A
K
ALEXKURIAN.ORG
ARTICLES
The Decline of the Assemblies
Is the Revival Movement in Need of a Revival?
Dr. Alexander Kurian
Points to Ponder
The original Brethren renewal was a dynamic revival movement (not at all a denominational movement) that significantly altered the image of the 19th century Christendom. It witnessed great revitalizing and enlightening manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The only vision and objective of the early Brethren was to recapture the outlook and beliefs of the early church as revealed in the pages of the New Testament. From a very small beginning, this revival movement resulted in thousands of congregations. It had a far reaching influence across the world. Their revival spirit rocked surrounding communities and denominational churches. The Brethren were blessed with outstanding preachers, teachers, and brilliant expositors of the Word. Their spiritual dynamism and Christ-centered attractiveness blessed all those who came in contact with them.
I feel privileged and proud to be a part of this great revival movement. What an outstanding venture for the testimony of the truth of God’s Word! I have served the Lord in full time ministry for more than 40 years in the company of the Brethren (I use Brethren only as an identifying name, not as a denominational label. I believe an identifying name becomes a necessity in the denominational confusion that exists today). As I wanted to know more about this great revival movement, its origins, theology, and it’s most cherished distinctives, I made it a point to read and study extensively on their history. This study has blessed me and at the same time, opened my eyes to some hard realties usually ignored by the Brethren. To address some specific issues I have written two abridged and summarized books on their history and beliefs (only one is available in print now: Faith and Practices of The Brethren, amazon.com). The spiritual dynamism of the Brethren deserves to be written in golden letters in the pages of church history.
But what is happening to the assemblies today? Why are they in decline? A huge drop of assemblies and members have happened within the last 30-40 years. Why many assembly halls have been closed? How will we explain the demise of many assemblies? Why do many believers leave the assemblies, especially the young generation? Many young people who were brought up in the assemblies (who still have admiration for their assembly heritage) have abandoned the assemblies; many of them for valid reasons. Why and how have we lost our influence and spiritual dynamism? In places where the Brethren were very influential and numerically strong with high profile spiritual leaders, and vibrant congregations, they are barely surviving with one or two halls here and there, with very few in number, mainly 3-4 elderly brothers and few faithful sisters. Though this is happening in many parts of the world (with very few exceptions), it may be more evident in UK and North America, New Zealand, and Australia. Some assemblies have lost their identity and have joined with other evangelical groups. Others have labeled themselves as independent churches and do not wish to be known as “assemblies.” In most places, very few assemblies are newly formed.
Since this is a wounding truth to our spiritual pride, we do not want to discuss it. It is painful, shameful and humbling to acknowledge and admit the decline and demise of the assemblies. But to my surprise, most assembly believers are not concerned about it. We still maintain a spiritual elitism, spiritual pride, and critical of all other Christian groups. I am just honestly writing what I have seen all through my life and ministry in the assemblies (and I don’t want to be politically correct to be popular). Here and there some brave, honest, and concerned souls have called our attention to this hurting truth of our decline. But it is only like a cry in the wilderness. They are usually misunderstood as not being loyal to the assemblies. We tend to ignore them. But in the recent past, eminent servants of God with great burden and anguish of soul have addressed this issue at least to some extent, including esteemed Brother Roy Hill of Bristol (“What is happening to UK Assemblies?” 2005, Plymouthbrethren.org/article/1707) and in the Q & A column of Precious Seed Magazine (Vol.69, Issue 4, 2014) Richard Collins answered the question, “Why are people leaving assemblies and meeting elsewhere?” No one can deny that this is really happening. Some concerned brethren are seriously alarmed by this trend. They have not tried to shy away from this issue though they might not have touched upon all the reasons. They have addressed some issues as it is more relevant to their region and locality. Others have become very defensive and ignored the “real” reasons; still others who believe we are perfectly all right. They are never willing to discuss these matters.
What has really happened to the renewal movement that created the Plymouth Brethren assemblies? Why are many young people, including those who are born and brought up in the assemblies, leaving us? What are the real issues that have caused the decline of the assemblies? Are we not really concerned and burdened about this problem? Don’t we feel responsible at least to some extent? Are we trying to dump the whole blame on people who have left us, or on the rampant carnality, lack of spirituality and the influence of superficial Christianity/Churchianity around us and wash our hands? Are others always at fault or are we at fault? Or is it a problem on both sides? Whatever be the cause, I believe there are important lessons to be learned from this situation. We must be willing to admit this problem and seek God’s will in trying to do what we can to remedy this situation, at least to some extent. It may need a spiritual revolution, another great revival, willingness to act, and to make appropriate changes disregarding some enslaving traditions. This venture has to be soaked in fasting and prayer. I have seen people always talking about the need to pray for these matters, but never willing to act.
Numerical Growth of the Church
Growing up in the assemblies, I have always heard that the Lord does not look at numbers, but only the spiritual quality and condition of the assemblies. I have heard preachers trying to prove this point from the Lord’s message to the seven churches (Rev.2-3). No doubt, quality is more important than quantity. But later, I discovered from the Word that our neglect of numerical growth is not Scriptural. The study of the Book of Acts convinced me that God expects His church to grow numerically and spiritually. The remarkable “church growth report” is given at least 16 times in Acts by Dr. Luke. Though we don’t need to have an unhealthy addiction to statistics, Luke had a fondness for the numerical growth of the church and he readily reports it throughout his account of the history of the early church. If we study it deeply, it is not difficult to find that this is a part of Luke’s theological purpose. Obviously, when Jesus’ disciples ended up doing what was expected of them in the power of the Holy Spirit, it resulted in the numerical growth of churches which was in the plan and purpose of God. This was also very true in the early stages of the Brethren movement and we all believe that the numerical growth of the assemblies was the will of God.
It is the Lord’s purpose that the churches grow spiritually and numerically – qualitatively and quantitatively. The growth we find in Acts was numerical, spiritual, and geographical. This still happens in many mission fields and I have witnessed it. We do not have to seek to build attendance through gimmicks, entertainment, and marketing strategies. But when we are faithful to God’s Word and diligent in evangelism, God will save souls. “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). From a practical point of view, we may have to review our methods and strategies, and be willing to make appropriate changes, and be open to the Spirit to lead and guide us, rather than slavishly following our vain traditions. Then growth will happen. It seems to me that our tendency to downplay the numerical growth, probably is because many of our assemblies have no growth to report!
Let us not propagate the idea that small is always good and the Lord is pleased with small gatherings (I have heard this numerous times from the pulpits, even with suggestions about the maximum number in an assembly)! Then we try to scripturalize this concept with our own clever ideas. Let us not try to portray all large gatherings of God’s people as unscriptural. If the Lord enlarges our assemblies, He will also show us the way to overcome the deficiencies and limitations of being large. Be willing to follow His direction. In some parts of the world, we also have large assemblies that stick with the New Testament pattern and principles. We are not at all sympathetic to the mega churches that do not honor the Word of God. But let us not promote a false “theology of smallness.” Both small and large churches have advantages and disadvantages. Some assemblies became smaller and smaller every day and finally ceased to exist!
The Danger of “Any Man” Ministry
To my surprise, in recent years, I personally came across many young people in the assemblies who regularly go to the weekday services or Sunday evening service in other conservative evangelical churches to hear sound expository preaching by gifted men of God. It is a clear evidence that many are not spiritually fed by the Word in our assemblies. Unknowingly, we made the doctrine of the Priesthood of all Believers into the “Preacherhood of all Believers.” This has betrayed the quality of the ministry of the Word in many assemblies. We have weakened our pulpit with unscriptural Brethren practices. This is a serious problem. Since assemblies do not have a one-man preacher or pastor, it became a breeding ground for all men to be preachers and teachers. It is custom that several men, whether gifted for public ministry or not, have to be accommodated on the pulpit. Ministry of the Word is usually in the hands of ungifted men in many assemblies who waste people’s time with unprofitable ministry. This is a false, unscriptural system, perpetuated for years in many assemblies, and our young people and many sensible believers are fed up with this. It is deeply ingrained into our functioning and elders are helpless to make changes. If we change this it becomes “unbrethren” (some people even consider this as one of our distinctives)!
Not only that most of the men in the assembly have to be accommodated on the pulpit, many visitors also have to be given a chance. “One–man ministry” is replaced by “any-man” ministry. Accommodating everyone and giving opportunity to all is the practice promoted by elders in most assemblies. Elders forget the fact that they are called to “shepherd” the people of God and feeding the assembly is their primary responsibility. But they outsource it to others including many visitors who may not be gifted to minister the Word, and who may not be sensitive to the spiritual needs of the assembly. The priority of pastoral leaders in the assembly is in the area of prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6: 4, 2). When they neglect it, the assembly will starve spiritually.
“Any-man” ministry is true of majority of Brethren assemblies in the world. Even if the danger of this practice is pointed out time and again, usually nothing is changed. In the case of Bible studies also, it is the same story. In many assemblies, the studies are not systematic, consecutive, and profitable. It is all piecemeal, “hit and run” type of ministries. Then only we can accommodate and please everyone. The elders are not willing to take a stand in this vital area of ministry probably because of many pressures, or they have no vision or understanding about the primacy of systematic teaching. The primary goal in all this is to give “opportunity” to others without discernment about their spiritual giftedness. Thus, the God-ordained rule of the edification of the gathered body of Christ is ignored. In many assemblies, those who plan and schedule the ministry of the Word and Bible studies also do not know how to wisely plan it as they themselves lack pastoral, theological and biblical understanding or training so as to organize these ministries in the proper way. They seldom enlist help from others for fear of changes that can happen in the traditional methodology.
The Brethren were known for their expository preaching and teaching of the Word. Assemblies traditionally had been best for consecutive, systematic, expository Bible teaching. People used to flock to our assemblies to hear the Word preached by gifted men. Today, many leave our assemblies and go to other evangelical churches to hear solid teaching and expository messages. We see this happening everyday before our own eyes. Who is responsible for this? Many evangelical churches around us are doing a commendable service in the area of Word ministry. The gatherings of the Brethren in early days were blessed by numerous gifted men in the Word. So when they took turns in the pulpit and several men participated in that exercise regularly, the standard of the ministry and its profitability were not compromised. Many of them were trained scholars, teachers, and gifted expositors. But that situation has changed in the Assemblies long time ago. So we have to be more discerning, careful and vigilant in assigning preaching/teaching responsibilities. Oh! If we were like the sons of Issachar, “men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chro.12:32).
Most assemblies also do not train and equip the young people who have potential leadership abilities and who have demonstrated spiritual maturity to be the future spiritual leaders of the assembly, if the Lord appoints them to such ministries. Those who also have demonstrated gifts of preaching and teaching also will benefit from some basic training within the assembly in expository preaching and homiletics. Usually no concern, interest or vision is seen in these vital areas of equipping and mentoring ministries. Have we outsourced all our responsibilities to Bible colleges and seminaries? The neglect of mentoring, training and equipping ministries have also weakened us.
Unedifying ministry is a total disservice to the people of God. This is one of the serious problems that have adversely affected the assemblies. The standard of the Word ministry has to match with the education and also the pastoral and practical needs of the congregation. There is a need to “fence” our pulpit that it should not be wide open to all. There is nothing scripturally wrong for gifted men to take a series of messages consecutively. We try to give the impression that crowding the pulpit with too many preachers is scriptural and it is the New Testament pattern. How did we get this idea? We are sadly mistaken. The proclamation and teaching of the Word should not be in the hands of “one man,” “any man” and “every man.” It should be in the hands of gifted and godly men, called and equipped by the Holy Spirit, who can rightly divide the Word. There is no Scriptural reason or argument against it. It is ironic that we who claim utmost commitment to the Word, do a great dishonor to the Word in the practice of our Word ministry. We know that many believers, especially many in the young generation, have left our assemblies because of the unprofitable ministry from the pulpit week after week. Shocking truth! But we are reluctant to admit it. Will we ever make the necessary changes? It is already too late.
Lack of Pastoral Care
Lack of positive leadership and pastoral care is another important reason, I believe, as to why people are leaving the assemblies. The word “pastor” has always been an anathema in the assembly circles. Biblical eldership is plural and pastoral. The pastoral aspect of eldership (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet.5:2) is not emphasized in our teaching. Most of our books and commentaries also are silent about it. Whenever we refer to the word “Pastor”, our single aim has been to prove that the denominational pastoral system is wrong. We always portray the word in a negative way. I have never heard in my life a positive biblical teaching on the aspect of pastoral leadership in the assembly circles. Thank God, that situation is slowly changing, at least with some concerned Bible teachers. There is no “pastor” over a church, but there are “pastors” (shepherds) in a church. Our whole emphasis has been on plurality of leadership and unknowingly, we have neglected the pastoral aspect of church leadership. This may be an over-reaction to the denominational system of one-man leadership/pastor ruling the assembly. Let us be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.
We need more spiritual leaders in our assemblies with caring and shepherding hearts, who are sensitive to the struggles and problems of believers. They also must be equipped and trained to effectively minister to the varied challenges people face in a sin-trodden society. Weak and insensitive leadership and non-functional elders will not be able to minister to the needs of God’s people. We cannot let the bleeding and wounded sheep suffer for too long, lest they go after other shepherds. “Where is the flock that was given you, your beautiful sheep” (Jeremiah 13:20)? Members of Brethren assemblies seem to complain more often than those in other churches about the lack of appropriate pastoral care in times of crisis. Very unpleasant truth, but the fact remains.
Another major issue facing the assemblies is the lack of full-time elders. We have never encouraged this idea. I have even heard some of our teachers speaking against this idea. This is never a prayer item in the assembly prayer meetings. We do not even recognize the need for it! It is true that many of our elders along with their secular employment try to do their best with great sacrifice on their part. But we have to be more practical and realistic. In the fast-paced busy world in which we live, along with the various challenges facing us every day both at work and at home, there are lot of factors that can make things harder. An elder’s responsibilities at work, home, and church create a real time crunch. Hence, many of them are not able to do their pastoral work as of high priority, though they may have a heart to do it. This is a built-in weakness which we have ignored. This is an undeniable fact and no theology can eliminate it. This practical problem has nothing to do with the elder’s sincerity, commitment or honesty; it is simply the reality of life. I believe it is high time for assemblies to think more seriously, encouraging some of our elders to be full-time shepherds for the flock of God. I wish if we could make this a matter of urgent concern and prayer and seek the Lord’s will in this matter. We have to have practical and remedial measures to bridge the gap in pastoral ministries in the assemblies. Implementing the principles in 1 Tim.5:17-18 can be of much help to us in this crisis.
In assemblies where there is more responsible pastoral care, we see growth and blessing. Meaningful pastoral care is the strength of many evangelical churches. Pentecostal and Charismatic churches all over the world attract more people to their fold, not through their doctrine, but by gracious and caring pastoral ministry. It is a general complaint or accusation against us that assemblies are not ideal places for hurting people and people who go through various problems of life. Many people who go through trying situations of life usually leave the assemblies knowing that they will not “survive” there as there is no ministry towards them (especially those who re in the midst of marriage/family crisis). Even the young generation among the Brethren constantly accuse us as non-compassionate, judgmental, ungracious, and ministering only to “perfect” people, and holding on to the “truth” without “grace.” Have we been too harsh and ungracious in applying the Scripture, clinging on to the letter of the law than the spirit of it? I believe, all these problems have something to do with the lack of caring, and trained pastoral leadership. Many assemblies are led by people who may be faithful, but lack leadership skills. We all know that this is true though many do not want to admit it.
Lack of Positive Changes
Positive changes are not compromises. Transformational change is biblical (Rom.12:2). Transformational renewal of the mind leads us to discern the will of God. This will help us to bring necessary and appropriate changes for our growth, testimony and blessings. But generally most assemblies are very reluctant to make changes. Tunnel vision, built in traditionalism, legalism and parochialism and an attitude of uninformed ignorance serve as a defense mechanism against being realistic about necessary changes. These changes may be needed in relation to a number of areas - Review and evaluation of all the ongoing ministries, Worship & Remembrance, prayer meetings, youth meetings, VBS, Sunday school, the format of the meetings, days, schedule/timings, music, pulpit ministry, curriculum for Bible Study, Men’s meeting, Sisters’ meetings special ministry needs to various age groups in the assembly, methodology in evangelism/outreach etc. There is a great need to renew our efforts, especially in evangelism. Since meetings and ministries are not periodically evaluated, we seldom understand the need for making appropriate changes without doctrinal compromise. Don’t we think we must responsibly formulate a philosophy of ministry that is truly biblical, practical and relevant to our needs, which will help us to move forward?
“Our way is the best way”, or “we have been doing it for years” is usually the cherished argument. In business meetings, camps and conferences, the need for change is sometimes discussed. But nothing really happens because we don’t want to make changes. There is little scope for change when we adamantly think that Sunday 9 am or Wednesday 7.30 pm is as sacred as the virgin birth or second coming. Think about the many splits in the history of the Brethren Movement. Most of them were over petty, non-essential and peripheral issues. It is the same even today; “majoring” on “minors.”
It is true that the Lord is building the church, but the saints have the responsibility to “shape “the church. If we are open and wiling, the Spirit of God will lead us in relation to the challenges and issues facing us today. I believe this is the path of renewal, revival and revitalization.
Traditionalism & Legalism
Traditionalism and legalism are placed in many assemblies on par with Scripture and many believers do not know which is what! Many traditions are stifling the work of the Spirit in many assemblies. Personal preferences and traditional practices (most of them may be good and noble) are interpreted as infallible doctrines and imposed upon others without any Scriptural warrant. As one young man recently told me, in his assembly, everything that is done is an “assembly distinctive” and there is no room for any flexibility on any matter.
Though we claim that we are non-denominational and non-sectarian, many a times our policies and practices are sectarian to the core. Matters of fellowship, reception, commendation letter, song books, Bible translation etc. are taken in some assemblies to legalistic extremes and imposed as Scriptural norm. Some unscriptural practices and policies of the exclusive and closed/rigid/tight Brethren have adversely affected many assemblies. The original Brethren ideal of non-denominationalism, non-sectarianism, unswerving commitment to the Word (and Word alone), unity and fellowship in the Body of Christ, are all simply a thing of the past. That is why we have so many different “varieties” of the Brethren today. Most of these “varieties” and “branches” have no meaningful fellowship with one another and also despise one another. This party spirit has evidently tarnished our testimony around the world. Lack of cooperation between assemblies, lack of shared information, and reluctance for united gospel efforts have all weakened us. The cherished doctrine of the autonomy of the local assembly has been blown out of proportion in many places at the expense of interdependence for fellowship and mutual ministry efforts.
There is a general trend prevalent among the Brethren for an “exclusive claim” for Scriptural truth and that we are the only ones “gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This has created an isolationist and narrow-minded mentality of total detachment from other sound evangelical believers. This opens the way for spiritual pride. Harry Ironside, William MacDonald and several others had warned against this trend. Anthony Norris Groves (in my estimation, he incarnated the original Brethren ideals at its best) warned against the Brethren becoming known more for what they witnessed against than what they witnessed for. Let us be careful not to distort the original Scriptural vision of the Brethren renewal spirit. Or, has it already happened?
Finally, Brethren
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov.29:18). How true! Over time, every movement become degenerative. No Christian movement, church or denomination has ever been automatically self-renewing. To recapture the original vision, we need power from on high and a courageous spirit for action. We all need to challenge ourselves on how we feel about all this. Don’t we care? Are we comforting yourselves that our own assembly is not closed yet? Are we Biblical as we think as we are? To whom should we be loyal? Let us confess our failures and be willing to rectify it. It is time for reality check and realistic action.
In some parts of the world, we can see growing assemblies and believers who practice New Testament principles. They are an exception to the rule. I am sure until the Lord comes, there will be churches like this that will grow and prosper. They continue to rediscover the wonderful biblical heritage of the Brethren and want to practice it in grace and truth, ministering effectively in their generation. Let our assemblies be a place of teaching, caring, serving, and loving in a hurting and broken world. Let our assemblies be grace-oriented fellowships, and not a law-orients closed groups. May the Lord increase the number of such gathered unto His name.
The sobering mood of Roy Hill’s words (in the article mentioned at the beginning) really shook me up. “Is it really possible that assembly truth extensively and expensively rediscovered should disappear after two centuries? Are present New Testament assemblies a two century phenomenon?”
What I have written is just a sharing of the vision of renewal. I have called attention to these concerns time and again. I am happy to say at least a minority have appreciated it and prayerfully implemented some necessary changes. Several share their burdens, ask counsel and request prayers. I again write and discuss these matters as I see our young generation have lost its respect for the assemblies due to reasons discussed here. Many have already left us. It should pain us. The mistake is not only on their part; we also are responsible. Let us be willing to admit it. This should humble us to make necessary changes toward edification and revitalization based on Scriptural truths. I hope and pray that it will become a reality at least in some assemblies.
I know that what I have written will not make me popular. It may be misunderstood, misinterpreted, and criticized. My approach has been realistic, factual and practical. But I hope these pages will be helpful for those who are willing to be helped and have the courage to make whatever changes may be needed. “I wish all of us can have the attitude of David: “Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; it is oil upon the head. Do not let my head refuse it” (Psalm 141:5).
“He who has an ear let him hear.”