"And Joshua did not leave undone all that God had commanded Moses" - Joshua 10
"Who are you doing this for?" - Susan to Peter in Prince Caspian
I've been thinking lots about the balance between needing to strategize for ministry vs. commercializing ministry, and the need to have faith that God will give us those strategies/logistical reasoning when we are right with Him.
I was reminded today that ideas are itself neutral, and not harmful. And so discussion about ministry strategy is fine, as long as the foundation of 'who are we doing this for?' is answered with a strong conviction that it is for the Lord.
With all talks on ministry strategy, I've become bitter and hardened and concerned that too much focus has been on making 'effective' ministry such that 'church' functions almost like a commercial enterprise. What can we do to make things more attractive so that more people come? How can we make ministry more 'seeker-friendly'?
At what point does our focus on seeker-friendliness cause us to dilute the truth so much that we indeed become a mere institution trying to meet what seems pleasing to the crowds? At what point do we lose our reliance on the power of the WORD, of the TRUTH, of the HOLY SPIRIT interceding to be the one who draws the crowd - and rest our assurance in cool effects, smooth transitions... strategy, strategy, strategy.
UGH.
Is it so radical to believe in a God who will give us all the strategies that we need, so that, as we fulfill each and every task, the nations will come to know Him? (Joshua 10, James 2)
Is it so radical to believe that the inner joy, peace, love and hope that a congregation member will naturally make them so attractive; that the idea of a group of people so in love with the Lord will be so attractive, that people wonder why we are like so, and join us in worshipping God because they become curious to know what goes on? (Susan's quote)
I believe that is how the early church grew. Not with crazy programs, effects, a mighty fine looking service that was seeker-friendly. I believe the early church grew because it preached the Word. Every aspect of it - from the love, and joy, and peace, and hope, to the condemnation of sin of those who do not accept the freedom offered through the cross.
I believe that people come to the church with expectations of prayer, to want to hear the truth subconsciously because internally, we are tuned to worship the Lord; and I believe that when they are drawn by the Lord Himself, the truth SHALL set them free. Nothing by our efforts could ever convert a person. It has to be the Lord Himself.
Sure - we can help create an environment, but when our focus is set on creating the most amazing environment, we really limit the ability for Him to work, don't we? And we lose our focus, or create for ourselves distractions from the sole purpose of coming to church TO WORSHIP.
I believe if every soul came together TO WORSHIP - the organization, the logistics, all that - WILL come naturally. In fact, the simpler it is, the more beautiful it is, the easier it is for us to worship purely.
Sometimes I think - be gone with all the extras! let's just experience church as the early church did. those who are convicted by the Lord to share, share. those gifted with preaching, teaching; to do so. And as we close our eyes and worship in song, in hearing, in word, and meet Him fully face to face, let's experience the joy in knowing the Lord alone.
When we enter into church to worship Him freely, I believe all those concerns about ministry effectiveness will all fade away - and the numbers, and strategies and all the accompanying concerns and obsessions - WILL. NOT. MATTER. And we will leave every gathering together with a sense of contentment, of having experienced the most thrilling amazing thing possible while we were in God's presence.
I believe in that. And those verses, and quotes from above have all been a steady reminder since coming back to HK that it IS possible - and it IS the desire of His heart; this wholly, pure, unrepressed worship to Him alone is enough to expand the Church because we do all things for HIM; not seekers, not newcomers, not regular members, but HIM alone.
There. thoughts are finally written down. May the Lord keep teaching me about His intentions for the church.
2 comments:
So, seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ('these things' being the attractiveness, the hospitality, the effectiveness of ministry...)
I agree with that! :)
I wonder it would look like: a Bible study on relevant passages before tackling issues in a planning meeting? Allotting one hour of authentic communal prayer instead of one-minute 'templated' opening and closing prayers?
What does a Christ-centered church look like in a typical week, day by day?
Keep sharing your thoughts! :)
Yes. Ask and all things will be given. Good verse! :)
He has so many promises and blessings to give; but we seem so busy and involved in our plans that we don't bother to ask for them, or ask Him to fulfill them.
It's like... here's what we plan, now please bless it God. Rather then wait and listen to God, let Him lead, and then watch Him bless.
Typical week: members who are rejuvenated daily in their quiet times will, i'd hope, radiate and caused by the holy spirit's promptings to say/do/think certain things... and as an overflow of their life in Christ, they become involved in each other's lives and experience all the ups and downs together.
what if 'church' merely consisted of prayer meetings (asking God) and delving into the Word? and what if what was revealed in those passages, or in prayer meetings, or in the testimonies of fellow brothers and sisters became our heads up to what was to come, you know.. have our minds immersed into the scriptures, and then those verse divinely become our guidance into the tasks that we face in that week ahead (meetings, work, school, family)?
have we experienced that before? where scriptures literally guide our actions and decisions? it sounds crazy - but i know i've experienced that with fellow brothers and sisters during a trying time in undergrad, and praise God for putting His words in our hearts and minds, or surely the outcome of those times would have been very different!
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