Reaching a Post Modern World – #1

Kurt Struckmeyer writes, “Churches often put a focus on discipleship.  However, it’s been said that some churches that claim to be teaching discipleship are just making ‘good church people’.  The call to increased worship, study, and stewardship often results in people who simply serve the institution of the church…

Jesus calls us to transform the world.  He calls us to spend our lives in the service of the least, the lost, and the lonely.   That kind of life goes way beyond serving in a local congregation.”

Those outside the Church wonder if we truly care about them or just care about getting more members.  If it weren’t about new members – greater numbers, then why are so focused on inviting them to church and/or church functions?  We share an invitaton to worship or church activity rather than in invitaton to get to know Jesus.  (Some might argue the invitation to worship is a means to the same end.  Probably – but not necessarily.  Worship won’t save anyone – but Jesus will)

I sometimes struggle to get to know and love people where they are.   As a pastor I understand membership is important.  For self-serving reasons, as well as more lofty reasons, I understand serving the church is equally important.  But I have to ask myself, are these a greater priority than knowing and loving the individual – who may or may not ever join my church.    Maybe I need to grasp the call to leave the 99 (the saved, the found, the believer) and focus more on the one lost soul.

The unchurched are more keenly aware of my ”hidden agenda” perhaps than I am.  Jesus never encouraged anyone to join anything other than the kingdom of God.  (Granted we can all quote numerous Bible passages that encourage attachment to the Body of Christ – but let us not confuse the organism called the Body of Christ with the organization called the local church.  They can be one and the same.  But they can also be different.  On the one hand we are Spirit created.  On the other we are incorporated by the State.)  Jesus did not call us to an organization, but rather to a relationship…both with Himself and with His followers.  Jesus defined the goal of the gospel – eternal life – in these terms: “Now this is eternal life: that they [my disciples] may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).  

I need to change my focus from membership, activity, joining, etc. to relationships.  I need to get to know them.  Love them.  Care for them.  Laugh and cry with them.  I am asking you to join me in learning a new approach to ministry.  Join me and together let’s show them Jesus through our lives and our hearts.  Let’s agree to create a new paradigm:  Introducing people to Christ is the goal, not growing a church.

What do you think?  Will you join me?  Let me know what you think.

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