The Ignorance of Isolationism 1: In-church Isolationism - GBC Bulletin Column #56

There are 31 chapters in the Old Testament book of Proverbs and in a month of 31 days I have been reading a chapter a day. The Proverbs are filled with the rich common sense so important to the quality of our daily existence but all too often lacking. A verse that recently stood out to me comes at the beginning of Proverbs 18: “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgement.” I believe this verse has important implications for in-church and inter-church relationships.

Isolationism within the church is the withdrawal of a person into a self-centred mindset by which he thinks of himself more as a Christian individual than as a church member, therefore having no particular obligation to the congregation and no accountability to the leadership and membership. Theologically this amounts to nothing less than a rejection of the biblical concept of the church as a spiritual building (1 Corinthians 3:16), body (1 Corinthians 12:27), and bride (Ephesians 5:22-33). Bricks and mortar must combine to construct a building; bones and all the other bits must be joined together to create a body; a bride is a particular kind of body, and the word ‘bride’ implies that there is to be a marriage union with a groom at some point – each of these images depict relationships of unity. Mutual responsibility is necessary for meaningful unity.  

Mindsets transfer to lifestyles, and isolationism might take various forms. Perhaps a person is ‘concerned’ about the spiritual growth (or alleged lack thereof) of other members but is unwilling to invest in them in any meaningful way and develops a ‘me’ and ‘them’ stand-offish attitude. Perhaps the opposite is the case – the person has problems and knows it, but wouldn’t dare make himself accountable to another church member or leader. A few years ago I was saddened by the departure of a couple of young people who had some issues with my teaching and leadership style as well as a whole list of other things. In the lead up to their exit, I asked them regularly how they were, spent time with them after church meetings, called them, texted them...anything to encourage them to greater faithfulness and fruitfulness in the church body. They were largely unresponsive and did not communicate their issues until it was too late and they were already headed to non-participation in any local church, not just our own. Ultimately, in keeping with good church discipline they had to be removed from membership, but really they weren't cut off – they cut themselves off. And like any body part being torn away, it was painful.

Some people are unwilling to help bear other people’s burdens. They would much rather just carry their own. Other people are unwilling to let some people help bear their burdens, so they go it alone. In-church isolationists do not fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Ignorantly, they seek their own desire and break out against all sound judgement. 

This was printed in the worship bulletin of Grace Baptist Church (Wood Green) on 27 July 2014.