Eliminating the Middle Man

You can pick up Garth Brooks' latest CD at Wal-Mart for a mere $11.88. But only at Wal-Mart. Why? Because Garth has done what so many in the digital era have done: they've cut out the middle man. Instead of Garth giving up a share of proceeds to a distributor and production company, he produces the album himself and works a distribution deal directly with Wal-Mart. Don't feel like going to Wal-Mart? Then just log in, download the album, and load it to your iPod.

Man! Isn't technology fun! Well, it's also scary.

You see, the church has functioned as a middleman for a long time now. Beginning with the rise of the institutional Catholic church in the 4th century, the church became the middle man between people and God. Want to know the Bible? Go see the priest. Want absolution from sin? Go to confession. Want to serve? The church will guide you. Want spiritual guidance? Listen to the preacher. Want fellowship? Attend the church picnic.

But our digitally wired children are likely to cut the middle man. Already, I'm a few clicks away from some of the best preaching in the world. Everything in my seminary professor's head is a few clicks away on the internet. Spiritual guidance? Just drop by Barnes and Nobles, watch Oprah, or attend yoga. Want to make a difference? Call the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity.

Community is our only hope. The internet, online sermons, and Oprah cannot substitute for face to face, loving relationships. Worship cd's cannot replace the incredible God-sense that arises out of worshipping together. And the church can serve as a vital link to the needs of the community.

We can no more afford to think we can survive as middle men. We have to become serious experts at creating deep and abiding community. Unfortunately, we're more aware of the problem than we are polished with solutions. It looks like the church has some reinventing to do.