Does the church need bylaws?

So, I'm sitting around a dinner table with my mom and extended family. My step father (a retired pastor) and his daughter are talking about a recent church meeting where there was a debate about the church constitution and bylaws. The debate was at a "general council" meeting (which includes churches from around an entire region), but these type of debates also go on within individual churches.

After hearing them talk about the issues that were discussed and the debates, I asked if they could answer a question. My question was:

"If the Bible is the the final word from God and all we need, why do all the various denominations need additional constitutions or bylaws? And how can they sometimes be so radically different on specific issues, if they are all said to be bible based churches?"

We all agreed that it was simply man-made church government issues, and frequently does lead to individual pursuits of political power within the church.

Is this the way we want the world to see the church? I'm not so sure I like the impression this leaves with those who may be watching.

Thoughts?

Hammster

For God's Glory, or your own?

Bear with me, as I ponder out loud a topic of interest:

Over the past few years, I have read quite a few books that contemplate the validity of what American's recently call "Christian Church". Authors like John Fischer, Donald Miller, Charlie Peacock, and (more recently) Larry Crabb all seem to point some light on a trend away from conviction or true repentance. Churches getting more wrapped up in how we serve each other for our own glory, rather than for God's glory.

Has the Americanized version of "Christian Church" become more about "feel good" music and sermons, rather than challenging believers? We've got the right building, sound system, lighting, suits/ties, choir, programs, etc., etc. Have we gotten to the point where we know all the right "phrases" and "songs", in order to conform to the image of the "good Christian? (by our own definition). When was the last time you heard a pastor offer a sermon about his own challenges with sin, and how none of us will become perfect in this life? Was the intended message of Jesus Christ based around our own feelings, or was it more about action (loving your brother) and helping bring hope to the lost, for God's glory?

I began watching Steve Taylor's movie "Second Chance", last night. I'm only about half way through the film, but I can see he has already tried to balance challenging problems with both the "suburban mega church" and the "inner city street church". He clearly points a finger at the "mega-church" crowd looking to support the "street church" purely with dollars, rather than actions. He also maintains the alternate perspective of the "street church" feeling the "mega-church" crowd is simply pandering to the street people (no real intention to get connected or "dirty").

The whole issue brings up the question of whether the American Christian Church has gotten too wrapped up in their own "ministries", and have gotten disconnected from what Christ truly taught. Perhaps we are so concerned with having the right "look", that we lose sight of serving God.

In Larry Crabb's book, he mentions a recent lack of interest in attending any Sunday morning church service. He comments on how he gets more out of a good discussion at a local coffee shop, rather than sitting through a prepared "worship" service and lecture (sermon). I can see his point, and don't completely disagree.

For decades, there has been the debate of Christians creating their own subcultures and separating themselves from society. Could it be that this has finally gotten to the point where many Christians see themselves as "reaching out to the lost", when in fact they are only doing what is expected to earn that next "scout badge"? Possibly church has become the new "country club", where you get your membership card, pay your dues, and earn the respect of your neighbors based upon your church affiliation. Nothing else. Just image and public appearance.

I know there are millions of people who simply like a "pep rally" and "motivational speaker". They come to church to get their uplifting message, put on a friendly face, and present themselves as "model Christians", while feeling a certain sense of pride that they are better than the "lost" who didn't make it to church. It all makes sense, and certainly is rewarded. However, is this what the bible teaches, or are we simply using the bible as the "justification" for our misguided pursuits? Are we supposed to come together as Christians to simply make each other feel better about themselves?

Granted, there are some believers who are very sincere in their love for Christ, and have no interest in their own edification. I enjoy it when I meet those folks. However, when the issues mentioned above are brought up to some of my fellow Christians, I generally see looks of confusion. Most Christians don't want to consider that maybe their "church participation" is purely based upon selfish desire for recognition. It's almost an attempt at gaining more power, in that they aren't there to pursue God's glory, but their own. They are more concerned with looking good to man, rather than God.

So, does that mean I give up on the Christian church? Not quite. There are plenty who are truly looking to follow Christ, and want nothing but to live for the glory of God. None of us are perfect, and God still continues to use us. I believe God has truth seeking people in place to help reach out to those who are also truly seeking God. We can pray for the others, in hopes they will join us in this humble pursuit.

What do you think?