Existential Confusion

As you read this article, 2019 is complete, and we are now into the new year, 2020.  I feel so blessed to be your pastor.  The joy, we are experiencing, is primarily found in getting to know so many of you. We are blessed to have such wonderful families worshipping together in this great community.  In addition, we have a wonderful staff who, through their devotion and commitment to ”life-changing ministry,” is making a difference and adding value within this wonderful church family and the surrounding community. 

As we continue this month reflecting on why churches die? Several years ago, we took our family on a restaurant adventure. The restaurant was an underwater-themed eatery. It was fascinating; we sat watching the fish swim all around us as we waited on our meal. The uniqueness of the restaurant quickly disappeared when the food arrived. It was cold, greasy, and very pricey. I think the restaurant is gone now. What is the one thing restaurants must provide in order to exist?  That’s right! Good food and good service.  

In the previous communications, I have shared the symptoms of “church sickness.” Here are a few symptoms previously mentioned: 1. Making their past their hero. 2. Ignoring the spiritual needs of the community around them. 3. Budgeting consumed with an “internal-focused” staff and facilities maintenance (see Tom Rainer).

This month consider a deeper issue for dying congregations: Existential Confusion. In my story above, forgetting the “main thing” led to being out-of-business? Well, sick and dying churches view “The Great Commission” as “The Great Suggestion.” The loss of mission is huge because it creates a deadly internal confusion that leads to complacency. In fatally sick congregations, the ability to answer a simple question, why do we exist, is lost and a tenuous drift is underway.  Why do we exist? The Church exists as the Spirit-filled community (fellowship) of redeemed people (worship) sharing in the highest quality of life (discipleship) offered in Christ.  Moreover, we live to bring others to Christ and into this wonderful communion (mission).  Faithfull, healthy congregations, foster this life.  You see in them and those they serve, the abundant and eternal life promised by the Savior who indwells them. They passionately witness to this life knowing that all who embrace the gospel will forever wonderfully change.

So, it is imperative that we understand the importance of embracing our simple mission (the reason for existing) and make disciples. The most important goal of key spiritual leadership in the Church is to keep the focus on “keeping the main thing, the main thing.”  

Barry  

Special thanks to Tom Rainer, Gary McIntosh, James Dodwell, and the Barna group.

Lord Jesus, You gave Your very life to bring us Your salvation and benevolent rule within our hearts. Teach us Your true wisdom and the true ways of Your children. We desire to be Your redeemed children.  Help us to live being led by Your Holy Spirit in a wonderful fellowship with all who are claimed by Your grace.  Help us, Lord, as we tell others.