Process

Gospel and Culture minus the Church= Parachurch
Gospel and Church minus the Culture= Fundamentalism
Church and Culture minus the Gospel= Liberalism
Gospel and Culture and the Church= Kingdom of God

We find that in parachurch organizations a sense of fulfillment that one does not find in the church. Some would say parachurch organizations exists because the church “has dropped the ball” whether in Men’s Discipleship, Women Ministries, Youth Ministries, Diaconate/Mercy Ministries, etc… The point is that something is catchy or intriguing about these parachurch organizations that cannot be found in a church.

We find that in fundamentalism culture is seen as evil or “devilish” whether that is music or movies. The emphasis here is against anything of “this world” or “culture”. Some say build castles on hilltops so we can see if the pagans are coming up to attack. The point is that something is feared as paradox to the church and gospel within culture. That culture cannot be redeemed or part of the church or gospel.

We find that in liberalism culture is so overemphasized that the gospel is no longer present. Some say that in liberalism the authority of the Word of God is lost. Gospel is no longer about a covenantal relationship between God and his people but rather about a people who are about social services, being relevant, being tolerant, etc… And here find that the Gospel is lacking. One might say why even have a church when tolerance, relevance and culture rule the day!

However, the Kingdom of God embraces all three- Gospel, Culture and Church. With Jesus stating, “I will build my church on that wicked city of Ceasara Phillipa and the gates of Hades will not overcome.” Jesus looking to his disciples and declaring to them (the Church with the Gospel) to take over the culture on that rock. Redeem creation for this is the kingdom of God.