He walks around like a rocker, with his leather Jacket and long hair. This man is in his 80's and seems to be reliving his young days, and seeking to be found appealing by 20-30 year olds. Some may see this man as silly, or sad, or even perverted.

     I heard that Campus Crusade for Christ changed its name in order to not be offensive to the culture at large, especially to Muslims who have a bad connotation with the word "Crusade". The Southern Baptist Convention is also thinking about changing its name to better reflect its demographics- There are SBC churches in the Northern United States. These moves make me think of the question, "What is Relevance?" Some think of it as looking like others, taking on the identity of others. Some think of it as delving into secular concerns (e.g. taking sides in political battles). Some apply the concept of relevance by having separate services for different populations (youth, seekers, etc.) The apostle Paul talks about being all things to all people so he might save some.

     There definitely is something commendable in being where people are, listening and dealing with their concerns. That is part of Loving our Neighbor. However, I think that in the quest to be relevant, people sometimes demean the self God gave them. Think of an old Pastor who colors his hair to take away the grayness. In his desire to reach the younger generation, he hides his age. He might have good intentons, but is denying who he is worth it? It is very tiring to make ourselves likeable, or look cool, to everybody or even to some. I don't think God intends for us to be unreal. If the Spirit is working in us, should we have more esteem for our selves- our growing wisdom which is sometimes signified by growing old, our sanctified introvertness that make us better able to have deep conversations. We should embrace the self God shapes, but not our sins.

    What drives our actions? Should it be fear that others are offended by our identity? Where do we draw the line? Would Campus Crusade for Christ sooner or later give up the offensive message of the gospel? That would not be right. We must make an effort to proclaim the gospel in a way that is understandable and meaningful, and not to put stumbling blocks along the way. Names and symbols can definitely be stumbling blocks, and we should be sensitive to those offended. However, care must be taken that acceptability before the world would not become the main factor in our decisions. The quest for acceptability is frought with problems- becoming dishonest about who we are, and the amount of energy wasted on this quest. 

     When reaching to one group, would we push away other groups? The quest for relevance, shown by the homogenous church planting movement, has the assumption that people reach those who are like them much better. Although this may have truth to it, it betrays a shallow understanding of human nature. What attracts people to other people? Although sameness in race or social standing or political position may make people comfortable with each other, kindness and empathy also does. Those are character issues that we need to work on. If we don't have kindness and empathy, even those who seem to be like us will eventually find being with us a painful experience.

     Therefore, my point is that instead of thinking about how we can be "relevant", we need to work on being kinder and empathetic people. If we just spend our energies on those who are similar to us (I understand that sometimes church planters spend more energy on "strategic" people for practical purposes, but I still think it is wrong), and spend less energy on those who are different from us, then we are guilty of favoritism. Kindness and empathy goes a long way in becoming all things to all people, even those who don't share our values.