclamation et pénitence : nous nous réjouissons au sujet de ce que nous croyons et nous nous repentons du fait que nous n’avons pas réussi à le vivre.
Cet équilibre illustre certaines grandes occasions de renouvellement de l’alliance dans la Bible. Par exemple : Deutéronome 29-31, Josué 23-24, 2 Rois 22-23, Néhémie 8-10. Ces passages relatent tous une prise de conscience de l’échec et du péché. Ils appellent tous les gens à se repentir et à se réengager.
Il est tragique de voir que bon nombre de choses auxquelles la Déclaration de Lausanne nous a appelés à nous détourner, déjà en 1974, sont encore aujourd’hui les choses qui affligent et rongent l’Église, ce depuis 36 ans. Toutefois, cela ne doit pas nous déprimer ou nous paralyser. Au contraire, cela doit nous inciter à revenir encore une fois vers notre Dieu miséricordieux, dans un esprit de repentance et de consécration renouvelés, pour notre génération.
Sujets de Pénitence dans la Déclaration de Lausanne
Il vaut la peine de parcourir la Déclaration de Lausanne et de noter les domaines où un échec ou bien un sentiment de honte et de peine est exprimé, ou ceux où nous sommes appelés à la repentance et au changement. La Déclaration nous parle encore puissamment aujourd’hui. Voici plusieurs passages qu’il vaut la peine de méditer, dans un esprit de prière et d’humilité. Les numéros sur la gauche correspondent au paragraphe concerné de la Déclaration de Lausanne.
Paragraphe - Citation et commentaire
1. Le dessein de Dieu
Nous confessons avec honte que nous avons souvent renié notre vocation et failli à notre mission, car nous nous sommes conformés au monde ou bien nous nous en sommes retirés.
4. La nature de l’évangélisation
Lorsque nous transmettons l’invitation de l’Évangile, nous n’avons pas le droit de cacher ce qu’il en coûte d’être un disciple du Christ. Jésus continue d’appeler ceux qui veulent le suivre à renoncer à eux-mêmes, à se charger de leur Croix et à s’identifier avec la communauté de ceux qui lui appartiennent. L’obéissance au Christ, l’intégration à son Église et un service responsable dans le monde sont les conséquences de l’évangélisation.
Une obéissance coûteuse, le renoncement à soi, l’identification à la Croix, l’engagement au sein de l’Église et le service pratique, autant de choses qui doivent faire partie de notre engagement dans le cadre de l’évangélisation. Lorsque nous fuyons ces choses, notre message et nos méthodes manquent d’intégrité et deviennent de la manipulation.
6. L’Église et l’évangélisation
L’Église est au centre même du dessein de Dieu pour l’univers, elle est le moyen choisi par Lui pour répandre l’Évangile. Mais une Église qui prêche la Croix doit porter elle-même la marque de la Croix. Elle fait obstacle à l’évangélisation lorsqu’elle trahit l’Évangile, lorsqu’il lui manque la foi vivante en Dieu, l’amour véritable pour les hommes ou l’honnêteté scrupuleuse en toutes choses, (y compris la promotion et la finance).
Cette déclaration puissante souligne le fait que l’Église n’est pas seulement le mécanisme de diffusion d’un message verbal. Au contraire, Dieu souhaite que l’Église soit un modèle de l’Évangile qu’elle prêche, en particulier lorsqu’il s’agit de montrer le chemin de la Croix. Trois choses constituent des « occasions de chute » : c’est-à-dire qu’ils font échouer notre évangélisation : le manque de foi, le manque d’amour et le manque d’honnêteté. Il doit y avoir de l’intégrité dans nos paroles et notre vie. Et lorsque ce n’est pas le cas, nous devons nous repentir.
6. L’Église et l’évangélisation
L’Église est la communauté du peuple de Dieu plutôt qu’une institution ; elle ne doit être assimilée à aucune culture particulière, à aucun système politique ou social, à aucune idéologie humaine.
Le danger décrit ici est une tentation constante. Au sein de notre culture, nous pouvons êtres remplis d’orgueil, ce qui est contraire à la Parole de Dieu. Ou nous pouvons avoir un sentiment de supériorité nationale ou raciale. Ou encore, nous avons une confiance absolue dans notre système économique. Par conséquent, l’Église devient captive des idoles et des idéologies qui l’entourent.
9. Urgence de l’évangélisation
Ce but ne sera certainement pas atteint sans sacrifice. [« le but » étant de permettre à tous d’entendre l’évangile]. Nous sommes tous choqués par la pauvreté de millions d’êtres et troublés par les injustices qui en sont la cause. Ceux d’entre nous qui vivent dans l’abondance acceptent comme un devoir de vivre plus simplement pour contribuer plus généreusement à l’évangélisation et à l’aide aux déshérités.
L’appel à vivre simplement fait partie intégrante d’une vie de disciple à la ressemblance du Christ. Mais nous sommes tellement tentés par la puissance séductrice de la cupidité et de l’auto-gratification. L’appel au sacrifice et à la simplicité doit être réentendu car il est fortement contré par notre aspiration à la prospérité et au succès.
Ce défi particulier a fait l’objet d’une consultation entière et d’une déclaration, « The International Consultation on Simple Lifestyle », à Hoddesdon, 1980. Cette déclaration peut être lue dans le « Occasional Paper 20 » (Document occasionnel) de Lausanne, ou sur http://www.lausanne.org/hoddesdon-1980/hoddesdon-1980.html
11. Enseignement et autorité
Nous confessons que nous avons parfois recherché la croissance de l’Église au détriment de sa valeur spirituelle et que nous avons séparé l’évangélisation de l’édification chrétienne.
Ce fléau de la « croissance sans profondeur » s’est encore amplifié après 1974. La fin du millénaire approchant, de nombreuses stratégies et organisations missionnaires sont nées, obsédées par la rapidité et le fait « d’accomplir la tâche ». « La superficialité des chrétiens est devenue un phénomène mondial. De nombreux convertis ne grandissent jamais en Christ »
(Lausanne Occasional Paper 3, p. 40). Dans certaines organisations, l’enseignement théologique et la formation ont même été retirés de l’agenda et de l’investissement missionnaires, ce qui semble gravement irréfléchi.
Mais si nous ne sommes pas en mesure d’obéir au 3e principe du Grand ordre de mission (« les enseignant de garder tout ce que je vous ai commandé »), nous n’obéissons aucunement au commandement de « faire des disciples ». Et nous en constatons le résultat en voyant le nominalisme répandu dans ces nations soi-disant « atteintes ».
11. Enseignement et autorité
Nous sommes convaincus que les indigènes doivent prendre en mains la responsabilité de l’Église et nous espérons vivement que, dans chaque pays, l’Église aura ses propres responsables qui dirigeront dans un esprit chrétien, non pas en dominant le troupeau, mais en étant ses serviteurs.
Ceci est renforcé par l’exposé suivant :
« Les responsables nationaux ne sont pas plus immunisés que les missionnaires face aux péchés de l’orgueil, de la soif du pouvoir et des manières pompeuses. Nous aspirons à avoir des responsables nationaux qui ont un style de leadership chrétien, et qui puisent leur inspiration non dans une gouvernance séculière mais dans l’enseignement de Christ et son exemple, un leadership qui ne se traduit pas par la domination mais par le service. » (Lausanne Occasional Paper 3, p. 39)
La tentation de la recherche du pouvoir et de la position est très forte, et malheureusement, de nombreux responsables évangéliques y cèdent, et ne suivent ni l’enseignement de Christ, ni son exemple. La « domination » peut prendre de nombreuses formes au sein de l’Église même, par le biais des responsables et des pasteurs, notamment l’abus de confiance, l’exploitation pour le profit personnel, la répression des femmes, la manipulation de l’argent et du pouvoir.
12. Conflits spirituels
Nous discernons l’activité de notre ennemi, non seulement dans les fausses idéologies répandues dans le monde, mais encore à l’intérieur même de l’Église, dans les évangiles falsifiés qui tordent le sens des Écritures et qui mettent l’homme à la place de Dieu... D’autres fois, dans notre désir de voir les gens répondre à l’Évangile, nous avons engagé notre message dans des compromis, nous avons manipulé nos auditeurs par des pressions psychologiques, nous nous sommes trop préoccupés de statistiques et nous avons manqué d’intégrité en les utilisant.
La tromperie et la manipulation sont des caractéristiques du caractère et de l’œuvre de Satan, et ce paragraphe nous exhorte à être vigilants quant à leur présence au sein de l’Église, même au niveau de ce qui semble être une mission enthousiaste et réussie. Encore une fois, l’exposé de John Stott est clair et puissant.
« La croissance numérique de l’Église est presque devenue une obsession pour nous. Ainsi, désireux (voire même déterminés) de garantir une réponse à l’Évangile, nous nous sommes résolus à employer des méthodes douteuses, que Paul aurait presque certainement inclues aux « actions honteuses qui se font en secret », auxquelles il disait avoir renoncé (2 Cor. 4:2). Nous avons compromis notre message (« falsifié la Parole de Dieu » 2 Cor. 4:2), en éliminant les éléments indésirables comme le renoncement à soi et le jugement, afin de le rendre plus acceptable pour l’homme moderne ; ou alors nous avons manipulé nos auditeurs par le biais de techniques de pression, ce qui revient à traiter les êtres humains moins bien que des humains ; ou encore, nous sommes devenus excessivement préoccupés par les statistiques (comme si l’œuvre de l’Esprit Saint de Dieu pouvait se réduire à de simples statistiques !), ou avons même été malhonnêtes au niveau de leur utilisation (en publiant des rapports pas entièrement justes). Voilà une liste bien déplaisante d’actions honteuses. » (Lausanne Occasional Paper 3, p. 45)
Le principal problème ici est le danger de la manipulation et de la malhonnêteté. Nous devons retrouver une intégrité rigoureuse dans tous nos efforts de promotion de l’Évangile. Satan est à l’œuvre chaque fois que les chrétiens abandonnent leur intégrité et se conforment à ce qui est mensonger et malhonnête (même s’ils pensent qu’ils le font pour de bonnes raisons).
Trois Défis de Taille
La plupart des défis que rencontre l’Église au niveau de la Déclaration de Lausanne peuvent être réunis sous trois thèmes principaux. Ces thèmes sont également des sujets majeurs dans la Bible : dans sa Parole, Dieu appelle constamment son peuple à se détourner des idoles du pouvoir, du succès et de la cupidité, pour vivre selon sa volonté, dans l’humilité, l’intégrité et la simplicité.
L’idolâtrie du pouvoir et l’appel à l’humilité
La tentation de la quête du pouvoir et de la position sociale est très forte. Elle reflète notre nature déchue, puisque la raison d’être de la chute était d’usurper l’autorité de Dieu en élevant notre propre position contre Dieu. C’est là aussi une des caractéristiques de Satan. Il est donc tragique que tant de responsables chrétiens cèdent à ce péché et s’élèvent eux-mêmes. Il est urgent que nous reconnaissions et dénoncions cela comme étant un péché.
Par opposition, l’humilité est une des caractéristiques essentielles de Jésus-Christ, et doit donc caractériser ses disciples, en particulier ceux qui sont appelés à des positions de responsabilité.
La tentation de vouloir impressionner les autres avec nos accomplissements, nos compétences ou notre pouvoir miraculeux est également très forte. Nous convoitons le succès et la reconnaissance. Mais cela conduit rapidement à la déformation de la vérité et à la manipulation des autres. Cela conduit à la malhonnêteté au niveau des rapports, des finances, de la vie personnelle et des relations. Nous devons réentendre l’appel constant de la Bible à l’intégrité, en privé et en public, dans tous les recoins de notre vie et de nos ministères. Il n’y a pas de mission biblique sans éthique biblique.
« …la soif de posséder, qui est une idolâtrie », dit Paul (Col. 3:5). Désobéir au dixième commandement revient à désobéir au premier. La Bible reconnaît la richesse légitime comme un don de la générosité de Dieu. Mais la Bible parle bien plus souvent de l’idole que la richesse peut facilement devenir. Dans toute la Bible, on trouve des avertissements à l’encontre de la cupidité et des dangers à convoiter la richesse, dont certains ont été formulés par Jésus lui-même. Jésus et Paul ont tous deux donné l’exemple d’une simple dépendance à Dieu et d’une satisfaction de ce qu’ils avaient.
Ressources Bibliques
Pour vous préparer à la session plénière de la matinée du Jour 5, vous pourriez étudier des passages de la Bible portant sur chacun des principaux thèmes ci-dessus. En voici quelques-uns pour commencer. Vous pouvez également en ajouter.
Humilité vs pouvoir
Ésaïe 2:12-17 ; Michée 6:8 ; Prov. 11:2 ; Luc 22:24-27 ; Matt. 5:1-12 ; Éph. 4:1-2 ; 2 Tim. 3:1-5
Intégrité vs succès
Ezéchiel 13:1-7 ; 1 Chron. 29:17 ; Ps. 15, 24 ; Prov. 11:1, 3 ; Matt. 5:33-37 ; 2 Cor. 2:17, 4:1-2 ; Ap. 22:15
Simplicité vs cupidité
Michée 3:5,11 ; Jér. 22:13-17 ; 1 Rois 21 ; Matt. 7:21-23 ; Luc 12:13-21 ; Éph. 5:5 ; 1 Tim. 6:5-10
Jésus a été confronté aux trois tentations que nous avons mentionnées.
Malheureusement, il semble que bien des responsables chrétiens (y compris des responsables de mission) échouent de façon évidente à ces tests, précisément sur les points où Jésus a eu la victoire. Ils ne peuvent résister aux tentations du pouvoir abusif, du succès manipulé et de la cupidité égoïste. L’Église dans son ensemble paie le prix de leur échec, ce qui se traduit par une perte d’intégrité et de crédibilité.
Preoccupations contemporaines
Voici certaines des choses auxquelles nous devons réfléchir en matière de repentance, afin de pouvoir « revenir vers Dieu dans l’humilité, l’intégrité et la simplicité ».
Abus de pouvoir et position
Manque d’intégrité
Cupidité
© The Lausanne Movement 2010
Français Translation by: LGC_Translation
A propos des fonctions multilingues | Suggérez une correction de traduction
Mots-clés: Humilité, intégrité, simplicité, Déclaration de Lausanne, pénitence, repentance, réengagement, orgueil, succès, cupidité, prospérité, formation de disciples, idolâtrie, tentation, confession
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États-Unis
What if the church really went back to focusing on humility, integrity and simplicity. Imagine how the church would be seen, and the impact the church could make if we really showed humility. What if we were seen as always having integrity? And simplicity...What if the church worked to simplify all the complex stuff we try to do?
If we got back to these three, much like the early church, we could have a profound impact on the world around us. Thanks for this paper, which follows up on the call given in 1974. This needs to be revisited in all our churches.
12.12.2011
États-Unis
@ brucec:
I agree with you Brucec and believe that the church will get back to being what God designed to be and not looking so much like the world.
29.04.2012
États-Unis
@ brucec:
I am very much in agreement if the Body of Christ would serve as the Body of Christ we would have such a huge impact, influence, and impression on the world. Humility, Integrity, and Simplicity are the three ingrediants that we need to get back to.
Donnie Thurman
05.07.2012
États-Unis
@ DonnieLewisThurman: Yes! It makes me think about Jesus saying that He did not come to be served but to serve. You are right about us following His example; He said that He did not even have a home. We know He did not have a donkey or a camel. So what does that say about Christians making choices and purchases that are only self-serving and extravagant?
08.07.2012
États-Unis
@ earnold:
Obviously we cannot be like Jesus fully, but we can try. I love your views on this. Thank you for bringing up Jesus not wanting to be served but rather to serve others. Sometimes we may feel like we should be served, especially on days like our birthday and other special days to us. I think that I m going to try and be a servant to others...especially on my birthday! haha.
10.12.2012
États-Unis
In the article by Chris Wright, Calling the Church Back to Humility, Integrity and Simplicity there is a profound allegiance that Christians should be who they say they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this article. As a freshman in Seminary, I received this article as advice for my future ministry. I agree with Wright when he states “… in so many ways we Christians do not live up to the calling of God.” I think we get tripped up over our trials and our own ambitions to be great. We seem to forget the promise God made to Abram, I will make your name great. If we just go where God tells us to go, He will make our name great; are we not covenant partners with Abram. We, as Christians, lose the mission because we are trying to do God’s job.
The points of Penitence in the Lausanne Covenant were very intriguing to say the least. I want to be the best ambassador of Christ I can be. As I endeavor to do this I can’t conform to the world or succumb to anything less then God’s will. At first contemplation of being a minister, I thought mostly about my ability to effectively preach the word of God. Now, I think about how my life preaches the word of God. A ministry life style is truly one of “costly obedience, self-denial, identification with the cross, commitment to the church and practical service,” proclaims Wright. Evading these postulates makes our cause for the kingdom of God fraudulent. The preaching aspect of calling the church back to its true mission is merely a bow on a complete package.
Wright’s comment “a church which preaches the cross must itself be marked by the cross” speaks profoundly to a fundamental foundation of an effective leadership of the church. A lot of ministers preach the cross, but few expose their sins that were forgiven on that same cross. Some ministers, in my opinion, forget that the gospel is still for them even though they are a mouthpiece for God. I believe the honesty of their own testimony evangelizes the realness of the gospel.
I do agree that there is danger in teaching racial superiority. I am on the line about teaching pride of one’s culture. Being a black woman, I think it is very important to teach pride in our culture which have been oppressed for years. Not a teaching of superiority, a pride that states blacks are not inferior which most are led to believe. The more I grow in my calling, the more I realize that as long as one’s blood is red, I can preach the pride in being forgiven on the cross.
Many ministers that prosper in mega churches and some that monopolizes small cities churches fall into the temptation of greed. I don’t necessary believe in the excessiveness of pastors but does being Christian mean one can not possess nice things? It is hard to accept that choosing Christ means I have to settle for less. Simplicity is challenging for me. I want nice things. I want the elegance of wealth, but with the humility that I know I am favored by God. I want to be in the position to bless others and let them know that it is only by the grace of God.
Wright’s synopsis of education and leadership is profound to me; “many converts never grow up in Christ.” That is something that has perplexed me for a long time. Seeing older people in the church and they never seem to know any better than when I was younger knowing them. I often wonder when will they get past the superficial confession and let their lifestyle mimic what they confess. I have a servant’s heart and I endeavor to have my life preach the gospel as God uses me as His unique mouthpiece and vessel for His will.
Spiritual conflict is always at hand when one does not subject one’s self to the Holy Spirit. It is a battle that ministers, leaders and missionaries do not let their own issues drive their convictions of the gospel as they portray them to the world.
The three key challenges identified with the Lausanne Covenant are vital in calling the church back to humility, integrity and simplicity. I think it starts with the leadership of the church and filters down for growth of the Kingdom of God. As we learn how to be effective ministers and ambassadors of Christ, we have to remember and purposely chose to be humble and simply and practice high levels of integrity in our daily living. In this mission, we draw closer to Christ while our lifestyle will witness the realness and truthfulness that Christ inspired to His followers. If the ones who preach the word are not living the word then Wright is correct, “the church as a whole pays the cost of their failure, in the loss of integrity and credibility.”
In conclusion, this article was great. It incited some meditation on my personal spiritual growth. That calling the church back to humility¸ integrity and simplicity starts with the leadership; it starts with me. Leadership being humble, simple and having integrity sets the example for the church. If we are the church, we set the example for each other; encouraging humility, integrity and simplicity in each other. I enjoyed the article.
15.03.2011
États-Unis
@ JourneywithCHRISTie: Hey Christie!
I agree and think you made a good point about the rest of the Body of Christ paying for the mistakes of a few. We forget that we’re called to be God’s PEOPLE not just His person and we are all in this together! We will either work together towards the plan God has laid out for us or we will be convicted together.
08.07.2012
États-Unis
@ JourneywithCHRISTie:
Living up to the call that God has on our lives takes humility, integrity, and simplicity. We need these attributes to do the work of the Lord. Often times we want to share some of God’s glory but humility, integrity, and simplicity keeps us grounded.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
There has been too many times where I have had to pray for humility. As a worship leader, it is difficult to not get caught up in the sound and coolness of things. Its tough to not want some of that self-glorification. But prayer for humility is something that I believe strongly in.
10.12.2012
États-Unis
Sadly, it only takes a few hyper-visible corrupted church leaders to turn off thousands of people to the gospel. The hundreds of thousands of decent, humble, godly leaders of the less visible churches then have a more difficult task on their hands - not only defending the gospel, but also often comforting a shattered and confused congregation.
The corrupt snakeoil salesmen of the prosperity gospel create a terribly diffucult conundrum. If the godly, humble leaders preach the truth to counter the prosperity lies, the good come across as being the dividers, and the world is once again turned off.
We need to simply ask God to protect us from the temptations of big buildings, big budgets, big parking lots and big auditoriums, and ask Him to give us a hunger for Him, no else.
11.10.2010
États-Unis
@ Scott_D_Sussex: Your comment made me think about the pervasive metaphor in books such as Zechariah and Jeremiah about the "refiner’s fire.". When the refiner is purifying the gold or silver, he is only after one thing: pure gold or silver. Everything and anything else is an impurity. For the Church, we need to be more like our God: after one thing,setting aside all that hinders us from that.
08.07.2012
États-Unis
@ Scott_D_Sussex:
Very well said we often times loose focus when we began to glorify ourselves or what we are doing. We must realize that we are only instruments that God works through. His grace and mercy lifts us up when we fall into a mess, then God somehow or another gives us a message for his people. When this transpires we should become humble.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
@ Scott_D_Sussex:
Chris Wright mentioned, "identification with the cross" in the article. When we understand what Jesus death meant in dying on the cross we should be even more humble to think that he did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Isn’t it good to know that God loves us that much. Even when we fall short God still gives us grace.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
I agree our actions ought to pour forth from an awareness of God and what he has done for us through is son. Truly we forgiven because we have been forgiven by God. We love because out of the love we have been freely given as children of God.
08.12.2012
États-Unis
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
I agree that we lose focus when we become self-obsorbed. But, couldnt it be the other way around also? We become self-obsorbed when we lose focus on God.
It works boths ways I think.
10.12.2012
États-Unis
I hear you asking, are we distinct and ’holy’ as a people? Or are we driven by the same prideful lusts of the world cultures we live within? These are questions worth asking not just every 10 years for the Congress, but hour by hour for those of us who follow Christ.
Thank you for asking these questions, Chris.
18.10.2010
États-Unis
@ OrdinaryCommunity: I agree that "State of the Union" type calls to repentece are a good idea, it you are right in that we need to individually and corporately examine ourselves and the validity of our witness. Sometimes it is hard for us to understand that we can only go forward. Y going back to the source.
08.07.2012
États-Unis
@ OrdinaryCommunity:
Good question, we must realize that only what we do for God will last. As Christians we need to develop a hunger for God and the word of God verses things of the world.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
@ earnold:
Chris mentioned in the article "costly obediance" obediance is costly when we do it Yahweh and not Our Way. Obediance is doing it and thinking about it later. Often times we have to think about it and ponder over it then that is not obediance.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
@ DonnieLewisThurman:
Thats tough stuff. You’re right. So often we may hear God tell us to do something, but then we have to think about it to "make sure" it benefits us. When in reality...God wouldn’t ask us to do this thing if it wasn’t beneficial. And it may not be beneificial at the moment...or even for 5 years. But God is watching out for us. Always.
09.12.2012
États-Unis
On p. 2, Wright acknowledges: “we confess that we have sometimes pursued church growth at the expense of church depth, and divorced evangelism from Christian nurture.” To walk alongside someone is to disciple them. This task is not glamorous but requires a lot of patience and effort. I am glad this article gave this reminder to humbly be faithful in all areas- evangelism and discipleship.
08.12.2012
États-Unis
@ Chels:
I love what you said about walking beside someone is tough and takes great patience. Its so hard to be consistent in this, and sometimes its easy to just give up and let the next person have their chance with someone. During this time of "geeze...this isnt benefiting either one of us anymore" is when we should go to the Lord in prayer. To pray for strength in loving a person and for patience. I think the power of prayer is something that goes un-noticed sometimes.
09.12.2012
États-Unis
I feel inspired by this paper. Christians are to give up striving for power and instead pursue humility while realizing that we have all we need in God. There are constantly new clothes, gadgets, and toys being produced. Media portrays the message that people need this “stuff” to be happy. McDonald’s slogan is “we love to see you smile” as if unethical unhealthy burgers produces endless bliss. It is easy to fall prey to greed and takes discipline to be content with what we have. Simplicity is a worthy goal and one that as Christians we are called to pursue.
08.12.2012
États-Unis
@ Chels:
I agree completely that simplicity is a calling that we are Christians should acknowledge and try our best to take seriously. It makes me think about the church being simplistic. If we as individuals are supposed to be simple, then shouldn’t the church be simple too? Which is tough because we live in a digital age, where lights, transition movies and things like that are popular in getting people into the church. To be honest, I enjoy a larger more contemporary service. But, this paper makes me feel kind of weird when going to a digitalized church. And even traditional churches (who may not be digitalized) have elaborate stained glass, large noticable steeples, and other things that are not considered simple. It makes me want to have church in a house, under a bridge or in a wearhouse with just people and voices. May an acoustic guitar too =)
08.12.2012
États-Unis
@ CamMitch:
You bring up very interesting point regarding churches and stewardship. Careful consideration ought to be give to how money is used within the church. Are we investing in kingdom causes or earthly causes?
08.12.2012
États-Unis
@ Chels:
Its tough to not invest in earthly things. Especially with our digital culture. Even the powerpoints we use to show words on the screen is something of this world. So its tough to avoid earthly things. However, I think we can invest in earthly things as long as we use them for the kingdoms cause. Which is tough to discern what actually is for us and what is for God. I guess a lot of prayer is one way to get somewhat closer to an answer...
09.12.2012
États-Unis
@ CamMitch:
I agree that material possessions can be used to further the kingdom of God. For example, a boat can be used to take people fishing. While fishing relationships are formed and conversations concerning Jesus and the truth he offers can be discussed. I believe it is how we use our resources. I agree careful consideration and prayer should be given to how we invest our resources- time & money.
09.12.2012
États-Unis
The major way that Wright calls humanity to repent on p. 4 is to turn away from “idols of power, success and greed, and to live according to his demand for humility, integrity and simplicity.” I found it very insightful that Wright brought to light the idolatry of seeking power and success. In America the expectation is to go to college, get a good job, so you can get lots of money, get a good house, have a family, and pay for everything they need and want. The tragedy is that this goal is frivolous. There is no lasting fulfillment in it.
08.12.2012
États-Unis
@ Chels:
All of the things you listed are so easy to get caught up in. For a lot of people the main goal is to either take care of themselves, or take care of their family. How are they going to do that? Money.
I agree that taking care of my family is my number one priority. But I do not want a lack money to be a reason that causes me to fail at taking care of my family. I hope that my wife and I can live as simply as possible and teach our kids that simplicity and humility are two of the most important things in life. Now, obviously I want the best for my family. So the living simply thing can be tricky and I am sure that there will come a time in my life when I step back and say "we probably dont need these things." But the question is...Will I be able to, along with my family, get rid of the "wants" and help to provide the needs of others first?
09.12.2012
États-Unis
@ CamMitch:
Thank you for your comment. I agree with the idea of financial stewardship that your presented. Discerning what is a want and what is a need is key. It is wonderful that you realize the influential role a parent has in helping their children understand what is truly valuable.
09.12.2012
États-Unis
My prayer is that each of us would leave Cape Town having heard God speak to us of tangible, practical steps we can take as individuals to return to humility, integrity and simplicity. I would hpe that we would share those things with one another and with our constituents back home and ask them to hold us accountable.
17.10.2010
États-Unis
@ Prayman: Accountability is key for such a call. Acountability allows us to maintain trust and closeness to the way while providing a realistic example to others that this lifestyle of imitating Christ is not easy, it is not a one time decision, and it is not something we can do on our own. This is what I imagine Paul had in mind when he said for us to "urge one another on toward good deeds."
08.07.2012
États-Unis
@ Prayman:
Absoloutely it is a good thing to hold one another accountable as Christians. When we hold one another accountable and challenge one another to live up to God’s expectations it is awesome how God begins to work in our lives.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
@ Prayman:
Self Denial is a term that is not too popular in Christianity today. Simply because we are driven by self. Self Denial seems impossible when we look out of the natural eye. But when we see things God’s way it is amazing how God gives us stamina and endurance.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
@ earnold:
I agree accountability is necessary in the Christian journey. We need one another to keep us in check as we pursue humility, integrity, and simplicity
24.11.2012
États-Unis
@ Chels:
I am a huge advocate for accountabilibuddies. Obvisouly I talk with my wife about everything, but I also have a best friend who I can talk with about certain things, and so does my wife. Like Chelsy said, it is important to have someone to bring us back to humility and to listen to us when we need to vent and other things.
25.11.2012
États-Unis
@ CamMitch:
The term "accountability-buddies" is very interesting. How wonderful to have a consistent individual to confide in and help keep you in check. All people would benefit from having someone to support them in such an intimate and encouraging way.
08.12.2012
États-Unis
I found this sentence to be particuarly relevant: “there must be integrity between our words and our living.” We are to be a liing model of what we claim to believe. Perhaps our greatest messages are displayed by our actions rather than our words.
24.11.2012
États-Unis
@ Chels:
Agreed! Obviously I am not perfect and I let my words become stronger than my actions, but it makes me sad when pastors/leaders in the church say that certain things need to be done to reach others in the community but then no action is ever taken by the pastor/leaders. The church body will typically reflect the actions of the leaders in the church, and without action from the leaders, the body will most likely be "all talk with no walk." This is something that I want to work on, but also pray for the leaders in the church.
25.11.2012
Indonésie
Thank you Lord using Chris touching my heart with this paper. I’m even thinking that this calling must owned by us, put it deep in our heart, as Lausanne delegates before we go for congress. I will do by my self. I am confessing, that i am too many talk and less pray. Too many attend meeting without much significant effect in implementation. Too selfish . Not enough loving my neighbors and people around me. Too stingy. Too many reasons of unspoken about gospel. Really I am not deserve to attend such great congress. I really need humility, Integrity and Simplicity. May Lord mercy upon me.
08.10.2010
États-Unis
@ Ishak_Sukamto: I appreciate your honesty and sincerity. I too am more willing to offer my advice to someone than take them before the Throne of God. I too claim that I want to see the gospel reach the whole world and yet desire to see myself achieve more, at the expense of others. I am so glad you went to this congress and that you were sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in your heart. Thank you for being an example!
08.07.2012
États-Unis
@ Ishak_Sukamto:
What an awesome challenge. When we think about all that God has done for us that should really humble us, make us want to do more for the edification of the Kingdom of God and focus less on ourselves and the non sense of this world and be better stewards of what God has given us.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
Thaïlande
Wright’s paper points out that the Lausanne covenant balanced the confession of faith that we affirm from Scripture and also the confession of our failure to live up to God’s calling. He observes that “It is tragic that many of the things that the Lausanne Covenant called us to turn away from, back in 1974, are still the very things that afflict and infect the church 36 years on. However, this should not depress us or paralyse us. Rather, it challenges us to come back yet again to our gracious God in renewed repentance and recommitment in our own generation.” He then walks through points of penitence that we can glean from the covenant.
Rather than trying to review comprehensively what he has done, my suggestion is that the article be read, printed out and saved with our Bibles and prayer materials and periodically prayed through. He begins with specific sections from the covenant document, looks at three key challenges, biblical resources, and finally some contemporary concerns. The challenges-the idolatry of power and the call to humility, the idolatry of success and the call to integrity, the idolatry of greed and the call to simplicity-are then related to the contemporary concerns of the abuse of power and status, our lack of integrity where “success” and “speed” become more important than obedience to Jesus, and greed where some forms of a Gospel of prosperity crassly proclaim and model greed and ambition. This is hard hitting stuff.
I want to zero in here on an issue that I think is to the problems that Dr. Wright unpacks for us in his paper…it has to do with the way that we as Christians approach the task that God has given to us. I frame it like this: When we come to Scripture our worldview is shaped by our hope of an end that is rooted in our participation in the glory of God, and this includes all the tribes and tongues of the world. This means that Christians are a people of purpose, history has an end point; and thus we carry out our participation in God’s plan and purpose with a strong sense of the need for fruitfulness of effort and results.
This purposeful pursuit of fruitfulness is precisely the knife-edge that we face-the continual temptation to draw upon sources for fruitfulness and results that are at odds with the Gospel itself and the character of God. The papers by Wright and Guiness and Wells reveal to us our sin at the nexus of human methodology and achievement and the adopting of values that are part of the world system and a flat-out contradiction of the ways of the crucified Messiah. Our zeal for results makes us pragmatic, so that the ends we seek become the justification of the use of means that distort or deny our message.
John Seel in “Modernity and Evangelicals: American Evangelicalism as a Global Case Study” (in Philip Samson, Vinay Sameul and Chris Sugden eds., Faith and Modernity, Oxford: Regnum Books International, 1994, pp. 287-313) observes that evangelicals have been careful to preserve theological orthodoxy “while simultaneously uncritically accommodating to the tools of modernity whether in marketing the church or mending the soul” (295). He then shows how the cultural icons of Disney, McDonald’s and MTV have all found a home in American evangelicalism (296-308).
The challenge of being relevant while retaining the ability to prophetically critique culture is huge. It is natural that we look to our human part in the equation in terms of getting results. But an over-emphasis on that point makes it easy to slip into pride and to act as if we can come up with solutions. However, to withdraw from the world and rest only on the sovereignty of God and sit back and do nothing is also an error.
So where do we find balance? There are no easy answers here. In my own searching and wrestling on this subject I have come to believe that we need to push ourselves back into Scripture, ask the theological questions first, and commit ourselves to doing things that flow from the Scripture in terms of values and practices, even when it looks ludicrous in the eyes of the world system, and trust God for the results. This position requires human effort, but only in directions that are consonant with the Gospel and God’s character, and leaves ultimate results in the sovereign God’s hands.
The picture that I have often used to illustrate this position comes from the introduction to the 1992 edition of Victor Frankl’s “In Search of Meaning”. Frankl, who was 87 at the time, and a holocaust survivor, noted how we was often asked how he felt about the success of his book, which had almost one hundred printings in English and was published in 21 other languages. He notes how he when he originally wrote it in 1945 he intended it to be anonymous, but later friends persuaded him to publish it under his name. And oddly it became a great success. He then says, “Again and again I therefore admonish my students both in Europe and America: Don’t aim at success-the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.”
So I call this the “ensuing” strategy for fruitfulness…we surrender ourselves to Jesus and to his cause, and seek to do what he commands in the manner and spirit he models for us, and he will bring forth the fruit that will glorify his name. Many of the sins and challenges enumerated in these two papers arise out of pursuit strategies of success that pragmatically draw on the values of the world system, rather than abiding in Christ and letting the results ensue.
22.10.2010
États-Unis
@ AlanJ: Thank you for addressing these points so articulately! This reminds me of the verse that says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these (other) things will be added to you." only is we let the victory and the success be God’s can we give Him the glory!
08.07.2012
États-Unis
@ AlanJ:
I find it to be amazing how God works, those things that infected the church years ago are the same things that causes us to stumble to this day. I think God has so uniquely designed things to happen this way just to keep us humble. Humility causes us to recognize our failures and teaches us that we need God’s power to make a comeback through a setback.
Donnie Thurman
10.07.2012
États-Unis
What a great article! It should make us realize that we need to look in the mirror and make sure we demonstrate the humility, intergrity, and the simplicity of Christ. We reach the world through Christ, not ourselves.
I did have one question: How do we live in simplicity?
22.10.2010
États-Unis
@ jlovela1: Philippians 4 is a good place to start. I think we have to ask ourselves the question: is this what I want most or what I want now? What we all want most is to see the Kingdom of God increase and be cared for. What we want now may be a new $500 phone when our old one is working fine. We have to choose not sacrifice what our greater desire is for what our immediate desire is. We live-in the US-in a culture that glorifies instant gratification. As Christians living and sharing the gospel, we must decide to live counter the culture in this aspect. A great example is Michael Card’s song "The Things We Leave Behind."
08.07.2012
États-Unis
I love this:
The church is the community of God’s people rather than an institution, and must not be identified with any particular culture, social or political system, or human ideology.
As one who has a heart for Mslms to enter the Kingdom of God, I love the idea that the Church is not bound by Western culture. I strongly believe that Jesus wants the Body of Christ to include people of all colors and races and cultures - including those from Mslm backgrounds. And I look forward eagerly to the day we will see it!
13.10.2010
Chine
@ Mere_B:
I would agree with you if you mean that the church is not western, and Mslim background believers who trust in Isa as the Son of God are saved just as we are.
14.10.2010
États-Unis
@ Mere_B:
If you believe the scriptures and I do you will know that it will happen, every knee shall bow and every tounge confess that Jesus is indeed Lord.
29.04.2012
États-Unis
@ Mere_B:
Yahweh is a missionary God, and he is a God of all nations. God teaches us the value of being a witness. When we fail we come to the realization that we have to have more of God’s power and we cannot do it on our own. It is all about HUMILTY. We have to be broken before God can actually use us.
Donnie Thurman Sr.
02.07.2012
États-Unis
@ DonnieLewisThurman: I think in addition to that, we need to make it more acceptable for people to be broken before us. Our churches need to be a place where people can confront their sin and failure (both individually and corporately) in an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness. If we want people to be humble and broken, we must stop punishing people through gossip, disapproval, and rejection when they do drop the facade. We are all okay when someone comes to the altar to cry and pray, but what do we do if someone is having a breakdown before Sunday school or in the parking lot? The church needs to decide if it is going to be a community that welcomes sincerity and repentece or not.
08.07.2012
États-Unis
I enjoyed reading Calling the Church back to Humility, Integrity, and Simplicity. Yet while I felt it was good overview, I would have wanted to see specific issues that are facing Christians today being addressed. For instance, pornography and sexual sin among Christian men and women is reaching epidemic porportions, yet I feel that those sins can be glossed over by calling them "stumbling blocks," areas of "spiritual conflict," or a lack of integrity. Maybe this paper is not the place to specifically talk about the most troubling sins affecting the Christian Church today, but my concern is that without addressing them by name, there may just be a continuation of denial among those struggling with them in their lives.
11.10.2010
Kenya
@ MikeL:
Mikel, Although I don’t doubt you are right - where do you get your statistics about the ’epidemic propoertions’ you are talking of? Indeed - Christian ministry combined with pornography and sexual sins can easily be a farce. How to overcome this? Why is it worse than it has been in the past?
12.10.2010
États-Unis
@ MikeL: I feel Wright did mention specific sins, but maybe not the ones we were hoping to be called out on. Sexual sins and pornography can easily be a category apart from many of us and they are "scandalous sins" that make some people feel superior to people engaging in them. But the sin of excess that most of us in western culture can be accused of is more widespread and deeply rooted--of true epidemic proportions. More Christians not only are guilty of this sin, but we have lied to ourselves with the belief that all this material abundance is from God. Jesus clearly said we were blessed if we were poor, persecuted, and humble. Yet we like to feel our possessions and lifestyles are examples of God’s favor, not our choice of things and comforts over truly increasing the Kingdom of God. Wright has done a bold thing to ask us where are treasure (our hearts) are.
08.07.2012
États-Unis
Chris, thank you for reminding us of our calling as Christians to humility, integrity, and simplicity. Unfortunately, we as human beings tend to gravitate toward the power, success, and greed of life. Perhaps this is why even after so many years we must be reminded of the Lausanne Covenant of 1974. Christ instructed us to daily decide to follow Him... to daily take up our cross. Each follower of Christ must daily decide to embrace humility, practice integrity, and strive for simplicity. Though we have been saved through faith in Christ, we continue to strive with the old nature that lives within us. I believe that part of our Christian walk in this life is regular repentance for the power, success, and greed we have craved and regular commitment to the Christian ideals of humility, integrity, and simplicity that God has called us to follow. I believe this will be our pattern as Christians until the Lord’s second Advent.
06.12.2011
États-Unis
@ padre_todd:
Yes Todd we must remmeber this is the work of the tempter, to cause us to seek after what looks like power, and it will be that way until Christ comes back.
29.04.2012
États-Unis
I applaud Chris for his bold plea to the church to recall our Lord’s command to live humble lives, full of love for others.
As Chris states, "God intends the church to be a model of the gospel it preaches, especially modeling the way of the cross."
The lives we live, and the message we speak, must be congruent. Most importantly, when the church lacks LOVE for people in deed, we are not capable of proclaiming the Good News in word.
Could it be that we, the church, are now experiencing the fruit of our own selfish and prideful labors? Chris asserts that we have neglected true discipleship (teaching the self-denying message of the cross) for the pursuit of numerical growth in the church. As a result, we have forfeited the true depth of spiritual maturity for a shallow faith, easily succumbing to the temptations of pride, arrogance and greed.
I agree, Chris... "the call to sacrifice and simplicity needs to be heard again." May your humble plea go deep into the heart of God’s people.
21.10.2010
États-Unis
I am once again convicted of my own lapses in humility in fully engaging with the gospel, with those around me who are crying out for the love of God through Christ. and who live with so little and need just a bit to be relieved of the anguish of their physical, emotional and spiritual poverty. My part as a chaplain is to listen compassionately and while being I see around me efforts of folks to live much more humbly and simply than in the past and my wife and I are striving to do likewise and share our abundance then with those agencies making a difference in a world full of needs for basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter. I so appreciate the authors here who turn our attention again to the world of want for God who loves and His people who reach out with humility leaning on God to best use their abundant resources to meet the needs of the so many hungry, ill and without hope. The gospel of Jesus Christ is all about hope, and when I sit in my comfort while others suffer, I am not responding or sharing the love of Jesus Christ. I again repent seeking God and suffering peoples’ forgiveness and strive again to trust in God to lead me on His right path through Jesus and in the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
18.10.2010
États-Unis
I found this paper, like many of the other readers, convicting. However, I’m guessing that these points were equally convcting when they were first made 36 years ago. But yet the errors persist.
For example, the curriculum for an Intro to World Missions class at a local seminary is largely focused on statistics and how many "people groups" are left to be reached. The focus seems to remain on numbers.
I think that Wright’s best point is the idea that we seek conversions at the sacrificing of discipleship. And yet we wonder why so many Christians are transient and do not remain at one church very long.
It would be very interesting if our altar calls and invitations to "pray the prayer" included an honest assessment of whay Biblical discipleship really looks like. But after thinking about it, that might trend towards legalism.
Dan
17.10.2010
Norvège
I am sure you know the Lutheran/Reformed distinction between ’law’ and ’Gospel’ - the law guiding us through life, but also revealing our sinfullness; the Gospel offering us forgivesness and a new life with the risen Christ. Reading your paper there is quite a lot of law, but not so much Gospel. You write well about idolatries; could you also have lifted our eyes to hear afresh the good news about being raised with Christ to a new and different life?
14.10.2010
Mozambique
Thanks for an important article,
Working for an international Christian NGO I am wondering how the Christian NGO’s measure up to the Humility, Integrity and Simplicity tests?
We could probably do with a lot more of these also.
14.10.2010
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