On The Road Again

Moving the ball down the field in a Post-Christian culture

According to many prophetic voices in America, we have turned the corner into what some are calling a Post-Christian era. By Post-Christian, they are referring to a time when Christianity is no longer dominating the religious and cultural landscape of our nation. 

If this is the case, then I would say that we’ve lost what I would call “home field” advantage.

Home field advantage, is an old adage that describes the benefit of playing in your own home town, on your own field or turf so to speak. If you remember correctly, our forefathers brought Christianity with them when they fled England to escape the religious oppression, imposed on them by the Church of England. 

Upon arrival in the new Americas, a government was established upon Christian principles and they were woven into the very fabric of its constitution and by-laws. It produced an environment conducive to Christianity. For over 200 years the church in America has never had to operate in a post-Christian culture - until now. 

Changing times are upon us, here are a few considerations the church must ponder in order to thrive in an increasingly hostile environment: 

1. The loss of home field advantage does not mean we’ve lost the game. 

The church must switch from a “home field” advantage mentality, to one that accommodates an “on the road” game plan. The rules of the game are changing.  

Most of our current day methodologies come from the “modern era” of the church, or from the days of “home field” advantage. Many of these strategies need to be re-visited and evaluated as to their effectiveness in a post modern culture. 

2. We must keep in mind that the first century church also played without “home field” advantage. 

To their credit, the first century church spread the gospel to most of the known world at that time, all while playing “on the road.”

When she finally did acquire “home field” advantage through Constantine, the church slowly lost much of its influence and degenerated into the dark ages. 

I’m not implying “playing on the road” is better. I’m just saying that when the rules change, the church is slow to catch on. And the rules are changing. 

Conclusion:

Leaders in the Western world church now stand in a precarious place. Precarious, in the sense that we must walk a fine line by embracing the faith once for all delivered to the saints, (Jude 3)and at the same time gather enough courage to exegete the culture, being wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 

I suppose the question is; Are you ready for the road game?

Coach John

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Comments

[Jerry Graham]

A great little book that ministry leaders would do well to read is "Who Moved My Cheese?" Another classic book written by the duo who wrote "One-Minute Manager," Spencer Johnson and Ken Blanchard. Cheese brings yet another word picture to the issue of your post. Outstanding job as usual, Coach John.

[Anish V. Lukose]

Coach John,

I am glad you are talking about Post Christian era in the United States.

I believe the answer to to this situation is ACTS 1:8. American Christian Organizations have been leading missionary movements around the world and disregarding own backyard.
"It is time we reach the world in our own backyard with the love of Jesus Christ"

[Steve Brown]

I think the Church, like many teams, plays better on the road. We have more focus, more unity, more sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and the road uniforms look better :)

Steve Brown