I have a dream (with a nod to Dr. M.L. King)

Monday, January 20, 1997
Although this is not the time, I still have a dream.  I guess that is an appropriate thing to say on this day when this country takes time out to remember another man who had a dream, Martin Luther King, Jr. I doubt my dream would be as revolutionary to the country, but it might be just as revolutionary to the church.  I have a dream where a church does not have thousands and millions of dollars tied up in buildings, utilities, & maintenance that go unused 90% of the week while people can't make bills and payments and others are homeless. A church that does not have "full-time" staff members with large salaries while people need food, clothing, care, ...  A dream in which a church does not spend 90+% of its budget on the homefront when a whole world is dying without knowledge of Christ, and fewer missionaries are working on smaller budgets because people "at home" are giving less.   I dream of a church that is not run by pastors, elders, deacons, committees and such, but in which Christ is really the Head and the body and bride submits to Him in everything. I dream of a church in which people speak as the Spirit gives them utterance, in order, and for the edification of the body and glorification of the Lord.  I dream of a church that is not bound by the tradition of what we have always and only known the church to be. I dream of a church where people sell things to provide for those who lack, a church where people genuinely fellowship with one another; a church in which all suffer with one who suffers or rejoice with the one who rejoices.  I have a dream of a church that is not highly structured, but highly faithful and dependent.  I have a dream of a church that is not bound by denominations, walls, politics, ethnicity, color, gender, social class, income level, or any other thing, but Christ is all and is in all.
I suspect this "church" would have elders to lead, deacons and deaconesses to serve, and all other gifted folks ministering in faith as the Spirit leads them: serving, giving, prophesying, showing mercy, teaching, encouraging, exhorting, healing, helping, praying, administering, being faithful,  . . .  There would possibly be a "full-time" administrator/coordinator who might also double as a teacher, worship leader, secretary, or some other role as his giftings allowed.  The elders would be primarily responsible for sharing the Word, building up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.  The servants would find ways to meet the needs of the body. Evangelists and others would be involved in bringing people into the body.  Without the encumbrance of buildings, more funds would be available for missions and "benevolance," at home and abroad.  The world could see the church providing for the needs of its people, rather than for the needs of its building and staff.  The church would no longer be "owned" by the things it owns.
I believe this vision is from God, but since all times are now for God, it is difficult for me to sort out the times and circumstances under which this church will become a reality in the sense that we can experience.  When the revival that God has promised comes, there will be more people who come to Christ than our buildings can accommodate.  We need to follow Him, for He alone is faithful.  He is who He said He is, and He is able to do what He said He would do.
He will complete the work He has begun.  Let us be faithful.
I, too, have a dream, in which people of all colors, races, ethnicities, and denominations gather side-by-side, hand-in-hand in worship and service before the Lord.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Clay