I’m tired, I’m frustrated and I’m angry; but mostly…I’m heartbroken. I’m ready to quit. I love Christ with all that I am and want nothing more than to serve Him. I am willing spend my life for the sake of the gospel. Going to the lost and hurting of this world. But I have lost my faith in the church.
Our churches give us everything that we want. Beautiful buildings full of fantastic programs that teach our families all we could ever need to know about the Bible. We have great acoustics, comfortable seats and state-of-the-art electronics to provide for the best possible worship experience. We have all the room we need in multi-million dollar facilities that are cold when it’s hot and hot when it’s cold. We have avenues for great friendships and we belong to the family. What more could we ask for?
Our churches give us everything that we want…but little of what we need. Where are our leaders? Where are the ones who can boldly say with Paul “Follow me as I follow Christ”; Paul, a leader who was in the communities, spreading the gospel, changing this world. A man who was ridiculed, beaten and stoned, and yet he went on, reaching the lost and hurting for Christ.
Today’s leaders are so busy doing the business of church that they are not leading us in doing the churches business. They sit in their corner offices studying, reading Scripture and books preparing to deliver yet another rousing sermon to those already in the fold. They hold meetings to build bigger, better program and attract more people. They have dinner with believers and make the social rounds. They visit those who are hurting, as long they are in the circle of trust.
The problem is we are following our leaders as they follow Christ. We too are so busy serving in the church that we do little to serve those outside the walls. We sit in our comfortable homes, reading Scripture and the latest books, preparing to discuss how they moved our hearts…but our actions remain the same. We give our time and money to the latest programs designed to bring people into the church, instead of going to our communities. We have dinner with believers and make the social rounds. We are there for those who are hurting, as long they are in our small group.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for our leaders to move outside the walls. It’s time for us to minister to the down and out…and stop trying to attract the up and in. We need to walk away from event based ministry and begin to build relationships with the lost and hurting in this world. It’s time to quit following the church and begin to follow Christ. It’s time for our leaders to lead, follow or get out of the way.
So where are we going? I don’t live in your community and you don’t live in mine so what are we going to do?
Bravo Bravo!!!!
Very perceptive and thought provoking. I find myself with many of the same frustrations. Fortunately, over the years I have had experiences with pastors who feel called to lead their people into a deeper relationship with Christ while, at the same time, leading them into the community for the work of the kingdom, including sharing the gospel with the lost. I think the present church climate in our land makes it almost impossible to be this kind of leader and be considered a “successful” pastor.
I often get frustrated with people for myriad reasons in the church and in my profession. However, I have to remember that just because I have had a revelation or awakening in my life they may not have had the same one in theirs. Just because they don’t see things like I do doesn’t mean that they can’t or that they are not able to do so. I have to be patient that God is in control and there is a plan. I do not ignore the issue, but I also don’t judge the people because that is going to get us nowhere. I stick to where I am lead and pray to do what God is asking me to do, so that His plan can be completed through me (even if I am only a small part). Who knows, maybe God is using you already to show others what it really looks like to follow Him without a large budget and expensive buildings with all the bells and whistles. And perhaps that will lead them into an awakening of their own. We will be praying for this situation, just keep on doing His amazing work!
Hmm… I’m not sure it’s “the church” Rob. Like you, I have been to the “Church” all over the world and I must say, it is alive and well… elsewhere. (And in some places here too)
I wonder if your reflection is better aimed at our American compulsion for more and eager acquisition of all things comfortable? Have we replaced our need for a real, life giving, sometimes messy God with our all consuming pursuit of the American dream of wealth, over-consumption, and gluttony? In other words, has our culture invaded our liturgy?
Don’t lose faith in the Church Rob… it’s bigger than any of us.
Just my two cents from an airport terminal…
I know I’m commenting months late:
I couldn’t agree with you more though. The American Christian goes like this: At some point in time I’ve heard the good news of Christ and believed it, said a prayer to God about it and was baptized. Now I’m a Christian. – End I think one of the main problems in America is the lack of discipleship that should follow leading someone to Christ. Why don’t most churches teach that after you’ve accepted Christ, you need to share this faith with others? America claims how many millions are Christian? and how many of those are sharing their Savior with other people? The church in America is dead for the most part. “Narrow is the gate…” and unfortunately I think American Christians are walking right past this gate and into the gate that leads to the world and all it’s comforts and technological advances. We become too busy with work to take 5 minutes to share the best news that has ever happened to us with someone else.
And not to debate, but Holly Verdeyen says, “I do not ignore the issue, but I also don’t judge the people because that is going to get us nowhere.” We are not judging the people, but the fruit of people. Christian fruit should be full of light/life and it should be seen from the mountain tops. Too many Christians put the basket over their lamp and this is what we’re talking about as being a problem. We need to take the basket off and let the light shine!