Robust is Good

Robust is a good word, a positive word.

A robust cup of coffee in the morning. A robust glass of dark beer in the evening. Even a game of croquet sounds better when it is robust.

Robust is a good word, a positive word.

A robust local Christian congregation. Strong. Vigorous. Sturdy. Full bodied.

Yes, full bodied. Good for coffee. Good for beer. Good for the Kingdom.

And good for the neighborhood.

They say all politics is local. I say all peace is local.

For there to be more peace, we need a wider influence of the Prince of Peace. How and where does the Prince of Peace rule? Through local Christian congregations. Paul told the congregation in Corinth, “Now you are the body of Christ.”

A robust local Christian congregation. A more robust local Chrisitian congregation. Even more (additional) more robust local Christian congregations.

Read “Resident Aliens.” Read “The Benedict Option.” Read “How Now Shall We Live.” Read “Our Kids.” Read “Hillbilly Elegy.” Read “Alienated America.” Read The Bible. They all offer the same solution to address the problems we face today: robust local Christian congregations.

We Christians should not be in despair about what is happening around us. We should fix our eyes on Jesus and come together to develop a more robust Christian congregation where ever we live. Robust congregations have three characteristics.

First, robust congregations are characterized by members who are committed to being in worship no matter what. No matter what music is played. No matter how entertaining (or not entertaining) the sermon is. No matter how late people stayed out the night before. No matter what other games, practices or meetings try to intrude.

Such congregations find essential refreshment, strength and hope by being together in worship. Such congregations find God by being together in worship.

Second, robust congregations are characterized by members personally devoted to the Word and prayer. There is a thirst for the Word and its life giving Gospel hope. There is an urge to dwell at the throne of God in prayer.

Such congregation expect their pastors to lead the way in a life of personal devotion, but they eagerly follow and join in such devotion. Such congregations become populated by individuals and families shaped by and devoted to Christ instead of the world.

Third, robust congregations are characterized by members spending time together. Time in fellowship. Time in service. Time in study. Time in play.

Such congregations become places where people watch out for one another. Care for one another. Correct one another. Console one another. Celebrate with one another. They become places that look just a little like heaven.

There is a fourth characteristic. As congregations become more robust, they become greater blessings of love, kindness, generosity and support to their community. There is a distinction but a connection between “congregation” and “parish.” They are not synonyms. Nor are they antonyms. A congregation is a gathering together of believers in Christ. A parish is the area within which the congregation exists and the area to which God has called it to extend Gospel ministry.

The more robust the congregation, the more robust the Gospel ministry in the parish.

And what every corner of our nation (and every nation for that matter) needs more than ever is a more robust Gospel ministry.

While there may be a need for protests, changing laws, changing leaders, these are not the solution.

The solution is changing hearts. The solution is changing minds. The solution is a more robust Gospel ministry carried out through more robust local congregation.

Many harangue about “what’s wrong with the church today!” This is not haranguing; this is capturing your imagination. This is invitation.

Christian, let’s work together in Christ to develop a more robust local Christian congregation– to whichever one you belong. If you want to make a difference, if you want things to be different, this is the path.

Robust is a good word. A robust local Christian congregation is a very good thing.

That seems significant to me this week. What seems so to you?