Churches often seem to use a certain means for accomplishing ministry such as:
a certain strategy … programming
a certain style … methodology
a certain sensation … technology, lighting, emotion
a certain spotlight … targeting or focusing on specific people or needs
What should your church be relying on to accomplish ministry?
Churches will often have leanings in one of these directions more than others. Is that a good or bad thing? I know I have seen God use these various means to draw different people to Himself. Perhaps the question isn’t whether it is good or bad. Maybe it is more a question of what we are relying on — whether or not we are relying on these means to accomplish ministry more than we are relying on God.
Check out the Steering the Church Toward God’s Power Leadership Guide which provides some thoughts to help you determine if your church if relying on any of the above more than on God and His power. This resource also looks at nine means through which God displays His power in our lives. It also gets practical in considering how that power is needed in 25 different leadership skills or tasks church leaders must either do or oversee.
Spiritually nourishing
Highly inspiring! coming against the backdrop of convoluted messages and practices in today’s church. God will surely cleanse His temple. God bless you.
I’m a member of a local church that emphasizes programs but place almost no concern for individual members who – (including myself) who need more spiritual support for strength. Over the past months I’ve been experiencing some physical challenges and have tried to reach out to my deacons but having very difficult time getting in touch with them; however, I get calls to attend activities almost weekly.
Hello, Nick. I’m sorry to read of your experience. Often when churches put more emphasis on programs than people, the needs of people tend to get neglected unless it coincides with a programmed effort. If you haven’t already done so, talking with your pastor about your perceptions could be helpful. They may or may not be aware of what’s happening. Of course, you need to go into such a meeting with a humble spirit after spending time in prayer about it.