Christians love to debate and argue, a sad commentary, but nevertheless a true statement. Consider the vast array of denominations in the evangelical world estimated to be 33,089.[1] Some of those divisions came about because Joe and Fred held different interpretations on a particular Bible verse so they departed asunder, one from the other.

I grew up attending independent fundamental Baptist churches, and all three descriptors were necessary to stand us apart from the groups who played fast and loose with Bible interpretation. I accepted without question that members of such distilled congregations held to the most accurate doctrine as spelled out in Scripture. Along the way I learned that even that sacred band of believers disagreed with one another and divided themselves into specific flavors over various issues with sub-group characteristics like King James Only, Pre-Tribulation Rapturists, Post-Tribulation Rapturists, even Mid-Tribulation Rapturists. Some included the qualifier “Bible-believing” in their church name, and I wondered, “Isn’t that a given? What would be the point of church otherwise?”

 And the “rules” changed from church to church. Want to fellowship with that group? Better know that their women must wear hats on Sunday morning. Invited to share a word of encouragement over there? Well, brother, don’t dare quote from the NIV or God-forbid, the Living Bible from that pulpit. Suddenly the focus shifted from serving God to navigating the minefield of legalism.

What do unbelievers think about this quagmire of disunity when we attempt to introduce them to the Savior?

Today congregations around me are changing their local church names to drop the word Baptist and to replace it with something benign like community or fellowship. I fear that the stigma of the squabbles and splits and lifestyles that differ not at all from the unbelieving world are catching up with the denomination. As market share declines in a skeptical world, drastic steps are required to prevent a fire sale.

In the corporate world we would call this rebranding and companies attempt it often. The products stay the same but better packaging, labels littered with words like “new” and “improved,” and focused ad campaigns combine in an attempt to convince the consumer, “You can’t live without this!”

Is this strategy working for the church? Does it address declining influence? I am certain the answers vary depending on the audience. Certainly, those pushing corporate strategy into the church are convinced no other course of action exists. Personally, I do not think that an accurate root cause analysis has been completed.

I’ve found on the Internet treasure troves of books written by pastors from ages ago, and I marvel at the wisdom they impart. John Henry Jowett (1864-1923) has become one of my favorites. Jowett wrote about the need for believers to demonstrate to the fallen world that faith in Christ is something worth having. He advocated that believers should sail through life on the driving force of a heavenly trade-wind. Read his words for yourself.

“And yet it is this evidence of a heavenly trade-wind which is our most arresting witness for the Lord. We are no good unless we manifest superior resource. If we are just as overdone as the children of the world, just as full of labour in hard rowing, just as easily exhausted, we offer no recommendation for our faith. Our witness is to be found in the reality of a mystic current, in the breath of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must make it plain to the world that there is more wind in our sails, more water in our mill-stream, more machinery.[2]”

Now, let’s toss a controversial passage of Scripture written by James, the half-brother of Jesus, into the discussion. James asks:

What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?

James 2:14 NASB

And out come the pitchforks and torches of those who hold to Paul’s teaching that salvation is by grace through faith alone. (The Bible is crystal clear on salvation by grace by the way. See Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5) “James is wrong,” they claim. Well, a careful and deliberate study of the two teachings in context reveals only one teaching. Paul looks toward salvation and how it happens. James focuses post-salvation and the changes that should take place in an individual’s life as a result.

Jowett writes, “Faith…involves decision and movement.[3]” If Jesus truly made a change in my heart, then that change will affect the outward presentation I make to the world. My faith moves me to:

  • Give
  • Pray
  • Serve
  • Help
  • Care
  • Go
  • Work
  • Share
  • Love

The world can see those tangibles. Jesus shared that fact in His famous Sermon on the Mount.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 KJV

We don’t need to rebrand and certainly nothing is amiss with the product we call the Gospel. The issue centers on verifiable heart-change through outward evidence for those who name Christ as Savior. We must demonstrate to those around us that vibrant faith dwells within us.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

I gotta’ live like I believe that.

Image by Youssef Jheir from Pixabay
TransformingTidbits

[1] “World Christianity.” https://www.wesleyan.edu/christianitystudies/pathways/world.html. Accessed July 22, 2023.

[2] Jowett, J. H. Life in the Heights: Studies in the Epistles. New York: Bible House – The Christian Herald. 1925. p 233.

[3] Jowett, J. H. Life in the Heights: Studies in the Epistles. New York: Bible House – The Christian Herald. 1925. p 245.