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A while back, I had a conversation with my spouse that left me pondering my faith. When I expressed uncertainty about my Christian identity, he responded sharply, questioning my commitment based on my lack of church attendance or prayer. I retorted, insisting that Christian values extend beyond mere rituals to encompass love and justice. His dismissal felt harsh, yet it highlighted a growing frustration with the shallow metrics by which many churches define their success.
Recently, I participated in a discussion on Clubhouse about what makes a church “successful.” The prevailing opinions emphasized attracting more disciples, fostering wonder, and appearing authentic. I found myself struggling to contain my frustration as these conversations often overlook the deeper issues at play. The narrative often revolves around health, wealth, and superficial forgiveness, sidestepping the real challenges of justice and equity.
My discontent is particularly acute regarding white and Asian American churches. The notion of Christian nationalism—portraying the United States as a divinely favored nation—distorts the essence of faith. Historical injustices, including genocide and systemic racism, are brushed aside in favor of a misleading narrative that equates capitalism with divine favor. Where does Jesus fit into this equation? What aligns him with former leaders or agendas that prioritize the unborn over the living and breathing individuals suffering from systemic violence?
Asian American churches, too, often mirror the problematic aspects of white American theology, emphasizing obedience and conformity rather than pursuing justice. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered the concept of Asian American theology, leaving me to question the representation and inclusivity of marginalized voices within faith communities.
A successful church should pivot from traditional measures of success, such as attendance or financial contributions. Instead, they should engage in critical self-reflection. What do their policies and practices reveal about their genuine commitment to caring for the marginalized? Do they provide support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in an affirming manner? How do they handle issues of abuse and power dynamics—are they more concerned with reputation than with safeguarding the vulnerable?
American churches, in particular, need to confront the white supremacist foundations embedded in much of Western theology. This involves acknowledging their flaws and possibly dismantling existing structures to make way for communities led by BIPOC women. It may sound radical, but such actions are consistent with the teachings of Jesus.
As we consider the future, let’s challenge churches to redefine success in ways that reflect true love, justice, and community care.
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Summary
This op-ed critiques the narrow definitions of success in churches, advocating for a focus on justice and community care rather than mere attendance or financial metrics. It calls for a reevaluation of church practices to better support marginalized communities and dismantle harmful ideologies.