| The church that will remain a growing church is the church that learns how to die daily. |
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| Dr. Chuck Terrill |
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I had a conversation, yesterday, that is fresh in my mind. The lady who called me attends another church. She was concerned because of the inner turmoil her church is experiencing. Their young minister is making his presence felt by “changing things” in his effort to “market the church.” The caller wanted my advice. Many others want advice on the same subject. I often speak with leaders who want to know how to reach their communities and grow. Their stories are familiar. They tell of various efforts they have made, prayers they have offered, money they have spent, staff they have hired, and programs they have implemented. The result is often the same: very little kingdom growth. I tell them that “what worked with great success in Chicago may not be what you church needs.” Preachers and churches need to discover what God would have them do, in their locations, rather than depend upon those who market their strategies to desperate preachers and churches. What does help a church turn the corner and fulfill God's purpose for that church? Honestly answering three questions will help. Question 1- Does your church believe, honor, and follow the teaching of the Bible? When a church does not preach and teach what the Bible says about sin, heaven, hell, and the saving power of Jesus alone, there is little chance they will ever have an effective outreach. Where the Bible is not authoritative, it is unlikely that evangelism will be a consuming passion. A church might make an effort to keep from shutting their doors. They might want to grow. They might even be willing to implement tactics to engage new people. But only a desire to see people repent of sin, enter a life-giving relationship with Jesus, and be born again through his sacrificial death on the cross will lead to lasting evangelistic movement in a congregation. The truth and authority of the Word of God are a church’s backbone. Question 2- Does your church love people and long for them to know Jesus? When a church is in love with itself and is consumed with self- preservation, it’s unlikely it will count the cost and take steps to reach out. Most of the effort and resources will go towards a building. Keeping Christians as comfortable as possible seems to be the focus in many churches. But, if Christians love others, that love drives them outward. Those Christians are willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of others. When we love people so much that we hurt over their lost condition, we will do whatever it takes to be certain that others have a chance to experience the love of God. Question 3- Are the people in your church willing to sacrifice to the point that they will joyfully embrace change? This is the most difficult question. It is a “I'm a deer caught in the headlights question.” Most can confidently say, “We believe and hold to the Word of God, and we believe the gospel, love people, and want to reach out.” But when it comes to the idea of changing....? They love people outside of the church, but not enough to risk incurring the wrath of members who like things just the way they are. They believe the Bible is true, but they are not willing to take up their crosses, deny themselves, and follow Jesus into a lost and broken world. Conclusion: A dislike for change is the very thing that prompts these unsolicited conversations, and phone calls. People rebel against change. But change is the needed ingredient if a church is to remain alive and healthy. I tell others to avoid the pop culture changes that are being marketed by the mega churches and mega personalities. I purposely avoid reading all of the church growth books. The change that matters is a change of heart. God directed change. Repentance. Getting back to the Bible. Loving Jesus. The change that God blesses is change that includes sacrifice. The church that will remain a growing church is the church that learns how to die daily. Yours for a living Church, Dr. Chuck Terrill |