Reaching Heterodox Christians (and non-believers too).

In this post, I'm going to try to create a rough sketch on how being a vibrant Orthodox Community might work.

As you may know if you know anything about Saint Marks Orthodox Church, our parish is predominately made up of converts to Orthodoxy.

Now in my personal experience, I see no reason why those of us in the Western Rite can't find ways to bridge the cultural gap that still exists between Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism. And bridging this gap can reach "The Lost" as well as the "semi-saved."

Here's how to do this:

Right up front, it must be remembered that there will be no importing of the current trends found in contemporary evangelicalism or charismatic / pentecostalism into the Divine Liturgy. Don't even think about it, it isn't going to happen.

However . . .

You can build a parish with the goal of establishing a "Community Center" / Christian school in mind. You can also imitate much of the structure found in Protestant circles when it comes to small group Bible studies, cell groups, vacation bible school, sunday school, retreats, book studies and mid-week "singspirations."

All of these things are part of the culture we as Orthodox Christians are trying to influence.

For example, potential converts to Holy Orthodoxy, if they are devotees of "praise music" and "worship bands" are going to be turned off and turned away if there is absolutely no place for such music in the life of the Orthodox Community they might possibly join.

So instead of making promises to them we absolutely cannot keep ("Don't worry, we might set up a contemporary service for you") we can provide a place where they can use the talents and interests they currently have. The way this is done is to allow them to sing and perform "praise music" in their small groups, at a church retreat where the Divine Liturgy is NOT being conducted, at a teen SOYO meeting, or at an Orthodox Community Center once a particular parish has had a chance to establish one.

Of course all such music has to be filtered through Holy Orthodoxy to determine what meets the doctrinal test and what doesn't.

Small Groups is another form to examine here: I can envision an Orthodox Small Group studying the works of popular Evangelical authors while filtering everything said through an Orthodox perspective.

The works of John Eldredge are a prime example: JE touches on many Orthodox themes while not fully understanding the depth of what he is touching on.

Larry Crabb's recent book Shattered Dreams is also an excellent example of work done by an evangelical that is moving in an Orthodox direction.

We as Orthodox need to learn to "spoil the Egyptians" and easily move within Evangelical circles and culture while retaining our Orthodoxy intact.

We have much we can teach our seperated brothers and sisters, and the holiest among them have much to teach and inspire us to do and be.

We can be sure of where The Church is, we cannot be sure of where The Church isn't. Closing ourselves off from all Heterodox fellowship and influence is a big mistake, in my opinion.

Using some of these forms can create a vibrant and caring Orthodox community that can actually speak to the felt needs of the Unchurched. Evangelicals and Charismatics are generally better at reaching the lost for Christ than the Orthodox. We need to remember that "people need The Lord" of Orthodoxy! Our deep view of the Holy Trinity is NEEDED today. There are many in our culture who have become jaded and hardened by the easy believism "gospel" that is so common today.

Orthodoxy is a pure stream of undiluted and undistorted Christianity that can truly lead people to the Risen Christ and not to a close counterfeit void of life and power.

"We have found the True Faith, worshipping the Undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us!"

Sincerely,

Columcille Silouan