Take Another Look at the Church (Part 5)

I've wrote about numbers before, (Who Cares About Numbers?) and it's still a legitimate subject when it comes to the church.  I guess the questions we should be asking are...

• Does shooting for higher numbers sacrifice the INDIVIDUAL impact? Or...
• Does God want us to reach out to as MANY people as possible?

Francis Chan says, "God is not interested in numbers.  He cares more about the faithfulness, not the size, of His bride."

Steven Furtick, Elevation Church, made a core value of his church, "We are all about the numbers - Tracking metrics measures effectiveness.  We unapologetically set goals and measure progress through all available quantitative means."

Which is correct?  Does God care about NUMBERS...or does He want FAITHFULNESS?  Perhaps God wants both.

Can we cling to both?  Is there a way that we can bring as many people as possible together in His name as well as create smaller group settings at the same time?

Let's build ATTENDANCE and
ATTENDEES at the same time!

If we do both...perhaps we can avoid the PITFALLS that come from doing one without the other. 

Focusing only on ATTENDANCE lends the following...

1. Personal relationships are sacrificed to religious personality. 
2. The truth of the Gospel is sacrificed in order to keep the "seeker friendly" crowd comfortable. 
• Sermons about sin, wrath, justice and even the law become avoided.  Which in turn denies the Bible it's authority.
3. A solid foundation is lacking due to the truth of the Gospel not being declared which in turn causes the people to suffer because they have nothing stable to stand on.
4. Pride can enter in causing a judgmental spirit of other churches based on their size.
• Bigger churches may think, "We have more people and bigger buildings, so we must be more favored by God."
• However, numbers are no grounds for bragging rights.

Focusing only on ATTENDEES lends the following...

1. Forgetting that numbers represent souls and statistics.
• Growth in a church doesn't equal lack of relationship.  Growth in a church should equal more people being exposed to the GOOD NEWS that they need to hear.
2. The church ends up becoming a private club.
• Any church can become EXCLUSIVE rather than INCLUSIVE if the people aren't dedicated to inviting new people to come.
• Honestly, there is more to it than just feeding the people who already attend...our cities are full of people who are slaves to sin and need the Gospel in order to be saved.
• We must never lose our desire to get more people to come.
• The church should never become a place for CERTAIN people and it should never be CONTENT with the number of people that come.
3. More attention is given to the faithful members instead of sacrificing for the Kingdom.
• If the church doesn't emphasize OUTREACH it can become content catering to the major tithers and those who've been in the church forever.
• This is just as bad as being a church that is focused only on the "seekers".  The church should never cater to any particular group.  It should be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel to ALL people.

There must be an equal emphasis given to both ATTENDANCE and ATTENDEES.  

Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Dallas, Texas, has a good philosophy on church numbers.  He emphasizes that the BIGGER his church gets, the SMALLER that they need to make it seem.  They have four campuses of somewhat modest size and do multiple services at each location.  They aim for the SMALL CHURCH FEEL while still impacting thousands of people.

Remember the early church in the book of Acts?  On the Sabbath, they met together in the temple...but during the week, they met in each other's homes.  It provided them a CORPORATE worship setting but then the ACCOUNTABILITY and RELATIONSHIP of a small church and group of believers.

In conclusion...the church should love numbers, yet not sacrifice truth in order to gain them.  Each number represents a SOUL to which the church is ministering.  If a church is focused on numbers alone...then it will not sustain or impact lives with truth.  If a church is focused on feeding truth to a small number of people, but are not willing to reach out to others, then it's excluding the GOOD NEWS that so many around them need.

I hope you've invited someone to join you this Sunday!  We can do it!

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 1)

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 2)

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 3)

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 4)

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 4)

"Just preach the Word!"  I believe in that statement.  I believe it because I know from personal revelation, that the Word of God is enough to bring a supernatural change in the lives of people.

God uses the foolish of preaching.... (1 Corinthians 1:21)

Faith cometh by hearing...the Word...(Romans 10:17)

However, just because I preach the Word doesn't mean I excuse myself from using or exploring proven systems, strategies and innovation to promote church health and growth. 

I believe we must also put "works" with our faith. 

For example, if I'm looking for a job - I must be proactive in developing a quality resume, networking, attending job fairs, cold calling and getting off the couch! 

I once talked with a man who was unemployed about his job search.  He stated, "I'm just waiting on the Lord."  I realized that he wasn't waiting on the Lord...he was LAZY!  His idea of "waiting on the Lord" meant sitting on the couch all day, finishing off a bag of chips and a 2-liter of soda while watching TV 24/7, while his wife was working a job outside the home and he was waiting for companies to call him. (He'd been "waiting on the Lord" for five years.)  Friends, we can't just sit at home and wait on companies to call us.  We must be proactive in our efforts. 

I like the old saying, although not Scripture - it is loaded with principle, "God helps those who help themselves."

The same is true for churches.  We must utilize the basic principles we've been given while continually searching for effective methods to reach today's culture. 

I've had the privilege to speak with pastors of all ages.  I'm always wearing my "learning cap" when I get in their presence, regardless of their age or experience.  I believe everyone has something to offer and we can glean in any field if we purpose to.  However, I spoke with a pastor who has been in the ministry, probably longer than I've been living, who told me that "he didn't believe in all that new fandangled stuff."  He said, "we don't need lights, sound, seminars and programs brother...we just need to preach Jesus!" 

Well, having been raised in the church all my life, I can attest to the fact that YES we need to PREACH JESUS!  However, even Jesus used methods that were considered unorthodox, illustrations that were "out of the box" and various vehicles to deliver HIs message in His day.

I was saddened by this man's comments because it revealed to me how out-of-touch he was with reaching his grandchildren's generation.  Here is a man, with great experience, who should be like the "Men of Issachar who had understanding of the times" (1 Chronicles 12:32) but his thinking was so antiquated we might as well call him "Brother Rip Van Winkle."

If you're an older pastor reading this, let me assure you that you are highly respected and there are a younger group of ministers looking to you for wisdom, leadership and innovation!  Please don't make the mistake of alienating yourself with closed mindedness or statements that reveal how out-of-touch you may be.  I'm looking to you for inspiration!  I need to know that there are seasoned men/women who are "forward thinkers" and possess a progressive mind for ministry!

Tommy Barnett exemplifies this to me.  He is in his 70's now and is considered to be a FORWARD THINKER!  He has moved past his fear of "making people feel uncomfortable" while he pursues new ministry methods.  His life is an example of commitment to reaching out to others and training leaders in church growth and outreach, and for this he has become known as a "pastor's pastor."  His tenacity and refusal to step down from a challenge have inspired him to take unprecedenented leaps of faith in ministry, and by example to encourage pastors and leaders around the world to spread the love of God and change the lives of many through a relentless spirit of servanthood.

I heard him make a statement, while attending one of his conferences.  He said, "today's musical styles aren't necessarily my cup of tea.  But I let the young people play their music and sing their songs because I've learned how to adapt my methods to preach my message."  This was just one illustration he gave on how to lead through changing culture. 

His heart inspired me!  His passion to remain a FORWARD THINKER in an ever changing culture made me SMILE!  A man in his 70's who is still going STRONG in the ministry because he is more concerned about reaching the next generation than satisfying his own personal preferences, likes or dislikes.  If the Lord tarries...I want to be in that same category too! 

I want to reach the next generation!  I realize that today's tools may not be able to accomplish it...but if I keep my passion for God ablaze and I seek to be innovative, creative and fearless...God will give me the tools for tomorrow to reach those generations while maintaining His principles!

My friends and co-laborers, we must be PROACTIVE in our efforts to reaching our world.  We cannot just "mosey" into church this weekend and think it will "carry itself."  Let's be CREATIVE in our approach to how we "do" ministry. 

Preach the Word! 
Read, study, pray, fast!
Put works with your faith!
Network!
Sharpen one another!
Expect more!
Be creative!

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 3)

I feel like the church is sometimes stuck between gears.  It's as if there is a moment of hesitation when the shift is taking place. 

Growing up, I owned several motorcycles.  I learned early on how to shift gears while riding.  In fact, knowing how to shift gears on those motorcycles prepared me when I purchased my first standard car ... a three cylinder Subaru Justy.  Yes...I said three cylinder! (LOL) 

My "senses" learned how to feel and listen for the shift. 

It's funny watching someone learn how to drive a standard vehicle:  they pop the clutch, stall the engine and grind the gears.  Eventually, they catch the feel of the car and how and when to make the shift.

That's where I feel the church is right now. 
There is a definite shift happening. 

As a 40 year old...I feel like I'm somewhere in the middle of the generational shift.  I feel like I can identify with the old time saints as well as the expectations of the emerging generation.

Like it or not...a shift is happening! 
It's going to happen whether we're ready for it or not. 

I feel that, eventually, the older generation and the younger generation will be speaking the same language...but will use different words to describe their viewpoint.

However, both are after the same objective... a TANGIBLE relationship with God.  They're just choosing different roads to get there.  The good news is they'll eventually end up at the same place.

My parents live in Northeast Ohio.  I live in Indiana.  We travel to Kentucky periodically for family reunions.  We take two different routes to get there but we arrive at the same place.  We use different vehicles too.  Those vehicles have various features that make them unique too. (i.e., sunroof, four wheel drive, varying media systems, tinted windows, custom wheels, etc.)

We arrive at the same place...we just take different routes and use different vehicles to get there.

So...if we know we're headed to the same place...what does it profit us to argue about cosmetic choices pertaining to systems, strategies or methods?

Today's culture isn't interested in arguing over bylaws, procedures or rules.  They're interested in RELATIONSHIP.  If you can establish a relationship with them...they'll open up to you and allow you to lead them forward...even if you're navigating through an antiquated system.

• I digress...Pastors...can you imagine taking your new converts to a religious business meeting and exposing them to attitudes, arrogance, arguing and people who just want to hear themselves speak over the mic?
• I wonder how much red tape Jesus had in His ministry? 
• Did He yield to the "good ole boy...he's a jolly good fellow" mentality or did He make theocratic appointments?
• I wonder if Jesus used Roberts Rules of Order when He turned over the tables of the money changers? 

Relationship affords authentic trust.

Authentic trust is priceless!  

I'm discovering that this "RELATIONAL GENERATION" are not fans of dead religion, rituals or rules that make no sense.  Neither are they fans of politics, fads or "good ole' boy" mindsets.

The relational generation is comprised of a people who are seeking a tangible relationship with God.  A relationship that is forged in the heart of genuineness, passion and authenticity.

In my own words I like to refer to this up and coming generation as the "TANGIBLE CHURCH."  A church that prefers the presence of the Lord over policy and procedures.  Where facade is replaced with transparency. 

The tangible church desires the essence of God more than perfume of politics.

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 2)

How do you measure the success of a church? 

• The size of it's campus? 
• It's annual revenue? 
• The size of it's membership? 
• Is it how many services they have on the weekend? 
• Is it the number of cell/home groups they have? 
• Is it the number of ministries they offer?
• Is it in the amount it gives to missions?
• How many paid staff they have?
• Whether or not they have produced their own worship CD?

Success is more than this.  Depending on who you ask, success can be defined in many ways.  I am of the opinion that the success of a church is not based upon numbers alone, whether it's in membership or the square footage of a building.  However, numbers can be forth telling of fruitfulness.  To me, it boils down to quality versus quantity. 

What kind of Christians are we producing?  We can have a full house every Sunday and Wednesday but that doesn't mean everyone in the house is healthy and embracing the MISSION of CHRIST to become SALT and LIGHT in their communities.

If I want to know what kind of Christian you are, I merely have to ask your next door neighbor.  If your next door neighbor can attest to your conversion and testify of the fruit of the Spirit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23) then we could more than likely say, you are the real deal.

Allow me to make a personal observation.  Pastors and church leaders often view their churches and ministries differently than the people who serve along side them.  The old mindset of measuring success by buildings, budgets and bodies tends to overshadow the truth of what's really happening.  All you have to do is become a fly on the wall at the latest ministers gathering and you'll hear some "whoppers" of inflated success.

I don't want to sound brash or cruel towards ministers...I am one...but I do think we need to transparently come to grips with misconceptions, we've adapted to, on how to measure success.  Perhaps we need to redefine how we measure success.  Rather than focusing on numbers, strategies or how "trendy" we are...we should be looking at how many Kingdom-minded disciples of Jesus we are producing that are being led by the Spirit.

The true test of our Christianity comes in play when our neighbors can identify with our mission and message.  When our faith is known and respected amongst our friends and family...then the ground work is laid for the mission of Christ to be embraced and taken seriously.

How can we expect the world to take the mission of Christ seriously, if in the church, we have dysfunctional ministers and members?

• I'm not interested in hearing about the latest conference and concert you attended if you can't even be faithful to your local church on a weekly basis.
• I could care less how many personal prophecies you've had spoken over you...because until you line up with the Word of God...none of them are coming to pass.
• I'm not impressed by your spiritual gifts if you lack the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
• Don't try to impress me with your revelation on some deep spiritual subject when you act like looney tunes and embarrass your friends and family with your unbridled behavior.

I've often said, "before you walk on water, you'll have to first walk on land."  If you can't be faithful in the smallest disciplines like attendance, attitude, tithing, etc., WHO ON EARTH IS GOING TO RECEIVE FROM YOU...MUCH LESS FOLLOW YOU?

God is more concerned with our
CHARACTER than our CHARISMA.

Jesus desires His church to take on His nature and characteristics.  My heart yearns for this.  I desperately want to see our church ablaze with God's purposes in every aspect of our living.  His mission must be paramount to our agenda.

I want our church to be known for - it's love, the way it prays and how it shares Jesus!  I'm not interested in being known for our preaching style, musical preference, buildings or strategies.  I want the Holy Ghost to have full reign in our LIVES!  If He can have full reign, I believe we'll become MISSIONAL KINGDOM-MINDED DISCIPLES of Jesus in this last day!

Take Another Look at the Church (Part 1)

I heard Stan Toler make a statement a few years ago, at a conference I went to in Oklahoma, he said,  "If you haven't pastored in the last five years...you've never pastored."
I thought to myself, here's a man who has pastored for 40 years.  If anyone has the right to make that statement...he does.

He was speaking in context to the issues we face in ministry today regarding culture, mindsets, end times, ministry methods, etc.

Today, I believe every current pastor/leader is looking for a clear cut path to lead their congregation past merely surviving to thriving.

The truth is...there isn't just one clear cut path to follow.  What works for one congregation may not work for another.  If you're a pastor reading this blog, then you already know that trying to mimic a "style" will not sustain real foundational growth and church health.

Styles come and go just as fast as they emerge. 

When I came to Indianapolis, twelve years ago, I came ready to love people, win souls, cast vision, chart new territory, fulfill my destiny and advance the Kingdom of God.  Little did I know the full complexities of trying to navigate a group of people through uncharted territory with a changing culture breathing down our necks.

If you think you can pastor your church today like your father's generation did...you are sadly mistaken.  The truth is, many are still attempting to do so and although they are extremely frustrated with the results they're seeing...they're sometimes STILL unwilling to make any changes for fear of the unknown, fear of what people might think, fear of being ostracized, fear of not being able to make the cut and a fear of overcoming their own personal internal struggles.

 If you stop and think about all the challenges you face today, you might not even want to pastor:

• Attitudes, dysfunctional mindsets of what a church should look like, personality conflicts, cultural conflicts, pressure to be all things to all people, relating with relevancy, Christian consumerism, disloyalty, sin, laziness, victimized theology, stubbornness, spirit of entitlement, etc.

However, Jesus knows what it takes to pastor "today's" church.  He knew what it would take when He told Peter, "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it!" (Matthew 16:18)

Friends, there isn't just one model or method to look at when attempting to build a church.  It's not a style of music, a new worship service geared to a select age group, a particular dress code (jeans or suits), small groups, home groups or even terms like "conservative/traditional" versus "casual/contemporary."

There is no "one-size-fits-all" way of doing things!  The focus shouldn't be on METHODS!  Our first focus should be on understanding the FOUNDATIONAL issues of the church today.  This will require some SERIOUS THINKING (Yes...more things to boggle our already bombarded minds).

A change is coming (already upon us) whether we want to face it or not.  God is raising up leaders who have a desire to reach their culture and generation. 

How we think about church will have to change
rather than just trying to change our methods
to accommodate the change.

In my opinion, we are going to have to get a new set of glasses so we can view the church through a different set of lenses. 

I still believe that God is wanting to do a
NEW THING in an OLD FASHIONED way. 

Bottom line: We shouldn't focus so much on trying to be "modern, trendy or up and coming" with the outer wrappings of ministry.  But rather, we should focus more on the INNER CORE of who and what we are as a church.  We are going to have to look from the INSIDE OUT in order to have the mindset needed to make healthy, life giving changes!

More on this subject to come...