Let’s be honest…
In a world rapidly changing, the church is standing at the precipice of a pivotal transformation. This isn’t just another minor shift; it’s a seismic movement signaling that the very heart of worship and community is being redefined.
Enter the Nomads
Enter the ‘nomads,’ as Terry Walling calls them—a growing population within the family of Jesus hungering for an authentic expression of church that resonates deeply with who they are. These “seekers” are not lost; they’re on a deliberate journey longing to embody their faith in ways that are raw, real, and rooted in the life of Jesus.
The problem is that most churches aren’t connecting with those longing for deep connection with Jesus. Not because their theology is weak or because the preaching is weak or the music weak, but because the relationships are weak. And when relationships are weak, spiritual formation is weak.
What Should Churches Do?
What then, should the church do? How should the church respond to these ‘nomads’ who long for deep connection with God, with other believers, and with their neighbors?
The church’s mission, should it choose to accept it, is to transition into what Terry Walling describes in his book, Unlikely Nomads, as “bridging churches”. These are the communities that will open their doors, not to merely welcome nomads in, but to journey alongside them into the unfolding mystery of faith.
What are Bridging Churches?
Bridging churches are faith communities that are willing to hold loosely their traditional ecclesiastical models to forge spaces where doubt is not feared, questions fuel growth, and fellowship means bearing each other’s burdens with hearts of compassion. They are the nexus where ancient truth meets contemporary quest, and where spiritual continuity meets emergent spiritual expressions.
To become a bridging church is no small feat; it requires a brave deconstruction, not necessarily of faith, but of established patterns, and an inspired reconstruction that honors the core of Christian discipleship while welcoming the nuances of individual spiritual experiences.
Churches aiming to meet the nomads on their turf are willing to pivot from programmatic to personal, from preaching to partnering, and from maintaining to missioning.
This means listening intently to the stories of those that walk through their doors and responding with grace. Bridging churches nurture environments where anyone can find support, guidance, and companionship on their spiritual journey. Their leaders are willing to be vulnerable, share their own wilderness experiences, and demonstrate in their own lives that faith is a journey we undertake together, not in isolation.
Leaning Into the Church’s Potential
Leaning Into the Church’s PotentialThe emergence of nomads in our midst is an invitation. It is an invitation to embrace lean into the church’s potential to become that pivotal bridge for these nomads who carry with them the hope for a church that truly reflects the vibrant nature of a life lived in Jesus.
This is an important time and an important moment. This is a time to be courageous, trusting that God is with us even when we move beyond our comfort. This is a time for churches and pastors to become the architects of bridges that faithfully support and celebrate every step of every person’s spiritual journey.
As Terry Walling describes in Unlikely Nomads, this is a moment of awakening, and the church has the opportunity to not just witness, but actively participate in the beautiful unfoldings of faith and faithfulness in our time.
CLICK HERE to order Terry Walling’s fantastic book, Unlikely Nomads: In Search of the New Church.
You can also listen to a great conversation with Terry Walling RIGHT HERE on the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast.
