Let’s start by expanding this question beyond a brief headline: What is the mark of authenticity for a local expression of the church? There are several things that we might think of as important. We could suggest that denominational allegiance marks authenticity; some will consider that the major traditions have greater authenticity than more modern expressions of church, while many will see things the opposite way around. We might point to the importance of the theological stance. Some will consider that close reliance upon the biblical text marks authenticity, while others will emphasise the degree of openness to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. There is validity in these considerations, but we need to recognise that none are, in themselves, the mark of authenticity.
Love
Jesus taught that the preminent characteristic of the local church is love, and it would be difficult for anyone to argue with that (John 13:34,35). Unquestionably, we are called to love one another – if we don’t have genuine affection for those with whom we walk in faith, then we need to ask ourselves what our faith is actually all about. Without a doubt, love for one another is an essential mark of validity. But this still isn’t where I want to take us in our consideration of this topic. The mark of authenticity that I want to highlight is the attitude that we have toward outsiders.
Cliques
Outsiders is quite a broad term; there are various categories of people who we might think of as being on the outside, each of which is applicable to our current subject. Let me begin by suggesting that there can be outsiders on the inside, anyone who fits the ‘not one of us’ category. Even within the local church, we can be susceptible to cliques, particular groups of people who find it easy to associate together, and who struggle to embrace those who don’t quite fit in with whatever binds them (James 2:1ff). It may be that cliques have coalesced because of family connections, social class, professional status, leadership role, stage of life or how long they have known each other. These characteristics can certainly link us, and that is both natural and understandable, but it is no excuse for exclusivity amongst the people of God. Exclusivity erects a wall that is intended, whether deliberately or not, to keep others out. Within the church, there is no differentiation according to the categories outlined (or any others that I haven’t mentioned); we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).
Caring
Now we come to those who are outsiders in the sense of not being a part of the particular Christian fellowship. These may be Christians who are visiting locally, have recently relocated to the area or are looking for a new fellowship for some reason. It is not uncommon to hear of people finding some fellowships to be unwelcoming. Yes, someone may have said hello at the door upon arrival, but nobody has shown any interest in them beyond that. This is inexcusable. Now, it has to be recognised that some people are quite closed in themselves, such that even an open and accepting church may struggle to engage with them. But that is no excuse for not trying! Surely our hearts should go out to such people, compelling us to reach out to them in their need.
Blown away
Jean wasn’t with me when I made the first visit to the church we have belonged to for the past fifteen years. God had led us to relocate to Worcester to become a part of Hope church, although we had no previous connection with them. I had come on a reconnaissance to look for a potential house to buy, and to take the opportunity to attend a church meeting. Nobody from the church knew me, and I made no mention of our intention, but there was a good welcome when I arrived, followed by one or two people coming over to chat – I wasn’t left on my own. I was grateful to be introduced to the senior leader. After the service, one of the women invited me to join her family for lunch – that meant a great deal to me, and afforded the opportunity to ask lots of questions of my hosts concerning the church. As I was making my way out of the meeting hall, a man approached me hurriedly and asked rather bluntly why I was there. I said that I was just visiting, which was true enough, but he looked me in the eye and asserted that there was more to my presence than that – wasn’t there! I then told him about God’s leading us to relocate to become part of this fellowship, to which he gave me his contact details and said to get in touch if there was anything he could do to help us.
Given the mission that I was on, I was blown away at how God had provided everything that I could have asked for on an initial visit. If we had needed any confirmation of our guidance, then this was it. I recognise that the situation was exceptional, and that God was leading others concerning me, but we don’t know the circumstances of those who turn up on a Sunday morning, and we need to be ready to meet them in whatever their need. This begins by being open to outsiders; having a caring and welcoming attitude to whoever they may be. I should point out that the whole church needs to be on board with this; it isn’t just the responsibility of the leadership or the Welcome Team.
Priorities
This brings us to those who are yet to come to faith. There is a genuine ‘them and us’ when it comes to the unsaved, and we dare not lose sight of this. We can’t treat such folk as if they are like us, but at the same time, they deserve even more of our care and attention when we encounter them in a church situation. We need to reach out to them with even greater generosity of spirit. If we treat such people as outsiders, then they are likely to remain that way or, at least, remain outside of our particular fellowship. When unsaved people are bold enough to turn up to what must surely be a challenging environment for them, then we need to do all we can to make them feel wanted as individuals, even before we seek to preach to them about salvation. The latter is an act of love, but might feel like a slap in the face if they don’t first feel wanted and cared for.
Attitude
Being open to outsiders is an essential mark of authenticity for the church. Love is not an exclusive thing; it should not be inward-looking. Our love for God compels us to love others as he himself does; it is the mark of Christian authenticity towards one another, including those who are not yet ‘one of us’ in whatever sense that may be. (Hebrews 13:1,2)