There is no way to politely talk about the contrast between church as we know it and the unplugged church. Even to talk about it automatically condemns one or the other. We can call today's church system the "institutional church", although that offends people who think that we are saying the church is another social control. If we call it the "commercial" church, people are offended that we are implying that it is all stained with the hunger for personal gain. If we call it the "contemporary" church, people are offended because we are insinuating that it is all a new, novel idea. So, any way we go about it, someone will be offended, especially those in that system.

The problem is that all of these names are descriptive of many churches, but no one thinks that about themselves. Totalitarian pastors never believe that they are being controlling. Greedy pastors never believe that God is not blessing them for their faithfulness. Hip pastors never agree that their ways are made-up. The bottom line is that no one likes criticism. They like critics even less. Our own delusionary nature only makes this worse, prohibiting us from pushing beyond the threat of change in order to embrace a personal revolution.

Even the Unplugged don't often realize that calling yourself a "progressive" Christian is a bit cocky. Labels like the "emerging" church convict people who don't believe the Church has ever been hidden. The reality is that it hasn't. The Church has existed from the time of Jesus' teachings until today. There are those who are the Church in virtually every congregation that claims Christ as their savior. There are many in their homes, unattached to what we would label as "corporate worship", who are the Church. We are all serving our purpose in the plans of God, where each of us stand at this exact second. There is no container or label for us except for the one our Lord gave us. Everything beyond that is hype, propaganda, and man-made packaging.

It's not even what Jesus ever said that separates us. It's our view and interpretation of what is contained in the apostles' testimonies. Jesus mentions the church only twice, yet he never attempts to define it. He mentions the Kingdom many times, but only talks about how it works, not how it looks. He teaches the disciples to serve the world, but never quite teaches them how to lead, except by example. There is quite a bit of room for interpretation, and that is what trips us up when we try to unite under one banner.

So, what are we to do? We disagree so strongly about what is right, holy, sacred, secular, worldly, blessed, anointed, righteous, and biblical! Where do we draw lines in the sand, and where do we link arms and attack the problems around us? When do we even agree on what the problems even are?

I think this is truly the curse of free choice and personal perspective. Each person can feel that they are coming from a right perspective, yet they are viewed by others else as fools, heretics, and arrogant people for their stance. We state "truths" that are really mindsets and positional views as absolute facts. Other times, regardless of our disclaimers, we are judged even for thinking out loud. Our very intentions are questioned. How do we get to the truth of the matter, and come to a common understanding?

I don't think we know the answer to this question today. I think we polarize our views to the point that we cannot reconcile because we are trying to reconcile opposite arguments about entirely different subjects. I think that our misunderstandings are second only to how much we value our own viewpoint. As the Church, we are commissioned to be masters of communication and relationships. But, we must first acknowledge that this challenge does indeed exist. In order to stop creating thousands of new denominations, we must accept discussion, debate, and inquiry. Only the Holy Spirit can help us to navigate these waters, since He is the only true judge of hearts. But, we have to let Him into our conversations and follow His lead.

How much of an issue is this, really? Judging by the continued decline in church numbers, the percentage of true participants in living the way of Christ, and the overall image of the Church, I would say that the situation is critical. How can we come to a resolution of things?

I believe the secret lies in exercising and building our own close relationships. Commitment to each other is paramount in wrestling through issues that would have otherwise caused you to stumble or give up. Being challenged by those around you, whether right or wrong, creates a constant environment of accountability and refinement. But, I have to warn you - it's not fun! In fact, it's immensely frustrating. But, in working through your problems, iron sharpens iron. Sharpening is the act of grinding away a substance in order to create a sharp edge, using the surface resistance of the other substance that is harder than the metal. It's never comfortable to be sharpened, but it is an activity the Church needs to engage in make it into the destiny He has called us to.

How can we use the differences in Christendom to sharpen us into God's most powerful tool on earth, ultimately leading us to full unity of spirit?