It is frustrating. We are looking for a family as we try to find a local church to be a part of. We want a family that is active and doing something. Is there a family that has a pastor that wants to do what God wants. Is there a pastor who is honestly and earnestly searching to hear Jesus and do what He says? It seems like there are a lot of good ideas but not many God ideas.
I walk into places and can tell they are not interested in things outside of themselves. They are simply interested in getting people to come to them and then they will do something. Words mean nothing compared to actions. We look around. What are they advertising on the walls? What is in the bulletin? What are they talking about and how? What is missing?
We don't think our sites are set too high. A warm welcome is good but slotting us immediately into leading and helping is not good. I love Jesus already and feel this way. What about those who don't?
I would say you are having a Normal experience, as one looks for a new "place", and I am saying this as minister/church planter/missionary. One never finds a church doing like what "I want". I would have quite every church I attended or lead. It's the structure unfortunately. They put up pre-programmed "Programs" based on the needs/desires of the people they want to reach. Responding to the needs of a community means we make programs to "Reach them" by their felt needs. They don't feel like doing evangelism because it's post-modernity's ultimate sin. And Most in the pew are there. So most stuff is "inward" and aimed at "developing me". Eph 4:11-12 tells us that is the Leadership role. But many see the works of service being "What I do or attend at church. The works of service are rarely directed "outside" the average Maritime church. (Two reasons - 90% of the average church money is needed for salaries and building expenses - meaning to support our structure -how we do church in form.)
ReplyDeleteBecause we are so accustomed to "Programs" instead of living out Jesus, we then think a church can "Program" yet another "Program" for outreach. I have come to discover programmed outreach is to "Boxed" both in time and space.
Mission comes from the regenerated heart, naturally. Outreach is what we live and breath all the time. We don't turn it on and off on Wed at 7 - That just does not work with this new generation. They want real friends and relationships. Not some canned Outreach friend. If they knew you where there because the church planned it - most would feel very offended. They want genuine in life response to them. Don't look for a church to program your mission. BE more concerned about what you do in your living room and around your table, and at the coffee shop, than what they do/don't do at church -"At that church" meaning the building.
I think there are healthy churches out there. But there are also many other healthy ways to engage people in life naturally. Church does not have to be all consuming (meaning taking allour "time for mission), and may can certainly be much less complicated.
I would look for a place that Welcomes you genuinely. Focuses on God in worship, and where you are taught the word deeply. Then live your mission out outside the church, not through boxed programs of a church, and share the vision with others in the church also.