In the past, I have shared some of my concerns for the American church. Here, however, I propose some positive changes that will have lasting beneficial impacts. We need to create social structures, contexts, and cultures that form: 

Deep Relationships

We must move beyond surface-level interactions to genuine, heartfelt connections where members know and care for one another. We must practice the “one another” passages of Scripture. I believe we should make it increasingly difficult for people to avoid relationships. I think we should purposely move away from online church. 

Intergenerational Community

Move away from siloes. The Bible talks about the importance of older people teaching younger people. We must purposely integrate people of all ages to foster mutual learning, encouragement, and faith formation. Older Christians can mentor younger ones, while younger members bring fresh perspectives and energy. 

Shared Meals and Fellowship

We must work against isolation and regularly gather for meals to cultivate hospitality, build relationships, and create a sense of family. This practice mirrors the practice of the early church, and people are hungry for it (pun intended).  

Relational and Everybody Evangelism

All Christians have a missional mandate, not just pastors. Every Jesus follower must be equipped to live out their faith in the places they work, live, and play, being salt and light in the world. So, church leaders should help those in their sphere of influence share the gospel through authentic relationships rather than relying on an invitation to church or church programs. 

Hospitality

We must develop both open homes and hearts to welcome others, creating a culture of generosity and inclusion. Hospitality must not be seen as something that happens through a team in a church building on Sunday, but through the church body every day of the week, all over the place. Hospitality is a vital expression of Christian love and a powerful evangelistic tool.  

Mutual Ministry

Every member of Jesus’ body must be equipped to use the spiritual gifts God has already given them for the common good, rather than relying on a “superpastor” or professional clergy. This reflects the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers. Leaders must, as Ephesians 4 says, “equip the saints for the work of the ministry,” not just perch themselves on a stage like a special professional. 

Body-Centric Instead of Building-Centric 

“Church” is the called-out people of God. Church is not a building; it is a body. The church gathers to be built up, and it scatters to bless the broken world. Church is not an event. Church is not something we go to. Church is something the people of God are. We must change our language and practice of seeing church as a building and a mere event. 

Authenticity Over Artificiality

We must be real for real. We must be honest about our struggles and joys and avoid curated or staged experiences. The church should be a “hospital” for the broken, not a “beauty pageant.” We must love as we have been loved—real, deep, incarnational. 

Unity and Collaboration

The reality is there is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:4-6). So, as Christians, we should not compete with other Christians. Instead, we should foster unity in the church and across churches because the reality is that there is only one universal Church with Christ Jesus the Great Shepherd as our head. To Him we will all give an account. Thus, churches and church leaders must focus on Kingdom growth rather than competition.

Conclusion

There are definitely some valid concerns about the American church (see e.g., here and here). As Christian Smith found in his extensive study, essentially “the vibes are off” in the modern American church.[1] More pizzazz is not the solution, and neither is mega church. Instead, I propose we get back to the simple center. We don’t need more entertainment and attractions. We need deep discipleship and the structures, contexts, and cultures that help discipleship flourish, not contradict it. 

Notes

[1] Christian Smith, Why Religion Went Obsolete, 338. “The issues, rather, thrash around the semiconscious subjectivities of young people who rove about their lives with fine-tuned antennae sensing whether or not things give off the right ‘vibe.’ Does it ‘resonate?’ Does it give off ‘good energy?’ Life in this dimension is sorted out in realms of tacit, intuitive, instinctive knowledge and response–always informed by the background zeitgeist. Cultural mismatch meant that, for most younger Americans, traditional religion did not resonate, so they discarded it” (Smith, Why Religion Went Obsolete, 64). 

Photo by Karl Fredrickson