In Favor of Big Tents

I heard someone say the other day that the Presbyterian Church, USA, the denomination in which I have hung my hat for close to thirty four years, has been a big tent for a long time. The statement was made in reference to a number of pastors and congregations who are leaving the denomination and finding another tent to be under. They are leaving because they are unhappy with some of the people and positions of those in the big tent. In their view, the tent is too big. It contains too many different views and perspectives and priorities. So they want a smaller tent with less belief options and a stronger gate to keep some uninvited and unwelcome guests away. Tucked underneath the departure to smaller tents is the subtext of church growth and success. Everyone wants to talk about how many members the denomination has lost over the years, and they point to the big tent as the reason, or at least some of the folks under the big tent as spurring the departure. The thinking is that if the big tent were smaller, congregations stand a better chance of growth as well a the denomination as a whole.I find it interesting that folks will point to diversity as the reason for the denomination's decline, but when asked if it is the denominations differing positions that have caused their congregation's decline, they remain silent. Perhaps changing theological positions within the denomination have caused some sheep to go to a different fold, but it does not account for the membership losses in most congregations. There are a lot of reasons people either move on or out of the church. The key to church growth is not found in becoming the bastion of conservative/fundamentalist/evangelical brand of Christianity. Not every nonchurched, unchurched or dechurched person is looking for a conservative/fundamentalist/evangelical congregation. They are however looking for an authentic one. It may have one label or another, but the key to growth is the authentic acceptance and expressed love of those not yet under the tent. This authentic love and acceptance allows for multiple entry points, from worship services to small groups to mission efforts. In the end, this authentic love and acceptance by its nature, creates bigger and bigger tents, not smaller ones. That's why I firmly believe the bigger the tent, the better.