Beyond Matthew 25: Ecclesiology in the Twenty-first Century

The Matthew 25 Initiative adopted by the Presbyterian Church (USA) has been a well-intentioned attempt to revitalize the church in the midst of declining membership and influence. This essay suggests that the urgent invitation of Mathew 25 to stand against racism, systemic poverty, patriarchy, homophobia, and consumerism is a worthy goal, but the church has domesticated this text by turning it into a program for institutional and congregational renewal, when it needs to radically challenge institutional priorities, expose insecurities, and move toward the Spirit’s call to follow the risen Christ.