Missions Blog for Churches

The following is a book review on Why We Love the Church: In praise of institutions and organized religion, by Kevin DeYoung & Ted Kluck. I wrote this for an edition of MTW’s InVision periodical, and it had to be edited in half for it (because I wrote 1000 words before I asked and found out that they wanted only 500 words). Thanks to a gracious editor! It is certainly more readable and probably a little less edgy. I thought I would post the entire, original review here for any who may want to read it. I can save you the time and just tell you to get this book and read it yourself. It is very easy to read and is probably the quickest I’ve ever read any book. You’ll laugh more than once. I promise. I honestly hope every RUF campus minister gets a stack of these books and hands them out like candy (and if you are one and are interested, contact me so I can help you with the hook up at Moody). I hope every young adult SS teacher either reads the book so he can understand where his people are. And everyone else, because if we’re all honest, we have all at one point or another been fed up with the church.

Why We Love the Church
In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion
By Kevin DeYoung & Ted Kluck

There was really one thing that compelled me to read this book. On the front cover is a quote by J.I. Packer that states, “Bible-centered, God-centered. As I read, I wanted to stand up and cheer.” That excited me, kind of like getting to see E.T. when I was an eight-year-old-kid. Anything that makes J.I. Packer want to stand up and cheer excites me.

The book isn’t my normal staple of reading, although I’d probably read more if it were. The style is witty and the content meaty. It may not be as appreciated by those preceding Generation X, but almost certainly will by those in it and younger.

Its subject is the church (visible). I don’t think any Christian would say they don’t like the Church (invisible). And after writing Why We’re Not Emergent, this subject is an appropriate follow-up. There is a growing trend in American Christianity to abandon the local church in its current form and discover new ways to “be the church,” like, “three guys drinking pumpkin spiced lattes at Starbucks talking about the spirituality of the Violent Femmes and why Sex and the City is really profound.”

But I must admit that what I was thinking about as I started reading were all the reasons I was frustrated with the church. My wife and I went through a period where we were ready to give up on the church. Seriously. We didn’t tell people, but the hurt we’d experienced by those in the church was so deep and had affected our lives to the point that we felt like we weren’t even the same people we once were (we honestly thought our lives had been ruined). This was enough to make us discuss what our options were when it came to church. By God’s grace, he didn’t allow us to forget His Word. But I say that to let you know that this book was personal, in a very unexpected way.

The style of the book reminded me of a favorite series of mine, Calvin and Hobbes. It is full of blunt honesty and sarcasm. But it isn’t complete cheekiness. I haven’t underlined/highlighted a book this much since I read a different Calvin. This was true more of Kevin’s chapters than Ted’s, but that is no slight to Mr. Kluck.

Kevin is the pastor and Ted is the layperson. They are both excellent writers, but Ted is the professional. Although he isn’t stacking theological bricks the way Kevin does, his writing is no less meaningful. It’s mostly anecdotal, yet illustrative of what they are, together, trying to communicate about why church is essential for the Christian (and isn’t an option to be discarded at will). Reading this book is kind of like having a multi-course meal (Kevin’s chapters) with a round of dessert between each course (Ted’s chapters).

If space weren’t an issue, I would share at least sixty-eleven quotes (ask someone under fifty if that doesn’t make sense). So here are just a couple of notables. If you’re still not sure you want to read this book, go to the bookstore and turn to page 13. Start reading the Mad Lib at the bottom. The cashier will be handing you your receipt before you finish it.

The book confronts the church’s mission and the fact that many are leaving the church (or are embarrassed by the church) because she isn’t doing enough. But the authors carefully point out that the direction many are headed, who describe themselves as missional, is no different from the world and these issues are really not difficult to support. “When young people talk about the church getting involved in social justice, they almost always have in mind sex trafficking, oppression and death in Darfur, AIDS, or some other social cause.” DeYoung continues, “Most of their causes demand nothing of us Christians except psychological guilt and advocacy…the problems are almost always far away and the solution involves other people caring more.” And then the charge, “let’s make sure as Christians that our missional concerns go farther than those shared by Brangelina and the United Way.” His point? Let’s make sure we get to the Gospel.

Finally, I said the book was personal. It may seem contradictory to share this quote and tell you it convicted me, but the Epilogue (a discourse on original sin) may help explain. DeYoung writes, “in our hypertherapeutic culture, we all need to realize that sometimes being in touch with our pain and being real about our doubts and authentic about our struggles is a form of narcissism and self-absorption more than maturity. We could all use a little less complaining and a little more gratitude.” Ouch.

It’s not a spoiler for me to tell you that the consensus of DeYoung and Kluck is that we not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The church is biblical, and they make a strong case for it. If you don’t think this defense is necessary today, you would do well to read the book. It is a reactionary book, so there are some hyperbolic tendencies. Some may criticize this. I think it works.

I think everyone in Generation X and younger (the under 50 crowd) would benefit greatly from reading this. It will help church leaders think critically about shepherding the flock, and particularly how they can avoid the temptation to become another marketing machine. For lay people, it will give them a concise ecclesiology as well as help them “to be careful that their disillusionment does not become an idol, [and] that they do not find their identity in being jaded.”

Additionally, missionaries and missions leaders in the church have a lot to gain from this book. Although the context is the American church, the issues are not limited to America. And the answers given by DeYoung and Kluck are universal because they are biblical.

Click here to order this book or read further reviews of it on Amazon.com.

Yesterday, Mission to the World (MTW) coordinator, Dr. Paul Kooistra, issued a letter of update and appeal for the long term needs in Haiti. I’ll paste his letter below.

I’m convicted by how quickly this situation fades from my mind. And I get pretty regular doses of it too, not to mention having edited (and am currently working on another) a few video projects. You’d think if anyone could remain mindful and prayerful of the needs in Haiti it would be someone like me. But I don’t. My kids help a lot. They remind me when we pray, all the things I’ve forgotten. And they remind me to pray for Haiti.

Dear Friends,

The crisis in Haiti has now become chronic. There are other big stories to cover, and media attention has dropped away. But orphans still roam the streets, many people are left with disabilities, and much of the population is living under shelters made with sheets and tablecloths. At the same time, life is about to become far more grim with the onset of the rainy season. Few of those who are affected have tents or shelter. The situation is made worse because of the lack of sanitation, which leads inevitably to disease and even greater suffering. Beyond the immediate, much building is needed—homes, schools, hospitals, and basic infrastructure.

The face of suffering is wearying, isn’t it? It is easier than we think to become accustomed to perpetual despair and need.

At MTW, we are preparing for long-term ministry among the Haitian people. While we can’t meet the needs of a nation, we can bring medical care and longer-term assistance to individuals with disabling injuries. We can establish care for orphans through our StreetChild Ministry. We can send short-term teams to help with construction. We believe new churches can be established and existing churches can grow. And we bring with us the greatest treasure of all—the gospel.

We are also hearing reliable reports that there has been an unprecedented surge of spiritual interest among the Haitian people. When the president of Haiti called for three days of fasting and prayer, the nation came to a stop. Most people gathered in their churches—or in the streets—in worship and prayer. Those scenes call to mind the words of Christ from John 4:35 in which He said, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields. They are white unto harvest.” There are many hard places in the world to carry the gospel, but in Haiti hearts are open. The fields are white. We have an unprecedented opportunity to proclaim the gospel in word and deed.

We are asking members of PCA churches to commit to giving toward Haiti recovery for one year. Attached to this message are a brochure and a commitment form that you can print and use if your congregation would like to participate. You’ll see that commitments of any size are welcome, as are one-time gifts. It could be a good project for groups or for families.

Thank you for considering the involvement of your church in this effort. We believe that we, together, have an unprecedented opportunity to serve the people of Haiti and grow the kingdom of God.

In Christ,
Dr. Paul Kooistra

PS: We are also posting the attached brochure and commitment form on our website (www.mtw.org/haiti). There you will also find regular updates and a prayer guide for Haiti. Your prayers are even more important than your gifts.

The church planting team in Nagoya, Japan, challenged by growth and the need for more space, has recently been presented with an opportunity to purchase an ideally located building in the center of the city where they are working. Michael Oh is the MTW team leader for this effort, and has a heart for Christ and for Japan that I truly find envious (in the best sense of the word). Michael is a gifted communicator and preacher, which is evidenced by his speaking gigs over the past year (Desiring God’s Pastors’ Conf, Urbana, etc…). Here is a little more info and a video that will let you see the work and current opportunity before them. Please pray for the MTW Nagoya Team.

The 2010 PCA Global Missions Conference is scheduled for November 5-7, 2010 in Chattanooga, TN. Join fellow believers from across the PCA in Chattanooga this November in a joyous celebration of hope hosted together by Mission to the World and Covenant College. Hear about the work of Christ in church planting, mercy ministry, medical outreach, student internships, arts in missions, and much more. Personally connect with others in the PCA as well as in the global church. Learn more about partnerships. Be challenged by ministry updates. Prayerfully explore your role and that of your church. Encourage others. Most of all, join in the worship of Christ—The Hope of Nations!

Plenary speakers include Paul Kooistra and Joe Novenson. Dozens of workshops on various subjects pertaining to missions will be held. This is a highly encouraging and practical three days. Plan on being there! If you can’t be sure your church’s missions committee is sending representation. Click here to find out more and sign up.

This is the second video from the second disaster response team that went to Haiti.

This is a video from the second MTW team that served in Haiti. The third team is currently on the ground and serving.