The importance of order cannot be underestimated. Disorder and chaos are not the best environments in which we thrive.
Likewise there is nothing wrong with routine in and of itself. Indeed some find great safety in the familiar. Risk.is reduced, the likelihood of things going out of control are minimised. This is comforting and a point of stability for some.
My experience has been, however, that there can be dangers to this when not considered in the light of the purpose of the exercise. Planting this in the context of the church, this means often gatherings can be accustomed to the order of things to such an extent they don’t consider if the way things are being done genuinely meets the purpose of being church.
A great example of this is in the set day and times for gatherings. Some consider these to virtually be inflexible and consistent attendance as the hallmark of holiness. The scripture wheeled out to support sucb adherence is the golden text in Hebrews 10 that says we shouldn’t neglect the assembling of ourselves. So missing a Sunday, mid-week, or other scheduled meeting is deemed from a serious cause for concern to proof of backsliding. In such strident attitudes little thought is given to the underlying purpose of gathering seen even in this verse.
The context of the verse talks about mutual encouragement, provoking each other to good works. If this is taken seriously, are the forms in which we gather geared to prioritise that? Sadly the experience of some is nothing like it. All because a routine has been in place for years which the collective have never challenged.
This brings me to the brothers and sisters I.mention in the title – the gatekeepers.
Groups that exist for a period of time will tend to have these types. They are the influential types. They need no title to wield their power in the group. They know how things run. They know how things have run. They are ever vigilant to ensure that keeps going. They express themselves overtly and are just as discreet to get their point across subtly. They suss out the threat to the status quo and take the steps to snuff it out.
I don’t write this as though the role is purely negative. Gatekeepers are great at ridding us of real threats to our health. When values are in line with a group of people who are surrendered to following God’s will these gatekeepers play a pivotal role in warding away divisive forces.
What has tended to happen, unfortunately in some Christian gatherings, is that the gatekeepers look to reinforce a system of doing church that’s got more to do with following their own agenda, rather than the Kingdom Agenda. Woe betide anyone who messes with this way of doing things.
Such is the reach and influence of gatekeepers that because of the wrong values embedded in the group, there appears to be little hope for change. This, however, does not have to be the case.
First, it’s worthwhile evaluating the different values on which the group gather. It’s worth consistently reflecting on these and seeing how faithful your actions are in the light of His call.
Secondly it remains good to honour the gatekeepers. Persistent practices in peacemaking can make a change in the hardest hearts through humility. Even if they never get the revelation of how the formats used now and for a few decades need not be the best suited for our current context. It’s worth not antagonizing gatekeepers.
Identifying and engaging with such key folks can be helpful to our own development and understanding of a situation. Sometimes it has to be acknowledged that some gatekeepers may not be at the place to change. Nevertheless, wisdom and insight is key in this important area of individual and collective growth.
The goal remaining the effective safekeeping of the community as it continues to progress to maturity in Christ.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 