Why the Jesus Movement Never Got Off the Ground
The Jesus Movement of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s was a spiritual phenomenon, the culmination of social, spiritual, and political unrest for Americans and indeed for most western cultures of the world. Its vibrancy and vision held the promise for spiritual renewal and lighted the way for many disillusioned young people who felt trapped within the religious ranks of established Christianity. The fire and passion of the Jesus Movement could hardly be ignored as hundreds of thousands flocked together to form communities, coffee houses, and street ministries throughout North America and abroad. It offered hope for an answer to the declining moral and spiritual climate in society at large.
The Jesus Movement shot off with a “bang,” but like an airplane revving its faulty engines, readying for take-off, it was doomed before it could even lift off the ground. Although it seemed to take off, when the smoke cleared they were still right where they started — just going to church on Sunday.
Now, some thirty years later, many feel their souls devastated, wondering about the gospel they put their trust in. It had promised life, but in reality it proved to be an empty promise. Much like the Hippiecrits,1 they have settled into a life of compromise and the false comfort of materialism — the very things they once hated with a passion. Their spiritual lives are permeated with the same old complacency as that of their fathers, having accepted a religion steeped in man-made tradition and formality, but devoid of life. The Jesus Movement did not take them back to the original way. It tried to revive the life of Acts 2 and 4 without restoring the foundation it was built upon.
How the Way was Lost Long Ago
There was a process, a transition between the way of the original church and the way of Christianity today, but the critical change occurred long ago.
The first-century church was founded on love and thrived on prophecy — the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort2 that came from the words they spoke to one another. The revelation they received kept the church alive with vision and understanding. Prophecy was instruction for the church to hold fast their confidence and boast in Christ, as expressed through their outspokenness and freedom to speak publicly in the assembly (unhesitating, with frankness, candidness, and without reservation) thus proving themselves to be God’s House.3 In so doing they would speak the very utterances of God,4 and the church would continue to progress on the foundation that was laid by the apostles and prophets.5 If all prophesied, when an unbeliever came into their gatherings he would be convicted by all he heard.6
However, their love for each other and their devotion to the apostles’ teaching began to diminish. In all of their communities everywhere, people became silent towards each other with their many offenses and divisions. They failed to stimulate one another daily to love and good deeds to bring grace and encouragement to each other.7 They went on in pretense and form in their gatherings, and the Holy Spirit was quenched.8
When the first-century church lost their outspokenness, they not only lost their freedom to speak, but their lampstand as well.9 No longer was this church the Body of Messiah, but it became10 an organized, religious institution. Between the years AD 100 and 500 the original pattern of the church is documented as having “changed almost beyond recognition.”11 In the midst of this institutional atmosphere the Nicolaitans12 (the main spokesmen) among them found opportunity to gain an advantage. As apathy and indifference drifted in, these self-appointed leaders usurped Christ in the heart of each member. What developed out of the Nicolaitan influence was the clergy-laity system called Christianity.
