Are You Chasing or Shaping Culture?

“But the church’s best days are when we are no longer chasing or imitating culture, but actually shaping it!” – Scott Hodge

This insightful statement is the conclusion of a blog post about how a person can keep a pulse on culture written in response to a reader’s question about maintaining relevance. The hope is that effective ministry will not be sacrificed at the expense of conformity. What I like about Hodge’s response is he does not suggest that. In fact, he points out “MOST churches are CHASING culture (because MOST are years BEHIND it)” and follows with the thought that the Church should be leading changes rather than changing in response to shifts in culture.

I would add one thought: As the Church, how do you shape culture? By reaching individuals within the culture; one person at a time. That’s the job of every one of us. What are you doing today to accomplish that mission?