Who will save the church?
That depends on what you mean by ‘save.’
If you mean “what will keep things just as they are?” then the answer is nobody will. It’s over.
And if you mean “who will maintain that handy place where we get encouraged on weekends, have our weddings and funerals, hang with friends and get some advice when life’s confusing for our convenient 2-3% tithe?” then the answer is still nobody will.
We need to get past this old idea of saving, because the status quo is leaving the building, and quickly.
The churches thriving in this storm have learned that getting past a James 3:16 spirit (where selfish ambition is…confusion…and every evil work) is just as important as getting to a John 3:16 one (whoever believes in Him will not perish). They’ve learned that unchallenged congregations become “stalled and dissatisfied.” And they’ve learned that those congregations deteriorate into myopic consumers, simply devouring the the ministry’s services and the hope of the staff as well.
I grabbed lunch yesterday with Danny Curry and Dave Wood, two pastors who have a healthy church of 1,600 that’s growing 10% a year in spite of the cultural and economic headwinds. It’s fantastic talking with guys like this. They seriously challenge people beyond their selfish ambition and into a fullness in Christ.
I asked how they measured fullness and they quickly replied, “Selflessly showing up wherever God is at work!”
Now that’s exponential impact that could save something.
Some content from Seth Godin’s blog
What a great “twist” on the popular conversation about saving the church. Most of us understand that the church is in decline, but many are unwilling to admit our part of the problem.
In my family’s many moves, we have attended many churches. I have found that the congregations that are striving for the status quo do indeed suck the life out of their leaders. And then get frustrated with their leader’s inability to lead!
But I’ve also seen leaders who are less concerned with the status quo & constantly fight the headwind to “Selflessly showing up wherever God is at work!” They are the vibrant, growing churches. They are bringing life to their communities. They are inspiring ordinary people to live extraordinary lives. They are making Jesus famous!
I love the tension in the Church today. It is forcing us to let go of what we know & run to the only thing that makes sense in these times – the love of Jesus! The Church will be more beautiful for it!
Abbie,
Thanks for your thoughts and insight. More and more church leaders are realizing that things need to change. And that is encouraging for sure.
But change is tough. It takes real courage and conviction to ride it out and deal with the losses when you call people to action. Many will not walk with you. That was the overriding message here at the Verge Conference in Austin.
As Christ and the disciples taught us, leadership is a very lonely road.
Ed