Will the “Real†Church Please Stand Up?
Many years ago and in the black and white days of television, a very popular quiz show attracted many viewers. It was called “To Tell the Truth.”
Each week three guests, all claiming to be the same person, would answer questions about their occupation. Only one was telling the truth. The other two were imposters.
A panel of people were given the opportunity to ask questions of each of the guests, in hopes of identifying the “real” person. At the end, members of panel would each guess which person was telling the truth. The moderator would then say, “Will the real ______ please stand up.” Oftentimes, there was great surprise!
Going to the Christian bookstore these days reminds me of that quiz show. The bookshelves are filled with so many new titles for Church. Here is a short list of different titles:
- Future
Church - Externally Focused Church
- Equipping Church
- Emerging Church
- Missional Church
- Kingdom-focused
Church - Connecting Church
I’ve got to admit that I’ve read most of these books and more. For over 27 years I’ve read countless books on Christian leadership and church growth. I like to keep up with current thought and applications. In my opinion, all of these authors are right “on target” with their thoughts. I highly recommended their works!
But I wonder about the next generation of young people who are searching for truth. They are asking a lot of questions. They want simple answers without all the rhetoric. In many cases they search for the same things we’ve all been looking for – real Christians and real Church.
So, with all the new titles of Church on the bookshelf, which one do we recommend to young people? What if they are only interested in reading just one?
In order for us to reach this next generation for Christ, we must be ready and able to answer the question, “Will the real Church please stand up?”
I have my opinion about this. What’s yours?
