In Whatever Became of Holiness?, DeNeff paints a picture of what holiness in a postmodern context will look like. The vast majority of Americans claim to be religious, but how much is Christ-like compassion and aid to the needy actually making a difference in our communities? How well are we reflecting and emulating the mission of Jesus? How much is our culture in its darkness and need actually finding hope from those of us who proclaim Christ and His kingdom of love and compassion?
As Christians we sometimes underestimate the wonderful power of grace. We know we need grace. Without it we’d never come to Christ in the first place. Being a Christian is more than just coming to Christ. It’s about growing and becoming more like Jesus, about pursuing holiness. The pursuit of holiness is hard work, and that is where we turn from grace to discipline—and often make a big mistake.
Grace is every bit as important for growing as a Christian as it is for becoming a Christian. The pursuit of holiness must be anchored in the grace of God; otherwise it is doomed to failure. Grace is at the heart of the gospel, and without a clear understanding of the gospel and grace we can easily slip into a performance-based lifestyle that bears little resemblance to what the gospel offers us. Sadly, according to DeNeff, many Christians don’t have a good grasp of what the gospel message is. In Whatever Became of Holiness?, he offers a clear and thorough explanation of the gospel and what it means to the believer. DeNeff discusses how the same grace that brings us to faith in Christ also disciplines us in Christ; and how we learn to discipline ourselves in the areas of commitment, conviction, choices, watchfulness and adversity. God gives us the discipline of adversity as a means of our sanctification. Our role in this discipline is to respond to it and to surrender to whatever God may be doing, even though a particular instance of adversity makes no sense to us. As we do this we will see in due time the fruit of the Spirit produced in our lives.
Is there a similarity between religious life in the first century prior to Pentecost and that of most churches and Christian communities today? Clearly, the answer is yes. Sure, there are differences: We have all the conveniences of 21st century technology—printed Bibles, Christian radio and TV broadcasts and the Internet. These wonderful tools should greatly aid us in an effort to transform our culture; but in spite of the differences in technology and information availability, today’s typical religious life seems anemic and ineffectual. The average American church appears to have little impact on the culture around us. Why?
The church today is not what the church was intended to be. The church started as a missionary movement in Jerusalem. It moved to Rome and became an institution. It traveled to Europe and became a culture. It crossed the Atlantic to America and became a big business. While this is simplistic, it rings true. It appears that religious people have lost their transforming salt and are no longer an attractive light that most people want to follow.
It may seem strange to think traditional evangelism is in its last gasps when some North American churches seem to be increasing in number. Indeed, if the measure of success is church attendance, donations, people’s participation, numbers of programs or square footage of church space, then many of today’s churches would be considered overwhelming successful. Are these factors valid measurements for the success of a church? If not, what is? The apostle Paul established some indicators. He said the leadership of the church was responsible “to equip God’s people to do His work…” so they would be “…mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ” (
Just as in the first century, a new church is emerging that is measuring its success not by the numbers of those participating in religious programs, but by transformed lives. These churches measure their success by the lives of those who profess to be Christians. Their standard is simple Christ-likeness and how the transformed lives of their members impact the community around them. During the past few decades, youth ministry has been on the cutting edge of relevant ministry. If we are going to make an impact, we must understand the condition of the postmodern mind and develop youth ministries that seek to meet those individuals where they are. Considering the condition of the church and what is has become, we must be willing to think outside the box and be proactive in our approach to reaching this generation.
As I read this book, I could not help but think of my second full-time student ministry position. The church was in a rural part of Georgia. Most of the students who were drawn to our ministry were skaters and Goth kids. I thought this was odd considering given the community; but as I began to minister to them, I realized I needed to change my approach or I would lose them. I spent time getting to know them and began to invest into their lives. As time went on, their appearance began to change. I think that once they felt loved and accepted, they did not need to dress to get attention any more. As I read Whatever Became of Holiness?, I really began to identify with the description DeNeff gave of holiness. I really need to help my students strive for holiness by giving them the tools to become more Christ-like. I must also give them opportunities to grow and really become true disciples of Christ.
How can I change my youth ministry to encourage and train students to pursue holiness?
What things must I change in order to be relevant, but not compromise the truth of the gospel?
How am I to identify those students in my ministry who have a postmodern mindset and then challenge them to a life of holiness?
How do I train my leaders to be sensitive to this type of approach to ministry?
After reading Whatever Became of Holiness?, I realized that if we are going to make an impact in the generation, we must get back to the model of the early church. It didn’t take thousands of people to launch God’s transformational kingdom movement in Jerusalem during the first century. There were only 120 in that upper room pouring out their hearts to God in agreement when His transforming Spirit empowered them to engage their city. From Jerusalem they turned the known world upside down. What did they do, and how did they do it? A study of the early church reveals how they grew and stayed focused on the mission Christ gave them. There were many factors involved, and we must practice these, as well. First, I must proclaim a transformational message. The new kingdom was not about changing the government; it was about transforming each individual life. I must have a burden to reach the lost and truly seek to help students find the transforming power of Christ.
Second, my youth ministry must embrace a missional focus. Church growth should not be our goal; growth is a by-product. My strategy has to come together in the prayer of agreement, unified in godly compassion and engage the city with a message of Christ’s love that meets people’s needs. That will result in converts. Converts then will be discipled, and the youth ministry and church will become more authentic and experience growth.
Third, I must help my students become living models of transformation. People aren’t attracted to preaching personalities, church buildings or church programs. They are attracted to a people who demonstrate love and care for others, people who have a clear sense of purpose and convictions they would fight to the death to uphold.
Our culture today has similarities to those of the first century. The needs of people are the same now as then. People in our communities will respond and can be changed by the same message of transformation. They will respond to the same missional focus, and they will be attracted to authentic models of transformation.
