What are we looking at?

How many fingers am I holding up?

It’s a quote from a film entitled ‘Patch Adams’. It’s a film is really recommend to watch. A genius has been sectioned and keeps annoying staff and others with this same question. When Patch Adams engages with this individual he discovers that the problem is that we look at the problem: the four fingers being held up, and not the solution. If we look beyond the fingers our vision can discern many more possible images.

“See what no one else does. See what everyone chooses not to see…see the whole world anew each day”

From the film Patch Adams (1998)

The issues we all now about

In the institutional Church today there is a shortage of ministers. For some form of ministry, those who have been serving their communities for many years, they are approaching a time to sit down – technical term for ‘retirement’, although many may work as hard after this point as before. Those entering the profession more recently seem to be fewer in number. This poses a dilemma for the many churches which cover our land. How do we provide for the congregations which have become so used to this model of church?

Is it the only model of Church that we know?

There is also a shortage of money – possibly more so with the pandemic. We may only really know when congregations return and we can tally up donations and offerings. This model of the people giving, possibly around to 10% of their income (whether that be gross or net), is well known and is foundational to the existence of the church. Some churches are charitable trusts and so are afforded tax benefits. Their clergy are also provided with benefits which are legally exempt from tax. How can this model continue to sustain this model of clergy?

Is it the only model of Church that we know?

Bartimaeus

In Mark 10:46-52 we read of a man called Bartimaeus. He needs to see. Others walk by him. Jesus asks of him “what do you want of me?“. Bartimaeus wants to see again: both physically and spiritually. This parable is of reaching the marginalised, the forgotten by society and church; of asking what they seek, and offering life in all its goodness.

Solutions?

An obvious solution would be to decrease the number of clergy, immediately reducing expenditure. This would support the shortage of new ministers. However, the congregations could then face considerable time without seeing their pastor as they try to support possibly 6 or more congregations per week.

Another solution is to reduce the number of churches. Given that, generally, the older churches are not the ones with the lowest energy rating, and nor may be in fine fettle, cost savings may be found here. The ramifications would be that congregations may need to be provided with transport to get to the ‘hub’ churches which may now be needed.

Is it the only model of church that we know?

Changing the medium?

We have seen in this pandemic, the need for the church to enter the digital realm. Whether it be FB, Insta, Youtube or Zoom – the church may have entered this new world. Many are keen to return to the safety of the sanctuary, to return to the church. There are those who may have benefitted from the online sojourn. Those who in the past may have been hurt by the church, and have found an anonymous welcome; who found that they could participate within this new format; and who could now juggle with their schedules, because Sunday wasn’t now a no-go for visiting relatives and friends. But is it the solution?

Radical Solution

A composite solution could be a reduction in the number of ministers but far more lay pastors, together with a dedicated move towards more online provision. The Methodist Church (2020) continues to affirm that the ministry of the whole people of God is central to its understanding of ministry. This would reduce the expenditure on the clergy and their houses, but have a substantially smaller increase in the number of pastors in each area. The cost of the technology could be minimal, especially if we declined to become tele-evangelists but missioners using a different format.

The churches may now be directly seen as congregations, not buildings. Spaces, even third places, could be utilised when and as required. Relationships could be built up with those in the community as we spend locally.

Buildings are static, congregations are far more fluid.

The ‘services’ people presume we provide could also find a suitably equivalent transformation. Rather than, as in the past with teaching, being directed from the lectern, we may find a more dialogical, two-way, approach beneficial. Those within the congregation and even those who feel that they are ‘outside’ could participate in facilitated discussions. Membership may not be so critical if buildings were not so much the focus: faith would remain central. Biblical material could then be offered which lacked a centralised focus but be far more contextual to that community.

Turning Point

As with every pandemic in the past, it offers society an opportunity to change. It reminds us of our humanity, mortality and our understanding of our beliefs. It also offers the church a moment from which it can pivot: not slowly turn, but move. Transformations require movement. As with Wesley and the Anglican Church, there was a pivotal moment. Here it is.

There isn’t a one solution fits all conclusion, but one where we need to be transformed. The Church can return to normality, or transform that normality into something which is far more inclusive, contextual and life giving. The current model of church could restrict its welcome to all, may give a unified message and with its financial structure, limit its missional capacity.

Is it the only model of Church that we know? No!

Conclusion

“See what no one else does. See what everyone chooses not to see…see the whole world anew each day” That is our quest. Can we offer the Good News in a form which is accessible to those outside of the building? In a format which anyone can understand? For that we may need to look again, as Bartimaeus wanted to do: to not look at the problem, but seek the solution.