A forgotten pledge?

[TruelightUK]

In 1974 , the Lausanne Congress for World Evangelisation made the following statement:

"All of us are shocked by the poverty of millions and disturbed by the injustices which cause it. Those of us who live in affluent circumstances accept our duty to develop a simple lifestyle in order to contribute generously to both relief and evangelism" (Lausanne Covenant,Paragraph 9)

Almost 30 years on, how much of this is actually reflected in the lives of most Western evangelical protestant churches represented at that congress? Indeed, how many of you even knew such a committment was ever made on your behalf?

Anthony

 

[JohnR7]

>> how many of you even knew such a committment was ever made on your behalf?

I know what the Bible says. If our brother has a need and we do not help him, our faith is in vain.

 

[ZiSunka]

most Western evangelical protestant churches

Love is not a church thing, it is a personal thing. Whether your "church" was there or not, whether you were aware of the commitment or not, you owe your own life to Christ, and should do everything possible to live under his teachings and example. If you see someone in need, if you have the ability and opportunity to help them, that should be considered your call to do it.

Regardless of whatever your churches leadership signed you up for, love for even the least of your siblings-in-Christ should be automatic.

 

[TruelightUK]

Originally posted by lambslove


Love is not a church thing, it is a personal thing..Regardless of whatever your churches leadership signed you up for, love for even the least of your siblings-in-Christ should be automatic.

I totally agree. Yet it has to be recognised that the way such things are taught in churches will greatly influence the way they are valued and implemented by individuals within those churches. And, from my observations, the stance of many mainline and minority evangelical denominations on the issue of lifestyle and compassion for the poor can be at best low-key, and, all too often, decidedly at odds with Biblical teachings. (thinking of various strands of 'prosperity gospel'). In its early years, the Church represented a distinct counter-culture within society, but, for the most part, I see our Western churches as conforming to an upholding the materialistic values of society at large.

The Lausanne churches recognised this and acknowledged their responsibility to question and resist such tendencies. Yet how many evangelical churches today actively foster simple lifestyles among their congregation? How strongly (if at all) do such issues as social justice feature on your average church's agenda? How often does the preacher at your church actually challenge you on such matters as consumerism, giving to the poor, fair trade policy etc.?

Anthony

 

[seebs]

I would hope that a pastor would stay well clear of concepts of "fair" trade unless he's got a pretty good degree in economics. The effects of economic policy decisions are often surprising unless you've studied the field - and advocating something that sounds nice, and has bad effects, doesn't help anyone.

 

[LouisBooth]

hmm...is that just economics or other fields as well?

 

[TruelightUK]

Originally posted by seebs
I would hope that a pastor would stay well clear of concepts of "fair" trade unless he's got a pretty good degree in economics. The effects of economic policy decisions are often surprising unless you've studied the field - and advocating something that sounds nice, and has bad effects, doesn't help anyone.

Okay, on a complex world political level, you probably have a point. But on a more practical day-to-day level, what about issues like buying fairly traded goods, where the producers reap a 'fair' share of the proceeds, rather than boosting the profits of multi-national companies which exploit third world workers?

Anthony

 

[ZiSunka]

I totally agree. Yet it has to be recognised that the way such things are taught in churches will greatly influence the way they are valued and implemented by individuals within those churches.

I disagree, unless you are letting your church do all your thinking and studying for you!

Since you know the right thing to do, what is keeping YOU from doing it? What are YOU doing to fight injustice and proverty, and how are you influencing other Christians around you to fight them?

Did Jesus mandate a church structure, or did he call each of us to live for him? Do we do what our church does, or we do as he did?

 

[TruelightUK]

Originally posted by lambslove
I disagree, unless you are letting your church do all your thinking and studying for you!

I'm not - otherwise I wouldn't be posting threads like these! Neither, I guess, atre most of us who frequent Boards such as this. However, the sad fact is that we are probably in a minority. Many Christians do rely almost exclusively on their pastor etc. to tell them what to beleive. Some because they are not particularly intellectual or literate, others out of laziness or fear. Statistics tell us that relatively few people actually read their Bibles outside of a church service, let alone think seriously about what is said therein, or read other men of God's thoughts - unless explicitly recommended by their own leadership. Indeed, some evangelical leaders try very hard to censor their members' reading, to ensure thy form no 'subversive' opinions!

Since you know the right thing to do, what is keeping YOU from doing it?

Very little, apart from the general inertia of society around me, and my own inbuit desire for comfort!

What are YOU doing to fight injustice and proverty, and how are you influencing other Christians around you to fight them?

Well, for a start, I'm posting stuff like this at forums like this ! As for my own lifestyle choices etc., you can check out my website - http://www.geocities.com/aduncalf - for some clues. But I have no wish to blow my own trumpet - suffice it to say this is an area which increasingly impacts my thinking and behaviour.

Did Jesus mandate a church structure, or did he call each of us to live for him? Do we do what our church does, or we do as he did?

A very good question, and one deserving of a thread of its own! In brief: we are, of course, individually called to follow him, and give account for our actions. However, he also founded a community of believers called the Church - at least in part to support, encourage, challenge and even upbraid one another towards more godly living. Where the church leadership - ministry gifts to bring us to maturity - fail to take their responsibilities seriously in this regard, the members tend to 'fail to thrive' as Christ intended.

Anthony