From Resident Aliens to World Changers: How the Church Can Heal a Divided Society

Becoming a Colony of Heaven in a Fractured World

As society grows more divided, the church faces a choice: retreat into isolation, fight for dominance, or become a community of healing. Gregory Boyd’s The Myth of a Christian Nation calls the church to be a 'colony of heaven,' living out the values of the kingdom in ways that heal wounds and build bridges.

The early Christians were resident aliens—distinct from their culture, yet deeply engaged in acts of love and service. Over time, the church sometimes lost its way, seeking power instead of serving. But history and research show that congregations committed to peacemaking and reconciliation can transform entire neighborhoods.

Boyd’s book is filled with examples of churches that have chosen the path of humility and service. Whether it’s advocating for justice, feeding the hungry, or simply listening to those with different views, these communities show that hope is not a theory but a practice. Every act of kindness is a small revolution, a sign that another world is possible.

Readers are challenged to see themselves as ambassadors of hope, sent to bring unity and healing wherever they go. The church’s calling is not to conquer, but to serve; not to divide, but to unite. When believers embrace this mission, they become world changers—one act of love at a time.

In a fractured world, the church can be the place where healing begins.
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