"A churched culture is not so much defined as a culture in which a certain statistical percentage of the population is actively participating in church work… Rather, a churched culture is a culture marked by the presence of a persistent, pervasive, major feeling among the people that the church is important."
– Kennon Callahan
I think it's safe to say that even in Fort Wayne, this kind of culture is on its way out, and in some places is gone completely. What we have now is a mission field. Thus the need for missional churches.
I’ve done lots of thinking about this over the past few weeks, and maybe it’s a good thing- in many ways. I’ve never been with the “preach the Gospel always, and when necessary, use words”. St. Francis of Assisi had it right (partially) but I think that the culture as a whole is too “churched” and not enough “Jesused”- especially among Christians. I wonder if, as Believers, we need to stop “preaching” and just start living. Wasn’t there a song out there that went something like, “Your actions are speaking too loudly to hear what you’re trying to say”? I know I butchered that song- very badly- but I think my heart is beginning to change on this issue. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Great, simple post.