A few were unhappy about my Easter message since it was not a traditional one. (By the way I received many positive comments-thank you.) But on Easter and Christmas we have our largest crowds (Easter is double our average and Christmas is about 2 1/2 times the average) and perhaps only one chance to reach them for Christ. Every year, for the most part, they hear the Easter and Christmas story, but it does not transform their lives into followers of Jesus Christ. In many ways it does more harm than good. It gives them a false sense that they have done their religious duty when they are far from God and unprepared for eternity. We want to do more than give people warm and fuzzy religious feelings.
I, along with my staff have decided that it is vital to give them something that touches on a real need in their lives so that they will return. We want to help those who are far from God enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ with practical messages about a risen Lord who walks with us on the paths of life. We also hope that shallow followers of the Lord will renew their commitment to Him and get plugged back in to a faith community. Our mission is to grow and help others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
The sad reality is that many are going to enter eternity unprepared. It is a horrible thought to think that some of our children, parents, spouses, friends and neighbors might miss out on heaven. We must regain a burden for people who are far from God. I am praying that God will move my heart and the heart of our members for people who do not know Him. In fact, I hope He breaks our hearts!
Also, someone has said that the church is the only organization that exist for the benefit of its non-members. Clubs exist for the members, but we are here for others. That is why we think the hallmarks of a growing relationship are a love for God, a love for others, and a desire to serve the world. When I say we do not want to play church I mean that we do not want to embrace the idea that church is not different from any other club. By that I mean we do not want to embrace a consumer mentality--what's in it for me and my family. Instead we want to follow Jesus and embrace His cross (Luke 14:26-27).
What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them.
3 comments:
To be honest, Pastor John, it's about time that Christians, specifically evangelicals, got rid of the country club mentality. When Christianity becomes more than a comfy mattress or a museum piece, then real Kingdom work can be done.
Blessings.
John,
If your sermon was prepared through prayer and guidance of the Spirit, then be without excuse. Concerning the church, although it benefits "non-members" the Church "exist" for believers and should never cater to the world. Since no one understands or seeks God (Rm 3.11), they will only return to church if the Father is drawing them near (Jn 6.44). Be faithful to declare the Gospel and allow God to transform lives, because faith comes through hearing and hearing through the word of Christ (Rm 10.17).
Thanks Curtis for your thoughtful and reasoned comments. The Church exists for the glory of God to reclaim lost and hurting people for the God who gave His all and is passionately in love with them. It is to be the incubator to develop fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who love God, love others and desire to serve the world as the reformers said "soli gloria Deo."
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