Which of the challenges described in this lesson surprise you the most? Why? Are any of these challenges similar to those you face in your faith community? If so, which ones and in what ways?

[Austin]

The only surprise was’t much of a surprise. I always have thought of us on a defensive from the attacks of Hades. The church has always divided, and Jesus did come to divide (Luke 12:51). So the cultures standing against the Christ is a norm, but how we respond in the face of this criticism is all important.

[Austin]

None of the challenges discussed in the lesson surprises me because they are similar to those, we face in our faith community. The challenges are briefly explained below:

1. Geographic Distance

The spread of the church across vast geographical regions has always been a significant challenge. Early missionaries often travelled long distances by sea to China to spread the gospels. About 140 years ago, our forefathers travelled from China to my country, and they brought along their gospel and established churches here. In modern times, while transportation has improved, geographic distance still poses logistical challenges in coordinating activities, maintaining communication, and providing support to remote congregations in my country.

2. Cultural Boundaries

Cultural differences have posed a considerable challenge to the church’s mission. I live in multiracial country where different languages, traditions, and social norms can create barriers to understanding and acceptance of the gospels. The church has had to navigate these differences sensitively to effectively communicate its message.

3. Hostility from Surrounding Societies

Throughout history, the church has frequently encountered hostility from surrounding societies, especially when they are of different religions. In more recent times, churches may experience government crackdowns, societal violence, and discrimination. This hostility challenges the church’s ability to operate openly and safely.

4. Favourable Societies

In certain areas of my country where the church is widely accepted or even state-sponsored, there can be a temptation towards complacency, nominalism, or aligning too closely with political powers. This can lead to a dilution of spiritual enthusiasm and a focus on maintaining social status rather than fulfilling the church’s mission. Additionally, it can create divisions when the church’s values conflict with societal norms or governmental policies.

5. Doctrinal Disagreement

Doctrinal disagreements within the church have led to significant challenges in my place. These disagreements have led to establishment of different churches. It requires special efforts to unite these churches to face challenges such as hostility from different religious groups and government intervention.

[Austin]

The challenges that are similar are what someone chooses to believe and how those beliefs can be challenging to anyone whose believes do not line up with others or even the majority. However, the Christain faith which I was raised up in and truly came to embrace for myself as a young adult till present has been made the even more challenging because of those who believe at varying levels and how they see you. It’s about God’s love and how God wants us to know him, love him, live for him and love each other, but some within the faith make it a struggle to do. Standing fast in the faith and living a life that honors God is the goal and is what will stand no matter what.

[Austin]

I am surprised that geographic distance alone is still such an issue for the modern church. I know that there are cultures and countries that are not receptive to the gospel and can make sharing the Good News very difficult even now. We have so many means of getting from one place to another, that this should almost be a non-issue at this point. That is not an issue in my personal faith community. I live in a favorable society that has largely waxed cold to the Gospel. We do not proclaim it as loudly or proudly as we should anymore. We have almost reached the point where we cannot truly say that we are one nation under God anymore. In addition to this lukewarm apathetic relationship with Christ (because we have it so easy here), there are an unbelievably large number of doctrinal differences between various denominations and schisms galore. This goes beyond mere denominational dogma but extends to various racial differences as well. Churches don’t associate with each other most of the time and even put each other down or compete with one another (even when they are nearby). Splits are common and often merely due to differences of opinion (someone got their feelings hurt) and not differences of scriptural interpretation or other spiritual matters. There is a great lack of unity amongst the Christian brethren. Sadly, this makes witnessing rather difficult and often confusing to a lost individual. They see these rifts and wonder what’s the real benefit of being a Christian. Witnessing here is a challenge for sure.