Recently, I read a thought-provoking article by John Ortberg called, “Your Hidden Curriculum,” found in the winter 2009 volume of Leadership Journal (a good journal I might add that can be found at Barnes & Noble). Below the title, Ortberg asks – “What do people learn from you about the Christian life? Sometimes it’s what you never intended to teach.” The author contends that if there ever is a contradiction between our “formal curriculum” (small group studies, sermons, lessons on prayer, etc.) and our “hidden curriculum,” folks always believe the “hidden curriculum.” He describes the hidden curriculum of a church as
“Who gets fawned over, and who gets ignored? How do the staff and leaders get along when they’re off the platform and think nobody’s looking? How does a small group respond when someone shares a problem that is untidy and unresolved? Do leaders respond with panic or irritation or confidence or gentleness when a problem strikes? When there is a conflict, do people face it head on or go into avoidance mode? Does the church staff run on fear?” (p. 50)
A few months back, some dear friends of ours visited from Georgia. We were hanging out in the living room for some good ole’ conversation over coffee (or soda for some). Knowing that the couple recently relocated, I asked if they had yet to find a local church. The young lady shared with us how she and her husband visited several churches. One particular congregation (of the same denomination of which they were part in their last locale) seemed to be very promising at first. However, after the announcements were given before the congregation, our friend said that she was greatly dissatisfied with how inwardly-focused the church was.
Now, if you took a sweeping glance in the bulletin, there seemed to be no way to arrive at such a conclusion. There were all kinds of “ministry groups,” “community projects,” etc. that had the trappings of a “successful” church. But our friends heard and observed something different than what was listed in the bulletin (or on the church website). They observed folks talking about various fellowships, get-togethers, luncheons, trips, etc. that centered around the satisfaction of those attending. What was missing was a missional message laced within the conversations and actions of those attending, particularly the leadership.
Thankfully, our friends did in fact find a local assembly in which to participate; one whose body-life looked more like that of Jesus. However, this conversation, coupled with Ortberg’s article, sparked some questions in my own mind about the traditioning (discipleship) of the church. What exactly are we passing on? What legacy of love are our children learning? If we slow down a bit and prayerfully observe our attitudes, actions, conversations and vision, are we leading people in the way that Jesus is the Way? Eugene Peterson’s excellent work, The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways that Jesus is the Way, highlights the ways by which Christ embodied the way of salvation. It’s an interesting and helpful critique.
- Do I affirm undying love for Jesus but treat others around me in an unChristlike manner?
- If I claim to love all persons, do I surround myself with friends who are only like me?
- Do I profess that all persons are important and then rush past everyone without slowing to hear their concerns?
- Do I preach reckless abandon in worship and then hoard my resources and satisfy my own impulses for stuff?
- Am I undermining God’s love for all by my negative conversations and snide remarks concerning others?
- Do I pray at home with my family or only at church when called upon?
Asking myself these questions and more,
Shannon
