The Independent Sacramental Movement has numerous opportunities and challenges.  Before someone considers joining the Independent Sacramental Movement, I believe individuals should know all the factors.

 

First, let us briefly examine the challenges to the movement:

1. The movement itself is disorganized, small and fragmented.  There is little cohesion or dialogue between groups.

2. Christianity is no longer relevant to a postmodern, capitalistic society.  How can a tiny ISM community stand up to this challenge that is affecting mainline churches?

3. The Independent Sacramental Movement has many disreputable members.  While mainline churches have had scandals, the ISM movement lacks oversight or accountability.

4. Independent Sacramental Movement communities lack funding, facilities, resources, and the laity of mainline churches.  These will hamper the ability for the community to evangelize and carry out its mission.

5. The ISM movement attracts many unstable individuals who want to play church.

6. The ISM movement is reactionary as it often defines itself against other mainline churches and siphons off clergy and laity.

7. Given repeated condemnations of episcopi vagantes, do such episcopal ordinations make ecclesiological sense? 

8. The ISM movement lacks continuity.  Clergy readily move about from one church to another.  Few churches remain open over an extended period.  Those that remain open frequently continue splinter movements.

9. The ISM clergy often have competing demands with full-time employment, family, and ministry.  Ministry often takes place when the ISM clergy are available which may not be convenient for the laity.

 

Now let us briefly explore the opportunities the movement offers:

1. There is a possibility to form authentic communities.  The earliest Christian communities were likely small house churches.  People can truly get to know each other and share their joys and sorrows.  Many are looking for authentic communities to provide meaning, hope, and a sense of belonging.

2. ISM clergy often understand the needs of the community since they are part of the community.  ISM clergy frequently work outside of ministry to provide for their needs.  ISM clergy are not simply hired hands but freely share the Good News.

3. ISM communities are not burdened with the typical administrative tasks of raising money and maintaining buildings.  This means that more money and time can be spent towards actual ministry.

4. ISM communities can evangelize people who do not feel welcome at mainline churches.  Moreover, a number of people can not receive the sacraments in their own mainline churches but still yearn for God’s grace.

 

In short, the Independent Sacramental Movement has both opportunities and challenges.  Those reading and who are attracted to the movement must find ways to reconcile and resolve the challenges.  God certainly can and does use these Independent Sacramental Ministry churches, institutions, and ministers.