I have heard that statement a few times, and perhaps you have heard it or even said it yourself. I always wonder, though, what is the alternative? “I like disorganized religion?”
First, let me stop and examine this. What exactly do you mean by “organized religion?” This week, we had a gas leak at our church, and an emergency dispatcher had to walk throughout the building. She was a very nice lady who had attended church years ago, but during our conversation, she mentioned that she didn't like organized religion. I asked her, after walking through nearly every room of our church, if we looked very organized. We both laughed! I then asked her to clarify what she meant, and she explained that it was mainly the larger denominations that bothered her. I can understand that. There are some religious organizations that have become so organized that they literally operate like businesses. Some own property all over the country and seem to spend more time managing their assets than ministering to people. I have issues with that as well.
I explained to her that we are organized in the sense that Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18). We choose to cooperate with other churches of like faith, and all of our church's business and major decisions are made by our own congregation. We strive to stay organized enough to keep the lights on and accomplish the work and ministry God has called us to do. After all, the Bible does tell us in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “But everything is to be done decently and in order.” I always think about the alternative, which would be disorganized religion. But perhaps we should also examine the word religion itself.
I have often said that religion is man's search or attempt to reach God, but Christianity is about a relationship. It is about God coming down to us and initiating a real, loving relationship with us. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Think about that! We didn't have to find our way to God. He came to us! If we work, we work for an organization. If we belong to a club, we are part of an organization. If we go to a gym to work out, it is an organization. Even when we go out to eat, we are supporting an organization.
There is nothing inherently wrong with being organized. However, if that organization only exists to serve itself, then there is a problem. And yes, a church can certainly fall into that category.
But if that church is living out the Gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, loving its neighbors, caring for those in need, making disciples, and making a lasting, eternal impact on its community and the world itself, well, that is an organization I can get behind! Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” The church was never intended to exist simply for itself. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching a lost and hurting world with the love and hope of the Gospel. Perhaps the real question isn't whether a church is organized, but whether it is organized around the right purpose. And that purpose should always be Jesus Christ!
