UNDERGROUND CHURCH (2020)

Throughout the world, there are global churches that gather under very different circumstances than we do in the West. It is dangerous to speak the name of Jesus, read a Bible, or claim the identity of Christian. The punishment for these acts include imprisonment, exile, destruction of property, and death. In certain parts of the globe, it is extremely dangerous to follow Jesus.

And yet, not only do these churches continue to gather, and worship, and read Scripture, and proclaim the name of Jesus—they are thriving. Churches in these dangerous countries grow at rates faster than we could only dream about in our cities and neighborhoods and societies. They gather in secret, they lack our resources and tech and facilities and airtime, they have zero political influence or sway. But they grow deeper and wider and stronger all the same. They are the Underground Church, and believe it or not, they are a vital part God’s mission to win the world.

The apostle Peter writes to a people very similar to today’s Underground Church. In his letter, he describes the marks of a church that thrives amid persecution and hatred and marginalization. We could stand to learn something from that sort of upside-down, creative, redemption-oriented society. The kingdom of heaven depends on it.