Many congregations are part of denominations and other networks of congregations who have strong doctrinal positions that focus on the missional nature of congregations. Such a focus may help FaithSoaring Churches develop and sustain continual relevance to their context. However, many congregations who need to transform dilute or ignore the prophetic edge of these doctrinal convictions.
Pragmatism may take over that moves in one or two directions. One is to do whatever is necessary for the congregation to experience short-term numerical growth. The other is to figuratively “circle the wagons” and declare themselves faithful, which too often implies ineffective and non-innovative.