Very few ministers remain active in ministry in Utah for the long haul. Sometimes the ministry folds. Sometimes the workers tire and leave. Other times they tire and simply fade into the scenery. A few things seem to be characteristic of the ministries and the ministers that last.
Several years ago, a minister in the Salt Lake Valley gave this advice which still holds true, "If you want to do ministry in Salt Lake you need to do two things: be relatively nice and do good worship." A few critical elements can be unwrapped from this simple statement.
First, at least make an effort to figure out the Mormon culture that pervades all of Utah. If a minister in Utah cannot appreciate any good in the LDS church they will not survive long at all. Secondly, do not pander or compromise the truth of the Gospel of Jesus. Niceness when absent of real love is simply tolerance and carries no power at all. Truth and love, when combined on the other hand, can bring the power of the Gospel.
Third, it is critically important when serving the Kingdom of God in Utah to never underestimate Satan and his strategies for earthly, temporary victory. People traveling in and out of Utah often comment about how the place feels so oppressive or dark. Often this is simply prejudice and fear, but to think this is always the case is to take a short term approach to ministry in Utah. There is much in Utah directly opposed to Biblical truth and the spreading of God's Kingdom on earth, especially when Christianity and its mission is interpreted in a traditional and orthodox manner. (As it is by the author.) Although Mormonism represents the most visible threat to the evangelical mission, it is certainly not the only one. Often the strategies of Satan in Utah are similar to elsewhere, only possibly intensified.
Lastly, a healthy attitude focused on realistic goals, Christian community and the working of the Holy Spirit is indispensable. Ministry in Utah is a cross-cultural one, much like ministry in the Muslim world. Calling people out of their culture is often a losing proposition. Instead, ministry in Utah should focus on translating the truth of the Gospel into the predominant culture. It just so happens that this culture was built from the basic blocks of Christianity over 150 years ago, and so the job is in some ways much easier, while in others much more difficult. Is it realistic to bring the Mormon empire to its knees? No. If that is your goal you will not survive Utah or impact it. Is it realistic to faithfully love and serve the people of Salt Lake and Utah as a servant of the Gospel? Yes.
This brings us to the last portion of the opening quote: "Do good worship." By this it is meant that ministry in Utah is accomplished, as it is always, by the work of the Holy Spirit. To survive as a laborer in Utah is to facilitate frequent and powerful connections between the populous and the Holy Spirit so that people can experience for themselves what so many windbags pontificate profusely with annoying spit and ire: that there is a truth and power in traditional and evangelical Christianity that is lost in the counterfeit of Mormonism. This is, after all, the basis of the contention between Mormons and main stream Christianity, and by the way, the same claim Mormons would make of the rest.
If you liked this article check out the first article in the Surviving Utah series.
Comments
Well said, David. You can spread that message to the rest of the country as well. I don't think it's that different in Florida where there are precious few Mormons. They still look down their noses at evangelicals as "less valliant" and lacking spiritual authority. We still have to take advantage of opportunities to demonstrate the gospel to them before we can speak the gospel to them. Then, we can sometimes show them the evidence that separates them from the genuine gospel.
I very much appreciate your efforts to soften the polemic towards the Mormon faith and I urge us Mormon's to do the same! My most enjoyable conversations are interfaith dialogue with evangelicals, if they are civil. For those interested in such dialogue, I recommend the book "How Wide the Divide" as a starting point.
I was quite interested in your suggestion to "facilitate frequent and powerful connections between the populous and the Holy Spirit." This is exactly how Mormons come to believe in their religion. I thought that evangelicals relied solely upon historical support for biblical inerrancy. I will definitely have to ask my evangelical friends more about this.
Thanks again!
There's one difference. I speak as a former protestant and a "convert" to the LDS church.
Evangelical Christians start at the point of "Mormons are TOTALLY wrong" whereas, Mormons start at the point of "non-LDS Christians are partly right".
It also helps if both sides know a lot more about what the other side does and does not believe before they start criticizing what the other side believes or does not believe. You would not believe how some non-LDS Christians will tell me how wrong my beliefs are, but they don't even know what my beliefs are. They tell me I believe all sorts of things I don't believe, or don't believe things that I do believe.
"How Wide the Divide" is a good book to start with.
Here, here LindaSDF pegged the nail on the head! I am always disgusted by the pride and arrogance shown by so many who look to correct others in their erroneous state. Did not Jesus teach to look toward one's self first before removing the mote from another's eye? That goes for those of every denomination who looks to follow Jesus, not any particular one. We definitely need more understanding in this world where the violent oppression of religion is increasing.
Mr Brown, I appreciate the theme of your article, despite false derogatory remarks about "Mormonism represents the most visible threat to the evangelical mission." and so forth.
Mormons teach: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
LDS missionaries have been using your theme for decades. It's the secret to their success. Namely, don't contend: If a person wants to talk different doctrine that's great! Let's share. But contention goes nowhere.
If a missionary isn't having success sharing Christs teachings and restored gospel, they serve at hospitals, service projects,etc.. doing anything Christ would do to show that charity is the pure love of Christ. They'll mow a persons lawn or do whatever, even if that person is anti-mormon because, as you say "Truth and love, when combined on the other hand, can bring the power of the Gospel."
To expound because of limited characters:
Mormons share and serve, they don't believe in putting down another religion, even if they have different doctrine. If a devout Mormon notices that his anti-Mormon neighbor cannot mow his own lawn from a temporary or permanent illness or situation- he'd gladly help him out if it would be seen as friendly service....Does he hope his actions spread a better light on his religion? of course. Is he trying to convert the anti-Mormon neighbor? Hopefully he's serving for the benefit of all- feeling the spirit that service offers, as well as helping out his neighbor in a time of need.
This my friend is what Mormonism is about. Of course you may disagree, and there are many freakishly pious Christians (meaning LDS or tradional Christians) that would do service as a means to convert, but as you stated "Niceness when absent of real love is simply tolerance and carries no power at all."
The power is charity and love...for the right reasons.
Mark123, you are indeed correct about LDS doctrine in regards to how others worship. My statement about Mormonism representing a threat to Evangelical Christianity is also true. Evangelical Christians, in general, do not hold the same belief, but instead believe that anything short of personal belief in Jesus as Savior leaves people in damnation forever (and that Mormonism understands Jesus incorrectly). So, LDS doctrine is a threat even if Mormons don't see it that way.
As for the other comments made about "How Wide the Divide," by Blomberg and Robinson, I agree that it is an excellent book.
Good piece Dave, keep up the good work compadre!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!