The Shift of Christianity from Its Core Dominance in the Religious Domain - Essay Example

Discuss the Following ment: Historical Missional Movements Often Formed Their Long Term Distinctive Beliefs and Identities Based On a Founding Missional Leaders Influence Table of Contents Introduction 3 Background of the Topic 4 Arguments in Favour of the Statement 6 Arguments against the Statement 9 Critical Evaluation 11 Conclusion 13 References 15 Introduction In this present day scenario, the shift of Christianity from its core dominance in religious domain has certainly become a global concern. It can be apparently observed in this modern world that the shift or the decline in the number of Christians has further impacted the power and influence persisting within catholic society1. However, it is still believed that the US pays utmost attention in developing and promoting varied religious aspects. In this similar context, people mostly the Canadians and the Americans believe the presence of God and thus pray regularly. However, at the same, they do not desire to visit churches in order to show their faith towards God. As a result of this particular approach, it can be affirmed that several historical churches are in the verge of decline and number of people attending the same has also lessened considerably in recent past. Thus, the conversation of the missional churches or the missional movements will be quite crucial, as this is directly associated with dealing the present day problems of the churches. It is strongly believed that in the present day scenario wherein the society and the behaviour of the people is in the phase of ever changing spree, it is important that the churches also adopt an approach of transforming their look and grandeur in a manner that can influence people in the Christian society. This is mainly because not only to adopt the teachings of the Lord but also implement the same in conducting real-life activities2. With this concern, the assignment will discuss about the importance of historical missional movements and how the beliefs as well as the identities associated with such movements are influenced directly by a founding missional leader and personal beliefs. Background of the Topic The existence of different religious and communal practices throughout the world has certainly created debates about the sustainability of a particular religion. In the present day scenario, followers of a particular religion are deemed to possess sentimental approaches towards their respective beliefs and culture and intend to keep the interest of the same intact. In this regard, it can be asserted that Christianity is one of such religions, which is being practiced by people in different nations of the world in a widespread manner altogether. Notably, in this contemporary era, several people seek to join diverse missional movements in order to safeguard the interests of the religion3. Churches are also depicting active interest towards such movements as they view the same to be one of the biggest events of the Christian religion post reformation. The historical missional movements are regarded to be opposite to that of traditional movements, wherein churches usually conduct their respective activities accordingly. As per the movements, churches often deemed to follow the people centric approach rather than the program focused approach. Missional, in general, depicts the way of living of any individual and it is not related with performing any sort of activity. It is explained that missional means the way an individual thinks to get involved actively with the mission of god within his/her existence4. It must be mentioned that any person or any individual who tends to act as missional will not usually measure his/her spiritual activities or indulge into performing varied religious activities. However, there exist certain confusions regarding the aspect that how individuals or churches put all their faiths and convictions in their daily practical life activities. A clear difference exists amid missional and non-missional activities in the context of Christianity religion. In this regard, a few of the major shifts that are found to be involved with the missional movements are transformation from internal to external aspects in terms of ministry, shift from program development to people development and church based leadership to kingdom based leadership. In terms of leadership, it can be affirmed that by partaking into diverse missional movements, growth of the churches eventually transform into the development of the community altogether. People who are or will be associated with historical missional movements usually remain quite interested in their self development within the Christianity religion rather than focusing on gaining scriptural knowledge without utilising the same while performing daily activities5. Churches having substantial members eventually become missional in recent times. The activities of the missional churches will also be vital to depict in order to comprehend better about their importance in the present day context. These activities usually include processing of food for underprivileged children and initiating micro economic business within small cities among others. Missional movements mainly intend to find an appropriate answer with regards to the aspect of decreasing number of people count in churches. As per the results obtained from the conduct of a survey, it can be ascertained that the number of people who claimed to be following no religion in America has increased from 8.2% in the year 1990 to 14% by the year 2001, which is again an aspect of utmost concern6. It has been often argued that “Historical missional movements often formed their long term Distinctive beliefs and identities based on a founding missional leader’s influence”. As per this particular statement it can be stated that the aforesaid movements have been more or less controlled by the ideas and the viewpoints along with the thoughts of the leaders belonging to yesteryears. Since such movements are directly associated or deemed to be linked with the mission of God, their resemblance with the thoughts of the historical leaders could not be ignored. Contextually, in order to obtain a better understanding about whether missional movements are influenced from the thoughts and beliefs of the leaders, an analysis has been presented hereunder, which presents arguments both in favour of the above stated claim as well as against the same in an appropriate manner. Arguments in Favour of the Statement It can be determined that the historical missional movements have started way back in the history of the existence of Christianity as a form of religion. However, it was mainly in the preceding 20 years that such movements had gathered strength throughout the globe. It is worth mentioning that noteworthy changes in the way people convey the beliefs of God can be better understood from such movements in particular. A new cultural dimension with regards to the religion of Christianity can be ascertained based on the aforesaid historical missional movements. The leaders who are deemed to play active roles while introducing the movements hold the belief that churches have their own responsibilities and activities that are delegated directly by God. Moreover, leaders of the yesteryears strongly believed that God has delegated churches with several activities that must be executed with utmost priority. The leaders hold the belief of right worship and evangelism that are regarded as amid the prime responsibilities of such movements. This can also be seen as the base of historical missional movements. The leaders also have the perception that worship and evangelism will certainly act as a major component, which will steer the growth of the churches. However, little positive results had been ascertained with this approach as several disciples were found to be less disciplined, which further impacted the effectiveness of evangelism as a model for missional movement and church growth. Again, leaders of the yesteryears had the viewpoints that the aspect of evangelism and worship are interrelated to one another and they cannot be segregated with the changing context of the catholic society. Thus, this particular aspect further depicts the influence of the leaders or the founding members of the missional movements on the overall attitude and beliefs of the same7. Specially mentioning, the founding leaders of the missional movements possessed the perception that culture is an important aspect based on which the historical missionary movements can sustain and exist for long run. However, the leaders coined that beliefs of any individual are directly relevant to the aspect of religious culture within the catholic society. Missional authors or the founding leaders often revealed that the aspect of culture is a natural element in the domain of missional movement. The leaders further stressed on the fact that religion is only a particular element of culture within the missional movements and not the entire culture itself. Hence, this particular aspect shows the relationship persisting between culture and evangelism. This can also be related with the aspect that the perceptions of the leaders of the yesteryears still impose considerable impacts on the long- term beliefs and attitudes of missional movements8. Again, Christianity religion holds the belief that simply worshipping is not the way based on which one can connect with God, rather it is the way of reflecting his/her culture in the approach of worship. In this similar context, the leaders often argued that missional churches or the missional movements should concentrate in reflecting the dominant culture of the disciples. The culture of the disciples should be authentic and the same must impact the surrounding society. The leaders of the yesteryears who had proposed the missional movements further advocated that focus should be levied upon forming a common language to address several issues of catholic society so that specific and effective results could be ascertained. Again, in order to ensure a wider implication of the missional programs, measures must be taken by the missional churches to change the manner of conducting worships so that maximum number of people could be conveyed about the churches and awareness can be raised about the teachings of gospel and catholic society altogether9. Hence, from the evaluation, it can be affirmed that the influence of the leaders on the contents of the missional movements comprising the beliefs and attitudes is quite large and considerable, which further validates the notion presented by the statement. Arguments against the Statement Missional communities are believed to be formed based on the conditions prevailing within this present day flexible society rather that following orthodox approaches by distinct churches. The primary intention of the missionary movements or the formation of the same can be ascertained as conveying the teachings of Jesus in a wider manner by not focusing more on simple worshiping. This represents that the movements had been designed with the intention of encouraging people to follow the teachings of Jesus and applying the same in their personal life along with the daily activities that they perform. The movements also emphasise sharing varied sorts of works equally with regards to the teachings of Jesus within catholic society in various domains. All these particular factors clearly reveal the influence of contemporary world particularly on historical missional movements. Identifiably, people associated with such movements usually conduct their daily activities in alignment with the present day societal context and highly prioritises the primary interests of the movements. Contextually, it can be affirmed that people usually intend to form extensive bonding amid them in the form of sharing their meals, socializing in a broader dimension and conducting periodical meetings among others within the missional movements. With all these approaches or conducts associated integrally with the movements, the influence of the contemporary societal environment can be determined10. Notably, over the years of the existence of historical missionary movements, missional churches have grown extensively. However, it is still believed that a wider understanding of the same aspect is yet to be obtained by the people in different parts throughout the globe. It will be vital to mention that the historical missionary movements have both historical roots as well as contemporary influence. Numerous transformations have been witnessed in the movements over the years especially with regards to their respective purposes. The development of the movements was mainly observed in two phases comprising 1952 and 1998. During the phase of 1958, the movements had major influence on the leaders or the founders of the same. They designed the elements of the respective movements in accordance with the best of their knowledge and considering the best interests of catholic community as a whole. On the other hand, during the developmental phase of 1998 era, certain changes have been made in the movements according to the contemporary needs of the catholic society. The missional movements during this particular phase were designed or amended by six leaders within the gospel. This was mainly performed to highlight the well being of the churches, as the primary intention of the movements. Post this particular development within the movements, various literatures have been reviewed with providing special focus on the emerging challenges facing by the churches, so that a faithful missional movement can be ensured. This discussion further conclude that the beliefs and attitudes of the movements though had resemblance with the ideas of the leaders of the yesteryears, these certainly showed considerable importance to determine as well as analyse the present day issues associated with the churches. The transformation also intended to present the churches of the catholic society as an amalgamation of gathered and scattered scenarios11. Therefore, it can be ascertained that the historical missional movements have the influence of contemporary beliefs and identities apart from the views of the founding missional leaders. Critical Evaluation From the above analysis, a comprehensive understanding can be obtained about the historical significance of missional movements for the development of churches. Thus, there lies the requirement of determining whether historical missional movements and their respective beliefs as well as identities resemble the viewpoint of the founders. Notably, the movements had taken into concern both the historical perceptions of the leaders and also the changing modern day situations. Based on the above discussed dimension, it can be asserted that the historical missional movements had intended to prioritise the historical context of the issue with regards to the viewpoints of the respective founding leaders. It has been also considered that the renewed aspects based upon the idea of mission of God ensure wider awareness about the teachings of Jesus along with practical practice. Evidently, the primary elements of historical missional movements included discipleship, spirituality and leadership within the catholic community. The movements had targeted to present the churches as the leaders of catholic society. As per the ideology of the movements, churches expect to present God in a different manner and encourage people or the followers to bring the teachings of Lord Jesus into practice. However, in every phase of the development of the movements, historical significance has been paid with utmost priority and concern. In order to ensure equal distribution of the teachings of gospel within numerous sectors of the society, it is quite important to state that the missional movements prioritise considering historical events in order to obtain better and adequate results12. Missional movements have always followed the core element of serving the society and the people within the beliefs and attitudes of the leaders of the yesteryears. It has been apparently observed in this similar concern that the aspect of global awareness of the teachings of the churches amid the people within the catholic society can be attained by taking into concern the presence of historical preaching of the movements during the early part of 20th century13. In relation to the above context, major impacts of several leaders involved in historical missionary movements in the past are viewed to be persistent in this present day context. This can be better understood from the extensive influence of Lesslie Newbigin, a British theologist, with regards to the changing dimension of such movements. Justifiably, in one of the conferences, which was conducted relevant to the movements, it was proposed by Newbigin that churches could neither be considered as the starting point of the movement nor these are limited to the activities of the churches. Moreover, the theologist also presented the fact that the movements are to be executed in a wider dimension wherein people in different regions of catholic society can understand the significance of such movements and their role in executing the same effectively. Again, it was also comprehended from the above analysis that while making particular amendments within the missional movements, the viewpoints of numerous authors have been taken into concern. Newbigin also stated that the movements are directly linked with the preaching of God and hence a wider application of the same in practical practices of the people must be ensured14. Hence, with regards to the results obtained from the above analysis, it can be determined that the views and the perceptions of the founding leaders impose considerable impact on the historical missionary movements at large. Conclusion Based on the above analysis and discussion, several key results can be ascertained with regards to the implications of historical missionary movements. It will be vital to mention in this similar circumstance that the implications of such movements have certainly changed the social structure of the contemporary people by a considerable extent. It can be apparently observed in this similar concern that historical missional movements have been framed with the intention of safeguarding the integrity of the churches within the catholic society. These also highlight the aspect that churches must be paid with utmost attention in the catholic society, assuring the people to move in right directions based upon the teachings of the Lord. It is worth mentioning that missional movements have their roots way back to the early period of 20th century. However, over the years of their existence, key changes have been initiated as per the changing societal issues of catholic community. In this similar context, it is debated on whether “historical missional movements often formed their long term distinctive beliefs and identities based on a founding missional leader’s influence”. Notably, both historical perceptions of the leaders as well as the present day challenges of the catholic society were taken into concern while forming the core values of the movements. However, it must be mentioned that the entire movements ad historical implications that are associated with gospel along with founding leaders’ beliefs and identities that can be regarded as the foundational elements of the movements. Hence, it can be concluded that missional movements indeed have the influence of the founding missional leaders with regards to their respective beliefs and identities. References American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, 2014. Religion: Christianity. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/christianity.html [Accessed September 30, 2014]. Aniol, S., 2013. The Mission of Worship: An Assessment of the Missional Church Movement’s Impact Upon Evangelical Worship Philosophy and Practice. The Aquila Report. [Online] Available at: http://theaquilareport.com/the-mission-of-worship-an-assessment-of-the-missional-church-movements-impact-upon-evangelical-worship-philosophy-and-practice/ [Accessed September 30, 2014]. Carlson, R., 2007. Six Characteristics of a Missional Church. Home. [Online] Available at: https://www.abhms.org/missional_church/docs/MCT_Six_Characteristics_Missional_Church.pdf [Accessed September 30, 2014]. Fitch, D., 2013. The Missional Movement is Mostly White and What We Should do About it. Warning: Blog Post by A White Male. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.reclaimingthemission.com/?p=3920 [Accessed September 30, 2014]. Gelder, C. V. & Zscheile, D. J., 2011. The Missional Church in Perspective (The Missional Network): Mapping Trends and Shaping the Conversation. Baker Academic. Goheen, M. W., 2011. Historical Perspectives on the Missional Church Movement: Probing Lesslie Newbigin’s Formative Influence. Trinity Journal for Theology & Ministry, pp. 62-84. Roxburgh, A. J. & Boren, M. S., 2009. Introducing the Missional Church (Allelon Missional Series): What It Is, Why It Matters, How to Become One. Baker Books. Mancini, W., 2010. Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement. John Wiley & Sons. McNeal, R., 2011. Missional Communities: The Rise of the Post-Congregational Church. John Wiley & Sons. Roxburgh, A. J., 2004. The Missional Church. Presbyterians for Faith, Family and Ministry, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 1-16. Townley, C., 2011. Missional Worship: Increasing Attendance and Expanding the Boundaries of your Church. Chalice Press. Vu, M. A., 2009. Missional Church Movement - The Next Big Thing? CP Church & Ministry. [Online] Available at: http://www.christianpost.com/news/missional-church-movement-the-next-big-thing-37456/ [Accessed September 30, 2014]. Read More