Loading ...JUST FACE IT!
This is never easy to say. Mostly we enjoy not facing up to this reality, but spend the majority of the time avoiding the truth. We make excuses why this is happening in congregations across America, but the plain fact is that this is the case. People will give explanations about changing demographics, about hard heartedness, and about people refusing to hear the truth. This is a sad case, but a true case. Instead of facing the reality, we try to avoid the stringing rebuke. Here are the two simple truths concerning this reality.
Unhealthy Churches Die. There is no way around this truth. Congregations that have excessive internal fighting will implode. Churches that are more internally driven to please themselves instead of fulfilling the mission of reaching the community for Christ will grey and die. When unhealthy elements begin to control the congregation the natural process is for the congregation to begin to decrease in spirit, optimism, love, service, and sacrifice. In unhealthy congregations the fruit of the Spirit is replaced with the works of darkness.
Healthy Churches Grow. Congregations that have a sense of mission for the purposes of God will be reaching, attracting, and converting those who have a heart for Jesus. People will be drawn to congregations that are full of love and unity. When a church has loving leaders, committed members, and faithful preaching of the Word of God people will desire to be part of a spiritually uplifting fellowship.
We are seeing Castle Rock grow because of the amazing love, leadership, and loyalty to Christ in the congregation. The congregation will continue to expand as we continue placing the mission of Christ to the forefront. This is the purpose of the vision process–grounding the congregation in the mission of God.
Related posts:
- Her Face
- Big Happy Churches
- Review of “Assaulting the Gates”
- Understanding the Church’s Mission
- Styles of Leadership
About The Author
Matthew,
This may be the best post I have read on your blog…because it is both correct and candid. Thanks!
Grace and peace,
Rex
Thank you Rex.
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While I agree with the principles of a healthy fellowship I’m not sure that necessarily is shown in growth.
Paul warns Timothy about itching ears.
I think it would be better to say healthy churches are strong. I have seen churches avoid issues that shouldn’t have been all for the sake of growth. Not healthy. At times conflict is necessary. John 6 records people abandoning Jesus because his teaching was to hard. Jesus said the kingdom will divide families.