The Internet is a fascinating compendium of thoughts from millions of people. I could spend countless hours reading blogs from around the world on which people offer their ideas and many other people react. I have been fascinated by many of the exchanges I have read – at the depth of thought, the profanity-laced and vitriolic interactions, the creativity, the ignorance, the compassion demonstrated toward the disadvantaged, the lust some people have for seeing their words in print despite having nothing much to say. It’s all there on the web and there is no greater demonstration of what lies in the hearts of people, and how we have altered our core values, than to observe the progression – or, perhaps, regression – displayed on the Web.
Recently someone sent me a review from the Internet of a book about two guys who love the local church and have decided that I don’t. I’d been aware of the existence of the book and had heard that it was rather insulting toward me and the research I’ve done over the last decade, in particular. One section of the review of the book said this:
“Both authors are out to mercilessly destroy all things related to George Barna. Well, not really, but Barna has been a champion of the ‘Christ without church’ cause, and I must say… they crush Barna.”
Admittedly, I was startled – and hurt – by that characterization. Somehow I have become the “champion of the Christ-without-church cause.” How did that happen? Yes, I wrote a book (Revolution) that states the Bible does not call us to “go to church” but to be the Church. That does not mean that we should never assemble with other believers to worship God, to serve others, to grow together or to share our faith with non-believers! To the contrary, the meaning of church is not a building with programs and events but a gathering of people who love Christ and want to honor Him through their lives. Attending a service at a conventional church may accomplish that – and, according to our research, often does not. The challenge is for us to convert our alleged beliefs into action in order for people to know us by our love and to enable them to evaluate us by the spiritual fruit we bear.
Americans–perhaps people everywhere, I don’t know–do have a tendency to shortcut the facts. Reporters regularly misquote people or present subjective perspectives under the guise of journalistic objectivity. Lawyers and politicians have elevated the practice of manipulating facts to fit their case to a fine art. And sadly, my own observation suggests that many pastors regularly abuse scriptural passages (e.g., proof texting) and data to further their arguments. And Christians, based on our studies, are often indistinguishable from everyone else when it comes to how we treat other people who disagree with us.
One of the most memorable pieces of correspondence I have ever received was from an internationally-known pastor who had written a smoldering book opposing a book I had written about church marketing. The odd thing was that I had attended the church he pastored for several years. He had taught with great passion about love and morality, including the importance of following scriptural commands. He taught at great length on Matthew 18:15-20 – how to handle disagreements with other believers. He rightly emphasized the importance of going to the other person first, to state the objection. But in the real world, when he disagreed with my book he simply wrote a negative, nasty book in response.
After the publication of his book, I wrote him a letter and asked why he never bothered to speak to me directly about his concerns prior to the release of his book, and how his approach was consistent with his teaching from the scriptures. His response was that books are a different matter. He even went so far as to say to me that if I couldn’t take the criticism, I shouldn’t write books. Of course, my issue wasn’t with criticism: it was with how he had handled it, especially after all his impassioned preaching about doing things biblically.
I cannot help but believe that if Christians were fastidious about their communications – getting the facts right, refusing to stretch the truth, speaking well of others, admitting to mistakes and errors – the public image of the Christian Church would be far better. But, as with any significant change, it must be a transition that occurs one person at a time. It has to start with me. And with you.
Since the beginning of Barna Group in 1984 we have adhered to several iron-clad rules, one of which is we never say anything negative about those with whom we disagree. If the content on which we disagree is of importance, we attempt to interact with them directly. If it’s a difference of opinion, we accept that distinction for what it is. At the very least, we feel obliged to treat everyone with respect and dignity, no matter how stupid their opinions are. (I just threw that in to see if you’re paying attention.)
You have never seen a negative book review from me – and you never will. If I dislike a book, I simply don’t bring the book to people’s attention. You have never heard me speak ugly about bad research conducted by others – and you never will. If someone produces garbage research, I simply ignore their work and rely, instead, upon studies that are valid.
I know I have mishandled some disagreements with people over the years, so I’m not pretending to be perfect. And even our policies described above may not be the ideal way of handling disagreements. But it seems more advisable for me to hold my tongue and allow God to discipline people–including me–rather than to become Heaven’s Sergeant-at-Arms on earth.
It is disheartening to witness (and experience) the hostility within the body of believers about differences in beliefs and practices. I know; some people believe they have figured it all out and feel they have been charged by God with making sure everyone sees things as they do. What a huge burden the Lord has placed on them!
But seriously, if the world is supposed to know us by our love, shouldn’t it begin with how we treat each other? Certainly there will be different perspectives and interpretations of things, but have we really been called to harm others–especially family members–in our quest for describing and defending the truth?
I am called by God to serve, but not by undermining other believers. And I do not believe that other individuals have been called by God to build a career by disparaging people with whom they disagree–despite publishers’ claims that “controversy sells” or the delight of media producers who get to air controversial points of view. Just because we can do something doesn’t always mean we should.
February 10, 2010
Well stated. I tire of reading the vitriolic attacks by so many bloggers who are quick to take someone else to task and fail to exemplify Christian character. That being said, I undoubtedly at times have been guilty of the same. I suppose that makes me a prime candidate for God’s grace–not a bad position to be in at all.
February 11, 2010
I passionately disagree!
February 11, 2010
Well, if it makes you feel any better, George, I have yet to read anything you’ve written that I disagree with! Now, I haven’t read all your books yet, but I plan on doing so. And I have a strong feeling that my opinion will not change! Keep up the great work!
February 12, 2010
You sir are indeed one of the very, I repeat very few Christians that I would ever want to have lunch with. What happened to you as a kid. Did you get hit hard on the head and have a real come to Jesus moment? Thanks for being a breath of fresh air in a smog filled world of jesus freaks.
donovan
madison, WI
February 13, 2010
Donovan, sorry, I have no plans to be in Madison this year! I did speak at the university, about 20 years ago, in conjunction with a ministry that was working with graduate students. I’d finished a big project on the life of grad students and was to present the data. They marketed the event, they said, and one person showed up, displaying my magnetic draw among grad students! I did the entire presentation for the one student who showed up, then went to the ice cream factory on campus, I think it was affiliated with the agricultural school. Spectacular homemade ice cream, by the way. Enjoy the snow this winter…
February 15, 2010
George,
I have always found your writing and research to be thoughtful and biblically delivered. Insecurity causes hot reactions in believers. When they think you are attacking them, they respond … sometimes without reasoning through.
Personally, I have found your books so inspiring and I am very involved in evangelism and missions. I am a revolutionary who committed my life to Jesus when I was a teenager and have worked in the local church for 40 years in many roles. My experience validates your research, and your conclusions fuel my passion to make a difference even still.
Thank you.
February 20, 2010
Agree that disparaging people is not the Christian way. However, I would say that Revolution did leave me with the impression that you were disparaging the local church.
February 22, 2010
Brent,
I am glad that it left that impression with you.
Maybe you will detect the heads up, wake up call and reality check that 2 billion churchians need.
Why do you think that JESUS did not try to reform the ecclesiastical system and got his own crowd going?? Many if not most churches are deception centers. If one does not think so they are already heading into the MATT 24:24 trap.
Look at 2 Cor 11:13-15..Most preachers are more dangerous than Jim Jones…because they are still alive to serve their doctrinal poisonous Kool Aid
March 7, 2010
Speaking of Americans getting their facts wrong, I just recently had a “pastor” tell me that you were “against church”….
Funny how a “pastor” has no clue as to what Church really is….
March 9, 2010
George,
Non-Revolutionaries will never get it. I often wonder if they have ever explored their cities from 11:00am to noon on Sunday and really experienced the people who are not even looking for what they are offering. I say let them write their books, and their blogs, and even throw stones based on false information. They can never get around your facts and your data, which have proven that there are those who want more than to “do church”. Be encouraged, Truth survives and proves itself. Maybe at some point in eternity, they’ll swing by your big house, knock on the door, and say: “I was wrong”. (Or maybe they won’t be there at all.)
I’ve been profoundly affected by your research. Having spent some time with statics, polling, surveys, and data manipulation, I have the utmost of respect for your methods, your questions, your data, and your conclusions. Until Revolution came along I had no idea there were others like me, or that any book would help me identify with a rising culture.
Thank You for being unflinching in your desire to write the correct questions, gather excellent data, present the facts as you have found them.
March 10, 2010
John,
i appreciated you comment – it’s encouraging to hear your passion for truth and your commitment to spiritual triumph in our culture. seriously. but be careful not to defeat the purpose of George’s passion for the Christian revolution by saying things like “non-Revolutionaries will never get it.” that’s a disturbing comment to hear from someone who claims to align himself with the Revolutionaries. we stand for Christ, love and truth, and as much as we are called to spur one another on to growth, and to proclaim truth passionately, we must never have even a shadow of bigotry in our words towards those members of the church that might appear to be pew-warmers. i know that Christ’s call is extreme, and we have some responsibility to call Christians on it when they are not responding as they should. but the issue should be directed away from the people who are defending and criticizing the local church. it should be directed towards spurring one another on to Christ. you said, ‘Truth survives and proves itself;’ absolutely! so give those ‘non-revolutionaries’ the benefit of the doubt as much as possible knowing that God keeps his truth without our critical eyes. and know that they will in fact, with much prayer, ‘get it’ if that’s what they need. but be careful in assuming that you get it and they don’t
June 19, 2010
Nicely said John. I’m on the verge of becoming a revolutionary myself after 19 years in a church that has culminated in much frustration and disillusionment. However I’m aware of the danger of becoming an unloving, unchristian critic of those who cant quite see what I see. And the temptation to do this is great. Satan would enjoy that very much.
March 17, 2010
Yours is a classic example of people who abuse the messenger. It’s not your fault that millions of people have become disillusioned with a dysfunctional church system.
I bailed out of the christian church systems in 1980 and aside from a few exceptions, have been outside the structures since then. I was unable to find the level of integrity and revelation that I needed, until after I bailed. I have been depending on Jesus, the Head of the Body in a much greater way since then.
New things are happening nowadays. God is establishing new leaders and new ways for growing His Kingdom. Equippers and workers (Eph 12.11) is a distinction that needs to occur in this season so every saint can exercise their differing gifts in the body o Christ. That could not occur in the leader vs. pew-sitter church structures that exist.
George Barna, you are to be commended for getting the word out about startling new developments. Don’t grow weary in reporting the truth!
March 31, 2010
You are so right. The old saying, “who needs enemys with friends like these” is sadly true when it comes to church culture. I’m sure the devil sits back & laughs. I served in my local church for 21 years and the communication gap is astounding. We don’t want to praise because it might puff up, but we definately get slammed when we do wrong. We sure have a way with our tongues to destroy those who serve among us. When will we ever learn & walk in the things we teach?
April 1, 2010
The bulk of Mr. Barna’s work is less about his opinion and more about describing what the research indicates. If someone does not like what the numbers point to, they need to focus on doing something to change it. The enemy is very good at getting us to attack the messenger instead of addressing the problem.
April 7, 2010
george, i haven’t read your book. thus, i am not qualified to comment on much of what is being discussed. but i do like a good article. and what interests me is that no matter how pro or con a pastor or dissenter is, everyone is quick to use your research when making their point.
(i do belong to a church and can’t ever see myself without a church family, although the problems and shortcomings of the politics of church are maddening at times.)
June 19, 2010
I realize this is a blog that all the comments support the author. However, there is a a huge difference between a rule of never criticizing another person’s book publicly and writing a book that publicly, and wrongly as many believe, characterizes the biblical church.
George you have a platform because many pastors quote your statistics. You are using that platform to put forth a vision of what the church should be. Pastors and authors who love Jesus have not only the freedom, but the responsibility to evaluate and respond for the protection and encouragement of the flock. What they don’t need to do is talk to you privately before they do. You didn’t call all the churches and say, “Hey, I’m about to write a book that contradicts what you think the church is about.”
this comment is not the place to make the case against your view of the church. But I am against it. My responsibility is to warn the flock against your poor ecclesiology –not live by your standard of never criticizing another Christian’s book.
I know your groupies on this blog will eat me up –but, I realize that public comments are open to public criticism. I don’t plan on blogging at how awful I’ve been treated.
June 28, 2010
I see that this is an older article so I’m late to the conversation. What you have to say is truth. It is hard to understand how anyone who has read your book “Revolution” could think you are anti-church!
I would suggest that you could have had a better title, so that your critics would have absolutely no ammunition to use. I would have titled the article “A Biblical Perspective of the Meaning of Church” With a subtitle, “A Response to Those who accuse me of being the “Champion” of the Christ-without-church cause.”
I suppose there will always be critics. For those of us who know that we are to be like Christ, loving God and others with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, it has been my experience it is almost impossible to do in the established church structures that exist today.