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Churches must adapt to culture without adopting it

by: Dr. Clark Killingsworth

It’s evident that we live in a challenging time of cultural confusion as we witness the debate over the definition of marriage. The issue of same-sex marriage has become a lightening rod for the convergence of two diametrically opposed worldviews. The church is quickly finding itself as the flashpoint where the energies of this debate are being directed.

Recently, the United Church of Christ added their name to the list of those who are at the center of the debate. The resolution of the General Synod 25 in Atlanta "In Support of Equal Marriage Rights for All," calls for the recognition of equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender. This bold move by the United Church of Christ signals a clear warning for church growth practitioners. To what degree will the church adapt to the culture in order to reach people who need the Savior? Are there limits? What is our source of authority as we seek to be pragmatic in our methods and relevant to this generation?

Scripture is, of course, the ultimate authority for the Church Growth Movement. Whenever we cease to proclaim a Savior who can be known through the written Word, we have been loosed from our moorings and have shipwrecked the faith. True church growth cannot occur apart from submission to the authority of the Word of God. Our tools, our methods, our theology, and our philosophy of ministry must always bow in submission to scriptural authority.

With that having been said, what seems to be driving the demand for same-sex marriage? Is it not the desire to dethrone the traditional view of marriage as the one paramount obstacle to the full normalization and acceptance of same-sex relationships?

The traditional Judeo-Christian worldview is of course among the greatest obstacles to proponents of same-sex relationships. At the heart of the debate is not simply the definition of marriage, but more importantly, the interpretation of Holy Scripture. Specifically, is the Bible authoritative? If not, then we are free to live as we please and can choose to follow whichever source of authority seems most appealing to us. However, if Scripture is the final and ultimate authority, then we cannot disregard it and please God at the same time.

Just as Scripture permeates every facet of life for Christians who are committed to understanding its meaning and obeying its precepts, so shall it permeate every decision and action of the church growth practitioner. In short, the Bible shapes our worldview and guides our decisions.

Understand, I do not advocate bibliolatry—that is the worship of the Bible. No, Jesus Christ is the object of our worship and we do not impose the Bible between ourselves and our Savior. We use the Bible, however, as the medium by which we come to know Christ. God has revealed himself to us throughout the pages of Scripture. We come to know Christ through the Word of God because he has revealed himself to us through the gospels. Thus, the Bible is our seat of authority.

With regard to the issue of marriage, it was not an invention of man. It is the gift of God to us. In Genesis chapter two we read, "The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’" (Gen. 2:18, NIV). So God created a helper suitable for him. He created a woman and gave her to the man, "this is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh" (Gen. 2:24, HCSB).

Thus, marriage originated with God, and so too the definition of marriage. God created marriage as both an institution and a relationship between a man and a woman. It is a covenant relationship between a man a woman and God.

Jesus affirmed and upheld this basic definition of marriage (See Matt. 19:4-6; Mk 10:6-9). Later Paul expounded upon this understanding of marriage as a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman parallel to that of Christ and his church (See Eph. 5:21-31).

Nowhere in scripture do we find any other definition of marriage being suggested. To define marriage any way other defies biblical authority.

The understanding of marriage as stated above is a loving, albeit a "tough love" affirmation of marriage the way God designed it. Since the Bible speaks to us as the oracle of God we must measure all human conduct, creeds and religious opinions against the standard of Holy Scripture.

In the Bible we discover God, and in discovering God we discover ourselves and life the way he designed. It is through such a personal relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, lived in submission to his Holy Word that we find ultimate fulfillment, purpose, and meaning in life.

Marriage reflects the God-given capacity for a man and woman to enter into a covenantal relationship parallel to that between Christ and his church. Same-sex marriage redefines and relativizes marriage because same-sex relationships are simply incapable of replicating the created natural order and divine intention.

The United Church of Christ says that scripture should be interpreted through the lens of the Gospel. Through that lens, they say, the message always bends toward inclusion. Certainly, God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

But truth can only be known through repentance of sin and faith in Christ. We must submit to his Word. We cannot make his Word subservient to us, or our cultural demands, and live in obedience at the same time.

The United Church of Christ has rejected clear biblical teaching with regard to human sexuality and marriage. They have dismissed Old Testament law as being entirely irrelevant. Jesus affirmed the inspiration of the Old Testament scriptures (Matt. 5:17-18). He often quoted from the Old Testament with equal authority.

Thus the Church Growth Movement affirms the verbal plenary view of the inspiration of Scripture. Wherever the church caves in to cultural opinion at the cost of affirmation, acceptance, and obedience to the Word of God, we cease to be the Church of Jesus Christ.

We may succeed in growing a church but not The Church of our risen Lord and Savior—the Word of God who became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Clark Killingsworth is pastor of College Avenue Baptist Church in Normal, Ill. He is a licensed and certified Church consultant available for consultation in the areas of prayer and fasting, church health, strategic planning and church growth. He can be reached at cskillingsworth@insightbb.com.