Every institution's unstated first goal is to survive
From nakedpastor:
I believe every institution's unstated first goal is to survive and grow, not to undertake the mission it has nominally claimed for itself. So even if our church claims to be about authenticity and relationship, that may not be true. We may actually be willing to sacrifice true relationship for the sake of the perpetuity of the institution. I feel it is urgent to consider this. I realize this is a sobering thought, but I believe we need to be honest about this to-the-death tension that exists between institutions (particularly the church) and people if we are concerned with the wellness and freedom of human beings.
I think the author is painting with some pretty broad strokes. Isn't survival the first step in a thriving ministry? Jesus may call us to take up the cross, but what does that mean exactly? is the best church the one that has died?
Don't get me wrong. I have huge reservations with the priorities of many churches. But to say that ALL institutional churches are firstly concerned with survival is a little too sweeping of a statement.
Just some initial reactions.
kgp
Kevin,
Some good thoughts.
I'm not anti-institutional but I think it's helpful to at least admit that most face the temptation to move from mission to institutional maintenance. It's usually a temptation, but it can be resisted.