I have been on staff at several large churches over the past 20 years. At each church, those of us in leadership have spent a lot of time strategizing our approach to ministry and evaluating our methods and effectiveness. We have attended conferences at large and growing mega-churches, hoping to learn from their successes. We have adopted various mission statements, vision statements and priorities, each time trying to make them memorable and catchy.
This past summer, I took a break from ministry. I have been reading, thinking and praying about how we do church in today's American culture. I'm not sure I have many answers, but I have begun to ask some questions.
1. In our effort to be appealing and relevant to our cultures, have we lost the primary importance of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ?
2. Are we relying more on the human wisdom of marketing and packaging than we are on being dependent on the Holy Spirit for ministry guidance and spiritual fruit?
3. Is bigger really better when it comes to churches, or do we risk a culture where deep relationships and vital community are difficult to achieve?
4. Do our clever marketing strategies actually work against the goal of producing mature followers of Jesus Christ?
I find my heart yearning for a return to the basic essentials - to the simplicity of focusing on the Great Commandment (to love God and love others) and the Great Commission (to go into the world and preach the gospel, baptizing and teaching those who believe).
Maybe all of our strategies and methods aren't bad in and of themselves, as long as we don't allow them to take leadership over the primacy of living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we approach the end days, we cannot afford to lose sight of why we have been left here on this earth. Life is too short, hell is too hot and too many people's lives are at stake.
I especially agree with point #4. The emphasis of childrens' ministry has moved from teaching them about the Bible to keeping them entertained and happy so that their parents will want to stay. They have a captivating experience every Sunday during which they see really great stories about how to be great citizens of the world- but to be honest, they learn those same lessons at school. We have only a short period of time to influence our children. I want them to leave church learning more about the Bible, not asking me questions such as, "Did Jesus really play soccer?"
ReplyDeleteOn that note, many of the larger churches are seeker churches. Our churches should feed mature Christians - as well as seekers. Sometimes churches are so worried about quantity that they forget about quality. There has to be balance, however. I've gone to churches that are so focused on teaching the deepest truths that they confuse the new believers and bore the children with their esoteric talk. (Or they have no children's ministry whatsoever.)
Good question. Also - many churches seem to have taken up "transform (North American) culture" in place of communicating the gospel. Transforming culture as a primary goal was last popular in the late 19th century, when it was called Liberal Protestantism.
ReplyDeleteI am with you regarding your concerns in your blog posting and with the comments made.
ReplyDeleteIronically Freedom of Religion causes many who proclaim their beliefs in Jesus Christ and their commitment to follow Him to be lazy in defending their faith. Regardless of all those who hold to a doctrine of "once saved always saved" do not have their faith tested as it will be as Jesus Christ prohesises Himself.
When real persecution comes will we, and I certainly include myself, defend our faith or "fall away" as as Jesus Christ prophesies? By faith I say I will stand but I can not know intill I am tested.
Most churches are more focused on budgets and popularity than on developing small home groups fully prepared for the inevitability of that time of testing. Preparing for these realities can be done by all Christian denominations and groups at a much lower cost than following business models that essentially lead to high cost corporate like structures.
Loving God and loving peep is at the core of real Cristianity. While entertainment and art have their place in Christian culture they are not important in leading people to believe Jesus Christ, truly repent if their sins then and daily, be baptized in water and by His Spirit, submit themselves to him, and measure them selves by the fruit that is growing in their lives, I.e. Faith, Hope, Love, Peace, Joy, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self Control and the many other Characteristics of Spiritual Growth. Maranantha!
Liz, you raise some great points. I share your concern for the lack of teaching and grounding in their faith that kids are missing out on in this current environment of entertainment-based church programming.
ReplyDeleteIt's a difficult thing to keep in balance, because content without creativity can be just as ineffective as creativity without content.
And really, don't we all need that balance, no matter what our age?
G,
ReplyDeleteI think we as Christians do need to be used of the Lord in a transformational way in our culture. As Christians, we have been silent for too long while injustice and immorality have spread relatively unchecked. We are to be salt and light to a world that desperately needs to know truth.
At the same time, I think your point is well made when you challenge us to keep the gospel as our primary mission to the world. The gospel is what will ultimately transform people's lives, not merely social reform. The power of God that is at work in bringing us to life spiritually through Jesus Christ isn't just for this present world, but for eternity!
William, I really liked what you had to say. I have also wondered if my faith will be strong enough to stand in the face of the kind of persecution Christ said would come in the last days. I sure hope so, and I sure think so, but only being tested as by fire will reveal the true strength of my faith.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that small groups are the best way for churches to create community, care and challenge in the lives of its people. It sure seems like a no brainer to me - from a relational, financial and kingdom perspective.