Take our Cosmo-style quiz to find out!
1. Church politics in your congregation consist mainly of…
a. Whether the youth director of 5 years should get a set of office keys.
b. Whether the local Habitat for Humanity group can continue to use space in the church.
c. Lively discussions about social justice issues, followed by organized action.
2. Someone suggests that the church's ceramic plates be used for the upcoming pancake breakfast. The response at your church is…
a. Why do that? The Styrofoam plates are right here!
b. That's a good idea, but who will be get to wash them?
c. Is there any other option?
3. How does your Church Council spend the majority of each meeting?
a. You don't trust your leaders to make decisions at all, so you spend all of your time on housekeeping details, like which photocopier to purchase.
b. You spend equal time on the church's mission and housekeeping details.
c. You spend all of your time discussing the direction your church is going, and how you're going to get there.
4. Is your church's idea of diversity…
a. Swedes and Norwegians at the same service
b. Saying hello to your LCMS neighbor.
c. A healthy mix of people reflecting the socio-economic and racial mix of the neighborhood.
5. Is your idea of evangelism…
a. Talking to people you already know about nothing concerning church.
b. A new church sign.
c. Working to make your congregation a healthy mix of people reflecting the socio-economic and racial mix of the neighborhood.
6. How likely is your pastor to discuss world affairs and US politics?
a. Would be more likely to discuss recent hemorrhoid surgery.
b. Will mention world leaders in prayers of the people.
c. Very likely! Does it all the time!
7. What does "greening the Church" mean to you?
a. Changing the paraments for Pentecost.
b. Paper coffee cups instead of Styrofoam.
c. A full-blown overhaul of the church's environmental practices.
8. The Ecumenical Movement that marks the past 20 years within the church is described by your members as:
a. What happened when the LCA and ALC merged in 1988.
b. A good idea for insignificant Sundays during the summer when few people attend anyway.
a. Modeled in joint worship services carrying through multi-church events for youth, outreach, and social ministry. You happily refer guests when their needs can be met somewhere else.
9. Fellow church members are regularly encouraged to tithe. However, when faced with the prospect of the entire Church (as a body) tithing first and paying bills second, the result is usually…
a. Who is going to take care of our bills? We have to pay ComEd first or they'll turn off our lights!
b. Tithing is a bit of an over commitment, so you begin with 3.5%, or the average APR for that week, whichever is lower.
c. Your church enthusiastically agrees to let the institution be a model for individuals.
10. If someone stands up and says, "ALL God's children are welcome here," what result does this have in your Church?
a. People's anxiety is raised and they begin asking, "Who exactly is ALL?"
b. Quiet smiling and nodding. And nothing else.
c. AMEN!
SCORING YOUR RESULTS
For each "A" you circled, give yourself 1 point. For each "B" you circled, give yourself 3 points. For each "C" you circled, give yourself 5 points. Total up your points, and find your church on the scale below:
10-20 points – Your Church is definitely NON-PROPHET. We wonder how (or why) you bother keeping your doors open! It's time to get busy and read the ELCA social-statements, get small groups together, and start making things happen. Avidly practice speaking truth to power, and organize, organize, organize. Get out in your communities before your building goes up for sale!
21-40 points – Your Church is quasi-prophetic. While you still have a ways to go, you are starting to be mindful to the prophetic voices in your midst, and are starting to heed their call. You have taken steps to realize there are issues beyond your church walls but haven’t left the building yet to encounter them. The Spirit is stirring and shaking your community into action, which can be frightening, and can scare some of your members. Encourage those members that are excited to continue and as a community support them and their ministry.
41+ points – Your church is a Major Prophet. You are no minor Prophet! Your “glimpse of God” congregation recognizes that all aspects of life are interrelated to God’s kingdom. Keep speaking, preaching, acting, and loving. You have heard the nudging of God's Spirit, and are starting to sustain energy for your own prophetic task. Keep up the good work! Soon, you'll be a growing prophetic witness to others in the community.
"Semper Ecclesia Reformandi"
