Revitalizing the Church: An Interview with David Wells
In a recent conversation, David Wells, author of God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients Our World, shared his insights on the state of the evangelical church and the need for a renewed understanding of God’s character.
A New Perspective on God’s Character
Wells’ latest book is not simply a rehashing of his previous works, but rather a fresh exploration of the biblical understanding of God’s holy-love. He emphasizes that this concept is not just a theoretical framework, but a living reality that should shape our lives and our worship.
The Weight of God’s Character
According to Wells, the primary thing lacking in evangelical theology is an understanding of God’s character that carries weight. This weight comes from recognizing God as the central authority in our lives, rather than just a peripheral figure. We must also acknowledge God as revealed in Scripture, rather than creating a god in our own image.
The Dangers of Separating Holiness and Love
Wells warns against the temptation to separate God’s holiness and love, which can lead to a shallow understanding of God’s character. He argues that God’s holiness and love are inseparable, and that we must hold them together in our understanding of God.
Responding to the Charge of Intolerance
When faced with the charge of intolerance, Christians should not soften the truth that Christ is the only way to God. Instead, we should focus on living out our faith with authenticity and compassion, demonstrating the character of Christ to a watching world.
Rethinking Our Understanding of God’s Love
Wells challenges us to rethink our understanding of God’s love, which is often filtered through our own experiences of loving and being loved. He argues that God’s love is not just about meeting our emotional needs, but about building our character and conforming us to His image.
The Greatest Challenge Facing the Evangelical Church
In the next 50 years, the evangelical church will face numerous challenges, but perhaps the greatest will be the need to recover a sense of reality and authenticity in our faith. Wells is heartened by the rising generation of believers who are seeking a genuine and vibrant faith, and he is confident that God will provide what we need to revitalize the church.
A Call to Revitalization
As we move forward, we must recognize the need for a deeper understanding of God’s character and a more authentic expression of our faith. May we seek to revitalize the church by embracing the reality of God’s holy-love and living out our faith with integrity and passion.
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