In a recent Conversation class we talked about how the church has lost respect in the culture and how it is being more and more marginalized. We addressed a question: What are some adjustments local churches might want to consider to regain respect in the culture?

In the discussion it was asked, “Does the Church need the respect of the culture?” We concluded that it does not. The church should go about the business of being the church with or without the respect of the culture. We don’t get our affirmation from culture; we get our affirmation from God.

We’re not out particularly to tick off the culture but the culture needs to know that we are a community of God in the name of Jesus. We are shaped and formed by the One we believe is Messiah, Lord of the universe. So, in fact, we are a community within the community, a culture within the culture.

It is our business to bring the voice of God into the human experience. Whether or not His voice will be heard is an issue that the culture must take upon itself. However, the answer the culture gives will not stop the church from being the church. So, we say, the church does not need the respect of the culture.

We appreciate what the culture potentially can bring into human experience, but we do not bow to culture; we bow to God. With the first church we say, WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN (ACTS. 5:29).