Semper Reformanda: Getting the World to Conform to the Church

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The phrase ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda (the Church reformed, always reforming) may be traced to the seventeenth century. It has often been used as a call to return to the Scriptures. When the winds of culture blow, the saints, being prone to wander, deviate from course and need to return to the faith once for all delivered to them (Jude 3). The Church does not remain in orthodoxy but drifts from it.

But wise Kingdom citizens understand semper reformanda not only should relate to orthodoxy, but the ongoing evaluation and adjustment of ecclesiastical structures (orthopraxy?). This is a matter of Kingdom stewardship--which is a matter of orthodoxy.

If the Church, State, and prevailing cultural context lock arms, then few people question the need to reform ministry paradigms. The Church, government, and people are happy in Christendom. Structures remain unquestioned, for an inquiring mind could result in a change to the civilized order. However, doctrine should always be under a microscope for such is the system that both enables faithfulness to the Lord and gives rise to the influence and stability of the State(at least in certain locations and times throughout history).

But societies have shifted tremendously in the past several centuries. While the Church must embrace semper reformanda, She must remember such no longer exists within the shadow of Christendom. Methods, paradigms, and structures of yesteryear are no longer accepted by the State and people. These means are no longer desired for the maintenance of civilization; but they certainly are desired by the Church for the maintenance of her status quo.

Of course, the Church recognizes this problem but in many locations wants societies to conform to ecclesiastical structures. As long as the world reforms her cultures to fit into local church ministries, then the gospel may be communicated effectively. The world makes evangelism, disciple making, and church planting very difficult when she no longer adjusts herself to traditional ministerial approaches.

Semper reformanda for the Church and her doctrine; semper reformanda for the world and her societies. Really?

The five billion remain.

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