The Resurrected Life, Part 5: Resurrection in the Church

Rev. Erik Swanson
June 1, 2025

We are at the conclusion of the Easter season. The Easter season focuses on understanding resurrection not just as a past event in Jesus' life, but as an ongoing invitation to new life in many areas of our own lives. But resurrection is not just Jesus’ story — it is meant to be our story, something we are called to see, embrace, and live into. Today I shift our focus to what resurrection could look like within the Church itself.

The Struggles of the Institutional Church

A central truth acknowledged is that Jesus often clashed with the religious systems of his time — particularly with religious leaders like the Pharisees and scribes. This wasn’t incidental; it’s a caution about how religious systems, being human-made, can begin to serve their own survival rather than God's mission. When the Church or its rules become the central focus — rather than God — it goes astray. Over time, the institutional Church has too often prioritized control, conformity, or cultural power over love, justice, and discipleship. We can recall historic wrongs — from the Crusades and genocide of indigenous peoples to slavery and modern Christian nationalism — as stark reminders of how the Church has sometimes failed. The current decline of institutional religion, then, may actually be necessary: old structures may need to die so that something new — something Spirit-led — can emerge.

The Resurrected Church

Yet, there is hope. The religious system, at its best, can offer community, purpose, and a way to embody God’s calling. But those moments have often been brief and fragile. The call is for a resurrected Church — one rooted not in rigid doctrine, but in living, growing relationships with God and others. Instead of focusing on belief conformity, this renewed Church would prioritize how we live out Jesus’ teachings, how we love, and how we allow God’s Spirit to transform us.

A Loving and Affirming Church

A truly resurrected Church would be less judgmental and more loving. Throughout history, the Church has condemned people — especially those who don’t fit within narrow cultural norms: LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people of color, and many others. Such condemnation has left deep wounds. But a Church shaped by resurrection would affirm, bless, and liberate, helping people find internal freedom to love and serve.

I envision a Church where people are truly known and supported, not molded into conformity. It would welcome people just as they are, celebrating diverse ideas and journeys. Leadership would be about empowering others to grow into who God made them to be. It would be a place of healing, authenticity, and mutual support.

A Church Animated by the Spirit

Finally, the resurrected Church would be animated by the Spirit — not duty or tradition — but joy, abundance, meaning, and community. I see hope in our own community, Westhope, which already embodies much of this vision. As Easter concludes, the invitation is clear: to continue living into resurrection by being a church that heals, loves, welcomes, and transforms. Let this be our new life together. Amen.