The Church: Deep and Wide – Why We Need Both
Big Idea:
A church needs to be doctrinally rich, culturally aware, and love others in truth to fulfill its mission to make disciples and build them up in faith.
In today's church landscape, there is often a debate about whether it is better for a church to be "deep" or "wide." Some argue that depth—meaning rich doctrinal teaching, spiritual maturity, and theological precision—is the most crucial aspect. Others believe that being wide—having a broad reach, engaging with the culture, and attracting large numbers—is more important. But what if the church is called to be both deep and wide? What if true effectiveness in ministry comes not from choosing one over the other, but from embodying three key character traits that allow a church to thrive in both dimensions?
1. Doctrinally Rich
A church that is deep must first and foremost be doctrinally rich. Depth in this context means that the church is rooted in the truth of Scripture, not swayed by the latest trends or popular opinions. It involves a commitment to sound theology, a thorough understanding of God’s Word, and the ability to communicate those truths in a way that transforms lives.
Being doctrinally rich is not just about knowing a lot of Bible verses or being able to quote theologians. It’s about letting the Word of God shape the very fabric of the church's life. A church that is deep in doctrine provides a strong foundation for its members, enabling them to grow in their faith and equipping them to face the challenges of life with a biblical perspective. Without this depth, a church risks becoming a shallow, feel-good gathering that offers little real spiritual nourishment.
2. Culturally Aware
While depth is critical, a church that is only deep but not wide may fail to engage with the world around it. This is where cultural awareness comes into play. A church that is culturally aware understands the context in which it operates. It recognizes the unique challenges, opportunities, and needs of the community it serves.
Cultural awareness means the church speaks the language of the people—both literally and figuratively. It involves being in tune with the social issues, the questions people are asking, and the cultural trends that influence how people think and live. This doesn’t mean compromising on doctrinal truths, but rather communicating them in a way that resonates with the world today.
A culturally aware church is also one that is mission-minded, seeing the world as its mission field. It is outward-focused, not content to stay within its walls but eager to reach out and share the love of Christ with those who may never set foot inside a church building.
3. Loving Others in Truth
The third trait that allows a church to be both deep and wide is the ability to love others in truth. This means that love and truth are not mutually exclusive, but rather, they complement each other in the life of the church.
To love others in truth is to care deeply about people’s spiritual and physical well-being. It’s a love that speaks the truth even when it’s hard, but always with compassion and grace. A church that loves in truth doesn’t shy away from addressing sin, but it does so with the goal of restoration and healing, not condemnation.
This love is inclusive and expansive, reaching out to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is the kind of love that reflects the heart of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost, and who laid down His life for the world. When a church loves others in truth, it naturally becomes wide in its influence, drawing people from all walks of life into the deep waters of God’s grace.
Conclusion: Deep and Wide
The church is at its best when it is both deep and wide. Depth without width can lead to insularity, where the church becomes a fortress that keeps people out rather than a beacon that draws them in. Width without depth can result in a superficiality that offers little lasting transformation. But when a church is doctrinally rich, culturally aware, and loves others in truth, it can be both deep and wide, fulfilling its mission to make disciples of all nations while also building up those disciples in the faith.
In a world that often pressures us to choose one over the other, let us strive to be churches that embrace the fullness of our calling—to be deep in our understanding of God, wide in our reach to the world, and unwavering in our love for others, grounded in the truth of the Gospel.
If you want to learn more about building a church that is both deep and wide or connect with others who are pursuing the same goal, reach out!
