Deconstruction: How Can The Church Do Better?

Check out the first four posts in the series below:

Deconstruction: First, a Worldview

Deconstruction: A Quick Church History

Deconstruction: What Does It Mean and How Do You Do It?

Deconstruction: Dealing With Doubts and Questions

Deconstruction: How We Should Respond

I wasn’t going to write this post originally, but after researching the topic of deconstruction for so long, I think it is necessary. It was be foolish to call out some of the fallacies and harmful teachings in the deconstruction movement without also acknowledging the faults of the church in its response.

First, let me clarify that when I talk about the church, I need to make a distinction between the broader evangelical church and a Biblical church. The word evangelical is often used to refer to protestant Christianity, yet it is vague and defined differently by those who may claim to hold to it. Frankly, I do not think that every church under the evangelical or Protestant umbrella is a Biblical, Gospel-preaching church. Some of these churches have hurt the testimony of Christ, and some of these churches teach doctrine, whether progressive or legalistic, that has actually caused deconstruction amongst its members.

In contrast, I think of the Biblical local church: one that holds to the authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of Scripture, that faithfully preaches the Gospel message as found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, and uses expository preaching to instruct its members. I realize that some of these terms are ‘triggers’ and red flags to those in the deconstruction movement, but I believe this type of church is what God describes in the New Testament. Yet, even churches who have been committed to the faithful teaching of God’s Word can be confused on how to respond to the deconstruction movement.

With this distinction made, how can churches do better as our leaders and members seek to respond to the deconstruction movement?

1.Church Leaders, Know What Deconstruction Is

I do not think that every pastor needs to be an expert or even well-read in the area of deconstruction, especially as it is a relatively new movement born out of postmodernism. Nor do I think every lay teacher and ministry leader within the church needs to be a seasoned apologist. But it is helpful to have some sort of knowledge and understanding about what the deconstruction movement is and its implications on the church and culture.

Church leaders also need to be aware of this movement because it is something that will affect their church at some point. If it hasn’t already, it will in the future. Church leadership should be proactive and prepared to respond to deconstructing members now, rather than being reactive and caught off guard when someone announces that they have deconstructed their faith.

2. Churches, Be a Safe Place for Those With Doubts and Questions

Many people probably consider their church a safe place for those with questions and doubts; in fact, many people consider themselves to be a safe person as well. But is this actually how the local church is perceived? The nature of doubts and questions can cause people to be frightened to share, even in a supposed welcoming and non-judgmental place. As a church member, let others know that you care about them holistically and you welcome their thoughts and questions. You can do this building deeper relationships where you can share about each other’s struggles and walk with God. Perhaps a church could decide to do a smaller Bible study or class on topics like doubts, current issues, or covering apologetic material. If you know someone struggling with their faith, with doubts, or who is openly deconstructing, utilize Titus 2 relationships and discipleship to give the individual a safe connection to share with as well as a source of truth as they work through their struggles.

A safe place for doubters and questioners does not mean a neutral place, and especially not a place where the truth can not be spoken. As I’ve written before, Christians have a responsibility to respond to false ideas with the truth, while also demonstrating mercy, grace, and patience. People with doubts and questions means that they are genuinely asking questions, seeking answers, or simply confused—not those who are seeking to be a radical disruption for the sake of controversy or to push an agenda. These situations must also be dealt with with wisdom and grace.

3.Pastors, Don’t Stop Preaching Scripture

I am not a church expert or a pastor, but I believe that a major problem in our American churches is that pastors have neglected the expository preaching of God’s Word. Expository preaching is a way of teaching what the Bible says according to the author’s original intention to the original audience, based on the historical and cultural context, with a literal interpretation according to genre. This is a straightforward, plain understanding of Scripture (and the only one that makes logical sense).

The church pulpit is not a place to share a sermon containing only on a pastor’s opinion on a current cultural issue or as a sounding board for the pastor to vent. It is not a time to find a more creative or different spin on a plain text of Scripture. Sermons that are based on something other than Scripture, even if well-intentioned, are at best a distraction from the truth and at worst, incredibly detrimental to the Christian growth and spiritual discernment of a congregation.

Some Christians today have deconstructed because they were never exposed to expository teaching of the Bible, and thus, never learned how to understand or study the Scriptures properly and accurately for themselves. Because of this, they have been drawn to false teaching. This is ultimately the individual’s responsibility, but churches and pastors may have failed to guide and prepare their members in this area.

Other churches, in an attempt to be seeker-friendly, have turned to more progressive methods of “doing” church; in doing so, the church’s mission and truth it should be standing on have been rejected and left behind. When the foundation of Biblical truth is removed from the church’s mission, members are left with nothing solid to guard against false teaching and nothing to prevent them from embracing deconstruction—because after all, their own church is deconstructing from the truth!

It is not popular to teach the Bible these days. Pastors who practice faithful expository teaching may not go viral on youtube. Their churches may not experience quick growth because people aren’t always drawn to strong Bible teaching. But, it is what God commands; and it is what your people need.

4. Christians, Don’t Stop Presenting the Gospel

Some who deconstruct are confused about the Bible or their faith. Others are not saved. Either way, the saving grace of the Gospel is a necessary truth that they need to hear. Whether you are a pastor or church member, I encourage you to steadily promote and share the whole truth of the Gospel. Don’t gloss over the topic of sin; while many who have embraced progressive Christianity are offended by the idea of sin, it is a reality that all of us need to hear about. We must have a true understanding of our sin and sinful nature so that we can turn to Christ in repentance. Meanwhile, don’t leave out the hope of the resurrection and new life that Christ offers. This message of hope and grace is a balm to a hurting and weary world. Those who are struggling with doubts and questions need this truth—more than anything!

I am not discouraged when I consider deconstruction and the true church. I know many pastors who are faithfully teaching and guiding their flock. I see Christians all over the world who genuinely love and care for all people, regardless of worldview, ethnicity, religion, or political background. I have seen those struggling with doubt and deconstruction find healing and answers in these churches. Every church has areas it can improve in—after all, each of us as individual Christians have many different sins and opportunities to grow ourselves! Yet, I know that the Biblical church will continue to prevail. Deconstruction is not the first obstacle that has been set against Christianity or the local church. God’s Word will not fade away and the true church will stand—alone—but on the truth.