Emerging Evangelicals and their Denominations

This is the first of several writings I intend to pen on this topic

You do not need to read a Gallup Poll or Barna report to see the shifts occurring in the Evangelical movement. The religious Patriarch’s are graying along with their faithful followers. Mega church pastors such as Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and Andy Stanley rightfully pay homage to their forbearers while emerging leaders coronate them with corners of the Evangelical mantel. In contrast to many Evangelical denominations these innovators have purposely steered away from formalizing their following. One follower described it as “a loosely connected affiliation based on a shared conviction that the church must be relevant and can be progressive without losing its moral Biblical bearings.”

“Can I be both Loyal and Relevant?”

These “affiliations” or “associations” pose stiff competition for denominations that are already struggling to compete for their pastor’s affection and church resources. There is a painful tug-a-war in many Pastors who want to remain loyal to their denomination while not being branded as such. This move was illustrated for me recently when I drove past a church in the process of removing the denominational name from its marquee. One pastor confided, “We want our community to see relevance when they drive by not organized religion.” This sentiment is now hurting the denominational pocketbook which depends on its churches to survive. A growing percentage of mega church funds are going to their own schools, missions programs and compassion outreach. Denominational publishing is also suffering. “How do we compete with a church that produces their own materials or downloads them for free from popular [church resource] websites?” one denominational leader asked.

How does a denomination compete while not appearing to denigrate the value these “affiliations” and/or associations? How do they provide the added value to their churches while not alienating them further?

“Why do I need you?”

While denominational leaders scratch their heads an even greater challenge looms with the younger evangelical pastors. These emerging leaders have less loyalty to their denominations past and make it publicly known (through blogs like this one) that they will choose their friends, mentors and where they spend their money. This group is not afraid to ask, “Why do I need you?” “What is my church paying for?” And “What is the return on investment I can expect?”

Added Value Denominations Offer

While it seems in vogue to question the relevance and value of denominations I would encourage and caution pastors to push the pause button before distancing themselves. Over the past decade I have worked closely with denominations such as the Assemblies of God and Southern Baptist’s North American Missions Board. These institutions have benefited leaders including and not limited to the following:

1. Inspirational leadership and accountability – some of the most dynamic men and women in the world are spearheading denominational. There is much that emerging leaders can garner from those that have trod the path before them. Henry Ford said, “I cannot afford the tuition of learning from my own mistakes.”

2. Shared vision – as an example, denominations have successfully convened and galvanized leaders around global initiatives such as church planting, compassion projects and support of proven missionaries.

3. Outreach models – more and more denominations are searching for proven models to spotlight as a resource for their church constituents. For example, Tom Trask, former General Superintendent for the AG helped to catapult Convoy of Hope nationally and internationally by opening doors for Convoy to serve the AG churches and missionaries. Now Convoy is working with a constellation of denominations, NGO’s and corporations to reach the least, last and lost in Jesus name.

4. Resources – denominations have specialized funds earmarked to support the vision of emerging leaders. One church planter complained, “They were behind me….way behind me.” When I drilled down it was clear that the young leader had received assistance but not to the level he expected. I replied, “Whatever they blessed you with were funds that you did not have to raise.”

5. Avenue to leverage giving to support worthy people and projects. Most denominations retain a very small percentage of the funds received for overhead. For example, the AG keeps 5% and then channels the balance to missionaries and projects. In return, denominations can provide missionaries (home or foreign) with mentoring, accountability and other benefits (e.g. insurance, vehicles, literature, etc). There are an abundance of Para church organizations clamoring for church funds but this is still one of the best ROI’s out there.

In short, it does not need to be “either/or” proposition when partnering with denominations. You can still benefit from the innovations coming out of a Rick Warren’s ministry but receive the “added value” of remaining tethered to your denomination. At the end of the day your churches relevance is dependent on how you utilize the knowledge, experience and resources God bestows on you to lead.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 21st, 2008 at 4:12 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.