It is a caricature, but for many people Church is as something external and provided; something that you can attend, go to, support, work for. There are all sorts of historical reasons for this; the separation of laity and clergy (with a dependence on clergy for all that matters); the historical creation of dedicated buildings where church happens; the way that churches are funded.
This is not only true of traditional forms of church. It can also be true of modern congregational churches; seeker friendly; offering worship experiences; run like business. Francis Chan has observed recently that such churches have become too expensive to maintain
Do you realize how volatile our system is of our church gatherings? How much money it requires?
Francis Chan, from: Premier Christian Magazine
In a smaller way, our parish churches have become too expensive to maintain; both in terms of the buildings, legal structures and the cost of stipendiary ministry (which is in reality beyond most small congregations).
In the Church of England (and in other churches e.g. The Methodist Church) this is now rapidly approaching a crisis as churches and parishes will be left with fewer clergy to look after them. And the increasing stress on clergy may accelerate retirements. There is evidence that such reductions has a depressing affect on church life and congregational numbers. So, some worry about a race to the bottom.
But there is an alternative. It is the transformation of church from something external and provided … to something organic and grown. Each church is the gathering of a particular group of people together in Christ. What that church looks like and what it does, then flows from that relationship rather than attempting to fit into a ‘one size fits all’ model of church.
Ministry is not restricted to a licensed few (let alone to just ordained clergy), but is expressed in a broader variety of ways, recognising and releasing the gifts of all the people. It is possible that this will allow the continuation of a worshiping community in each town and village (along the lines of the Parish system), but in a more flexible and dynamic way.
Such a transformation is a real challenge. It goes against a great deal of tradition, history and expectations. But, something is going to happen, and it is better to plan than face a crisis. And, it is closer to the church that scripture speaks of – more like the sort of church that God has promised to bless and Jesus has promised to build