November 24, 2018

Plant Good Seeds

“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

– Mark 4:18-19

We want to be like everyone else. We want our church to be able to “compete” for members and money with all the other churches in our area. We get so focused on numbers and “what works” that we lose sight of who we are in Christ.

When the direction of our churches becomes more about being like everyone else, then we’ve lost sight of who we really are in Christ. We are not all called to be the same when it comes to how things are done. Our focus should be on the Word of God. Our trust should be in Him alone.

But we trust ourselves. We trust our leadership. We trust in concrete things like attendance records and bank statements. We fight among ourselves and criticize each other. We forget it’s not about what we want, it’s about what He wants.

Jesus told this parable about seeds that are planted. Some seed are stolen by Satan almost immediately. Some seed never really take root. And some seed grow among thorns and are overtaken by the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for things. Those focused on things of the world will never be fruitful. Jesus is clear about that. So why do we waste time and money trying to manipulate those things to make our churches appear larger and more prosperous than they are? Why do we chase numbers and money instead of chasing Jesus and trusting Him to provide what we need?

Priorities. I wrote about that yesterday. But priorities aren’t just about what we do as individuals. It’s also about what we do as a church. It’s about what we focus on as a church.

I had a pastor once who really stepped on toes when it came to finances. He wasn’t concerned at all about money. As he explained one Sunday, all he really cared about was whether the church was doing what God had called it to do. To him, it was all about basic belief. God provides what we need when we step out in faith to do what He has called us to do.

We get that backwards so many times. I’m not talking about being fiscally irresponsible. But I am talking about having a deep faith that directs our steps, even when the numbers tell us something different.

In our town, there’s a rapidly growing church that focuses on performance and small group involvement. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not criticizing it at all. But what bothers me are the churches that insist on adopting those same elements, even when it doesn’t fit the “personality” of that particular church. It’s not about following the call of God. It’s about chasing numbers and trying to be like your neighbor instead of being the best you that you can be.

Discord so often happens in churches because people are so intent on getting their own way that they lose sight of what church is all about. We are the body of Christ. It’s about Him. That’s all. It’s about Him.

Don’t let copycat syndrome destroy what’s good about your church and the people who are part of it. Be the church He created you to be and trust that the seeds you plant will land in fertile soil and produce much abundance in the days and years to come.

April 25, 2018

It’s Not About Numbers

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

– Luke 10:19-20

He is a man of faith. I don’t doubt that at all. He and his wife are helpers, people who try to live their faith in Jesus by reaching out to anyone in need. They are good people.

I remembered that as he bragged about the attendance numbers at his current church. He spoke about the concert-like style of worship. He told about the charisma and sound teaching of the pastor. His church is the current “in” church in our community. The growth is staggering. It could even be depressing to others if all anyone valued were the attendance numbers.

Priscilla Shirer once said that it doesn’t matter how many come to church. What matters is how many are transformed by having been there. There is a truth in that.

A few years ago there was another “in” church in our town. There, too, the growth was staggering. The church went from one service to three in what seemed like record time. They built a new building. They fanned out in the community. They were riding a high that was destined to end.

One day the pastor got sick and had to relinquish his post. People started to leave. Church wasn’t as much fun anymore. Jesus remained the same but it was never really about Him. It was about entertainment and feeling good, about being lifted up rather than hearing truth.

Then there was a bit of a disagreement over money. Isn’t that always the case? Someone decided someone else needed money, then went against church elders to make it happen. The person giving away the money didn’t benefit but that wasn’t the point. If the money belongs to everyone, shouldn’t everyone have a say in how it’s used? And, by the way, where is God in all this mess?

I nodded and let the man standing before me brag about his church. I didn’t ask him how many of those in attendance really know Jesus. I didn’t ask him how many would come if the pastor left, if the band turned down the volume. A sweet friend recently started attending the church because it’s where her teenager wants to go. Why? That’s where all his friends go. It’s a social thing, you know.

My own church is not small. It boasts four services and many activities for children and adults. We don’t worry too much about numbers. Growth that is steady means we are reaching out to the lost, mentoring the new believers, ministering to those who are hurting and in need.

We are a family, this church and I. There is always something going on. There is always someone to laugh with and someone to cry with. It is a church with hands and feet for everyone, not just a select few who write the big checks or who demand attention. It is a church with an emphasis on teaching, mentoring. Small groups are filled with those seeking to know God better.

I wish this man’s church well. I do. I want God’s kingdom to grow and multiply. I want His Spirit to fill up every person on this earth.

But it’s not about numbers. It’s never been about that. It’s always been about Jesus Christ and what He did for us so that we might live. It’s about a God who loved us all so much that He sacrificed His Son on a cross. And it’s about a Spirit that lives inside of us, guiding us and filling us with light. Get that right and trust God with everything else.

April 18, 2018

Church Doesn’t Save You

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

It sounded good. Her voice was adamant, determined. Surely, she was speaking for God. Christians – true Christians – should be willing and able to give one hour each week to attend church and worship God.

Except, maybe, she was missing the point. Something one sweet friend pointed out.

Attending church each week doesn’t make us a Christian. Not even if we add Sunday school to the equation. It’s not about showing up. It’s not even about giving the correct answers. It’s about a Savior and our hearts.

Maybe she thinks that someone without a church home or regular church attendance needs a sermon. Maybe she believes faith will rub off on someone she cares about. Maybe she believes that one hour a week will make us all better people.

But here’s the thing: If all you’ve got for God is one hour each week, then maybe you don’t know Jesus at all. It’s a funny thing about faith. The more you know Jesus, the more you want to know. The more time you spend with Him, the more time you want to spend with Him.

I’m not saying that someone who doesn’t attend church, or someone who only spends time with God once a week, isn’t a Christian. Only God knows our hearts and knows whether we are truly saved or not. What I am saying is that true faith provides evidence of that in how we live our lives.

We all make mistakes. We are all sinners. We all at times do things we know we shouldn’t do. But there should be something in us that sets us apart, a light that shines truth, a heart that sees beyond ourselves.

Church isn’t about a building. It isn’t about style of worship or about showing up and ticking that box off your to-do list. It’s about learning and growing, about fellowship, about choosing to honor and glorify the One who saved us from eternal hell.

She was right about our need for fellowship with other believers. I always encourage people to get involved in a small group. Get to know people who share your faith. Let them hold you accountable and you do the same for them. Participate. Pray. Be there in heart and spirit, as well as in body.

And take your critical, pointing fingers down a notch. Be an encourager rather than a critic. Be part of the solution rather than stirring up discord and problems. Be kind. Be gracious. Let mercy fill your heart. See others through the eyes of Jesus.

Attending church is a wonderful thing. I rarely miss that. It’s the same with Sunday school and Bible study. But I do those things because they feed my heart, they bring me closer to Jesus and surround me with people who love Him too. It’s not about giving God an hour of my time. It’s about showing He is the foundation of my life.