Mosaix PDX: Blog Mind the Roots (part 1) by Dave Martin

In recent years, many have asked, "What’s wrong with the church in America?" This inquiry may feel like an echo from the despondent character Puddleglum in C.S. Lewis's Narnia series, aptly characterized by a morose perspective yet undeterred loyalty. If calling us “Puddleglum” suggests a willingness to confront hard truths, so be it.

As we venture into this discussion, it’s essential to acknowledge that some observations may seem harsh when viewed in isolation. But context is critical. Pastor John Piper reminds us:

“In John 16, Jesus says to his disciples: ‘I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you' (v22). The Spirit fulfills the promise of Jesus that no one will take our joy from us. Think of that! The skeptics and scoffers cannot take your joy. The doctor with the biopsy report cannot take your joy. Your adulterous spouse cannot take your joy. Your straying children cannot take your joy. The political climate, and global terror, and school shootings, and racial injustice, and financial disaster, and unemployment, and theological controversies, and unfulfilled dreams, and the memories of your own failure – they cannot take your joy. No one can.”
“Being saved by Jesus Christ is the greatest thing in the world. It means having eternal life. You cannot die. You will live forever in overwhelming joy. Nothing can separate you from Christ. Everything works for your good. All your troubles and sorrows produce an eternal weight of glory. Not to be passionate about this is a sign of serious blindness or emotional disability.”

These truths serve as our anchor amidst critical realities we must face.

Tragically, the American church appears to be in a precarious state. While we aspire to see our communities blossom in discipleship, love, and outreach, the reality we see is often very different. These issues should deeply concern us, and we must ask how we can address the root causes.

The Cut-Flower Civilization

Many cultural analysts contend that we are living in a post-Christian society, marked by values that have been severed from their foundational roots in Judeo-Christian beliefs. The disconnect means that the virtues we uphold in rights, ethics, and moral standards lack the nourishing guidance once inherent in their origins. The American church, too, finds itself faced with a similar "cut-flower predicament," appearing vibrant on the surface but devoid of the sustenance of true spirituality.

W. Edwards Deming’s assertion that “Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets” prompts us to examine the current state of the church. While there are positive outcomes to celebrate, several trends reveal troubling indicators of poor health:

Dwindling church attendance: Regular participants are becoming increasingly scarce.
Nominal Christians: We have a growing population of believers who are congregationally involved but lack depth in discipleship.
Youth exodus: Young people are leaving the church, often citing irrelevance.
Leadership scandals: Instances of moral failings have eroded trust.
Pastoral struggles: Many pastors are stressed, overburdened, or leaving the ministry altogether.
Fragmentation: The Christian community is becoming more divided.

These indicators highlight a fundamental problem: our church systems are not effectively cultivating mature, purpose-driven disciples who are engaging in the mission of Jesus.

The Discipleship Deficit

Let’s label this problem the “discipleship deficit.” We are failing to produce passionate, purposeful, and growing followers of Christ. As outlined in Scripture, such spiritual formation can be achieved through a relationship with Jesus — “being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and participating in the mission of Jesus” (Matthew 4:19).

Ephesians 4:11-13 captures this essence, stating, "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry." The ultimate goal is maturing hearts that reflect Christ’s likeness in both action and spirit.

Mind the Roots

To address our church's health, we must “mind the roots.” This entails a thorough examination of our practices, motivations, and assumptions surrounding disciplemaking. The vitality of our ministry — our “tree” — depends critically on the health of its roots. Are these roots compromised by teachings lacking depth? Are our approaches yielding shallow discipleship?

We must also contend with the cultural elements within the church. It’s true that “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” To successfully cultivate a culture of disciple-making, we need to identify what our church culture is genuinely promoting and whether our programs contribute to meaningful disciple formation.

A Vision for Community Practice

We are inviting churches into a community of practice rooted in shared values, collaborative learning, and a posture of encouragement and accountability. Just as Jesus faced resistance when challenging established traditions, so too must we courageously interrogate our assumptions and methods.

Mosaix PDX aspires to become a gathering space for this type of disciplemaking. Here we can clarify our values, support each other in prayer and practice, and hold one another accountable.

Practical Steps Forward

Moving forward, we suggest establishing a framework for this vital work:

Monthly meetings: We’ll meet monthly via Zoom and gather in person every third month.
Model Sharing: Each meeting will involve sharing and discussing different disciplemaking models.
Prayer and Partnership: We’ll dedicate time to pray for each other and initiate partnerships where relevant.
Distinguish Principles from Practices: Emphasizing the diversity of environments helps accommodate varied church traditions while remaining steadfast in our mission.

By nurturing a culture that is responsive to biblical principles and actively engaged in discipleship, we can positively transform the landscape of our churches — with God’s guidance and grace.

As we embark on this journey together, let’s press forward in “minding our roots.” Change may not come easily, but it is imperative. Join us in the next installment as we delve deeper into how can we foster meaningful discipleship in our congregations.

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(The views expressed in blog posts are those of the authors of the posts. They do not reflect an official position of Mosaix PDX, but are intended to promote thinking and constructive interaction. We welcome differing viewpoints.)

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