From 2012 until the moment you are reading this article, it’s been extremely difficult for God’s people to locate a genuine expression of church that is marked by face-to-face community and the centrality, supremacy, and headship of Jesus Christ.

The kind of church life I’ve described in my books Reimagining Church (2008) and Finding Organic Church (2009).

The reason has to do with the seasonal nature of the restoration of God’s house.

Namely …

Reason 1: While the idea of Christ-centered community is appealing to many, the cost for securing such community is obscenely high. So much so that the masses of 20s, 30s, and 40s prefer to be found in four other places that are far more convenient:

* Neo-Reformed churches.

* Mega churches.

* Liturgical “high church” assemblies.

* No church of any kind. These represent the “Dones” who have washed their hands of any regular gatherings or community-life. It’s lonelier, but far safer.

Reason 2: The word “organic church” has been hijacked to mean 1,001 different things, all of which are radically different. For that reason, I stopped using the term altogether. It’s devolved into a clay word that’s been molded like silly putty into sheer meaninglessness. The fact that the term no longer has a monolithic meaning has added to the disinterest.

The majority of those who are interested in the organic expression of the church right now (whatever they think the term means) are people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.

And most of them are having a horrible time finding others who are interested in meeting outside institutional lines who live in the same state, let alone the same city.

In addition, when they do contact a group that purports to be “organic,” it’s almost always a small-is-beautiful version of the institutional church. And some of them are highly-legalistic, highly-toxic groups.

Among those interested in organic church who are 50 years old and up, bickering over doctrines and practices — with a good mix of serious personality conflicts sprinkled in — is common. So much so that many who are new to the idea of “organic church” have turned off to the idea by the doctrinal beat downs, personal vilification, mud-slinging, and theological smackdowns among its advocates.

A New Season

Historically, God has worked in seasons. This is true for revivals. Most revivals in history lasted less than five years. It also applies to spiritual awakenings concerning the ekklesia.

As I write this, we’re in a season where the waves of a Spirit-generated revival are non-existent in North America. There’s also no significant awakening regarding the restoration of God’s house.

The good news is that I’m hopeful and expectant that we’ll again see the day when the Spirit of God will move on His people to restore the ekklesia as He intended according to His eternal purpose.

And when that happens, I plan to be on the front-lines once again.

In fact, that day may be around the corner. However, it’s going to require a few things for it to flourish and be in line with God’s will.

I wrote about this very thing recently in an article called Rethinking Church – Addressing a Danger.

So what is God doing now?

Right now, many who have read my signature book Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom are forming kingdom outposts (cells) where they live. This is something very easy to do because it only requires two people to begin.

To learn how to create a kingdom cell where you live, read this article: ==> HOW TO FORM A KINGDOM CELL WHERE YOU LIVE

So if you’re looking for an “organic church” to meet with, my advice — you will probably disappointed if you try to find one. Instead, form a kingdom cell.

P.S. For the difference between a “house church” and an “organic expression of the church” – read this article. They aren’t the same. And I advocate the latter.