If we really want to see our churches grow (spiritually, not just numerically), we need to get beyond the logistics of church life. We must put the focus on what matters most.
Examples of Logistical Steps That Fail to Produce Growth
Some of what we do may hinder church life more than help it.
Policies for a safe and smooth-running church can be helpful. If, however, they stifle true ministry, we have a more legalistic church that weighs people down more than build them up.
Read: Getting Beyond “Red Tape” in the Church
At times what we do proves to be useless.
We may try to repackage what we do cosmetically, like changing our terminology to sound more appealing. If, however, we haven’t changed the way we function, the appeal will be short-lived.
Read: What’s in a Name? Getting Beyond Labels
Sadly, we may also do that which compromises truth.
In the name of relevance we may take steps to draw people. If, however, it results in compromise, we may pull people in but see little change in their lives.
Read: We Need More Than Relevancy
Get Beyond the Logistics of Church Life to Life-Giving Effects
Church life needs to be more than the administration of programs and strategies. Sure, we should aim for excellence in what we do and carefully plan effective strategies, but church life must get beyond that to true ministry. People need to experience the life-giving effects of a Christ-centered church focused on what matters most to God.
A living organism, such as the church, needs organization but for the right reason and with the right focus in order to have the right effect. Look at how you function as a church and determine if …
people sense the presence of the Lord with the focus is on Him.
Without the light of His presence, we miss the true blessing (Ps. 89:15).
Read:
- Importance of God’s Presence in a Ministry
- Put the Focus on the Presence of the Lord
- Indications of God’s Presence in our Lives
- God’s Presence: The Discipler’s Authority
both grace and truth enter into what you do.
Without a Christ-like approach of grace and truth (Jn. 1:14, 17), we fail to accurately represent Him in what we do.
Read:
- Christ-like Ministry
- Christlikeness: Balance of Grace and Truth
- Policies Reflecting Both Grace & Truth
people matter more than programs.
Without love for people, what we say and do is “only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” and is “nothing”, and we “gain nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
Read: