Both Inclusive and Distinctive
by Paul Hazelden

Introduction

The church is called to be both inclusive and distinctive, but we find it hard to hold onto both these principles at the same time.

Distinctive

Most Evangelical churches find it easy to be distinctive.

The strong points are a clear theology of salvation and corporate identity.

The theology of salvation provides both purpose and power. A firm belief in the afterlife combined with the belief that people have an eternal destiny (however this is understood) produces a sense of purpose in life: what we do down here matters. It matters to us personally, and our actions can have a real impact on other people. More than this, the gospel is a transforming power in peoples' lives. We may not see the dead raised and the lame walking very often, but we do see people given a new start, sins forgiven, hope restored. In this context, people tend to know that they have been saved because they have experienced a clear (sometimes traumatic) conversion.

The weak points are that outsiders do not feel welcomed, and when they they do come, they do not feel they belong. They do not feel welcomed (even if the signs posted outside and the words said inside are clearly welcoming) because it is clear the newcomer is not 'one of us'. "We" are the saved, and we are very different from those who are still 'in the world'. We may dress or speak differently; we only socialise with each other.

And even if they overcome this and become members, they will probably never feel that they really belong - the message of distinctiveness preached every week has no connection with their life outside church; the struggles, difficulties, frustrations and failures of everyday existence is not reflected in the songs about victory over sin and living in the presence of Christ. "I am the only person here who suffers from such doubts and fears." Perhaps the entire congregation is made up of people who feel themselves to be outsiders.

As always, our greatest strengths are also our greatest weaknesses. The strong corporate identity makes it difficult for people to join, and the strong doctrine of salvation makes it difficult for people to feel they belong.

Inclusive

Most Liberal churches find it easy to be inclusive. The strengths and weaknesses here are the oposite of the 'distinctive' churches.