Church is not a building or an institution, but it is people. Because church is people, we have the choice to either do smart things or stupid things. If we do smart things, more people can be led to Christ in the church. Leading people to Christ is a simple way of describing why the church exists, which is the church’s primary mission.
In this article I want to point a few things the church must do in order for it to carry on this mission:
- Be intentionally multigenerational
Youth are not the church of tomorrow; they are part of the church today. I have heard time and again most people refer to youth as the church of tomorrow. But if the youth is involved in the duties and operations of the church today, then they are the church of now.
We must provide the resources necessary to reach them now. Quality leaders, authentic compassion and giving them a voice in the ministry process will result in young people who connect with the church. This include budgeting for programs that the church is planning for the youth
Smart church must invest in young people. But they also respect older people. Those who have paid the price to help get us where we are now need to know that they are treasured. A caring church value people even if when they appear to no longer be active. Churches value all generations.
During my time in full time ministry, about 23 year to the date, I have seen so many church with many programs and big budgets but not a percentage of the budget is allotted the youth. What a shame!
- Stay off of bandwagons
We always have something to learn from others who are succeeding but trendiness and fads can spoil ministry. It appears that God blesses different methods at different times but He doesn’t run out of ideas. Imagination and creativity are spiritual gifts. See 1 Corinthians 12. Don’t spend a lot of time and energy trying to be another church. Be original, innovative, and fresh. The more the church become the church that was founded after Christ, than more souls will be won to Him.
I hope you believe in the old-fashioned way of saving souls. Everything appears to be shaken nowadays, and shifted from the old foundations. It seems that we are to evolve out of men the good that is already in them.
We all believe that we must go to soul-winning, desiring in God's name to see all things made new. This old creature is dead and corrupt, and must be buried; and the sooner the better. Jesus has come that there may be a passing away of the old things, and a making of all things new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Be real
Do everything with authenticity. Operate with impeccable integrity. Own up to mistakes. Repent often. Be transparent. Smart churches are not manipulative or condescending or disrespectful of people. Yesterday a friend of mine shared her reasons as to why she does not attend the church she was a member since its foundation. She says that the minister one day announced from the pulpit that he had a dream in which two people from his church will die within days. According to my friend, the pastor went into details of describing the make and type of vehicle those he (pastor) dreamt about drive. This is manipulative and disrespectful.
- Perfect grace
Make room at the table for sinners, Romans 3:23. Don’t demand perfection. Practice forgiveness and model second chances for all are sinners, 1 John 1:8. Every church should know that the ground at the foot of the cross is level, and there the Grace abounds.
- Reach as many people as possible
It’s OK to have a “targeted people” based on demographics. But a church modeled under Christ does eliminate people because they don’t fit the in. There is no specialty in churches to call for elimination of people who are different or doesn’t fit. Jesus doesn’t eliminate these people – neither should we.
- Act outside of the local church
Look at some churches weekly programs and you will understand the mission of that particular church; Pot luck after service, fund raiser for the new building, outing for church couples. Note nothing mentions ministry of outreach in the neighborhood. Smart church do ministry in the neighborhood. They minister with a global mindset. They know how to connect with people outside of their immediate circle. It’s a big world and God is doing amazing things. Smart churches don’t want to miss that. Matthew 28:19
- Promote justice
Don’t tolerate the mistreatment of the innocent. Stand up for victims. Speak out on behalf of the marginalized. Churches should act as part of the solution to society’s ills. Jesus is our good example. How we respond to injustice is a good barometer of our spiritual health and maturity as well. How we respond to little injustices is a good gauge of how we will respond to bigger ones. See Matthew 14:1-12.
- Release people into ministry
The church should encourage people to practice their spiritual gifts. Empower people. Entrust people with responsibility. Ministry oriented church understands that every person and gift is necessary for a fully functioning church. 1 Corinthians 12. A few years ago I was a guest in a small church a few miles away from my town, and what I learnt about the leadership of that church never leaves my mind to date. The pastor made announcements, did power point, selected songs for the day, anointed the sick, and counted the offerings. WOW! At the end of the day he was like the only gifted member of the church.
- Be comfortable with not pleasing everyone
Original churches know that they are not for everyone. Let people disagree and let some leave, if necessary. Pursue those God has called you to reach. Preach the gospel without compromise and don’t be apologetic by stepping people’s toes when you are speaking the truth of the gospel. However, don’t use the gospel to hurt people and make them feel inadequate. This is why I discuss in under C, about not being manipulative or condescending or disrespectful. Don’t use the “word” of God to your advantage.
J. Insist that people dream
The church of Chris will spend a lot of energy building up people. Encouraging them to dream again and dream big, to chase the vision that God put in them. “Remember who you wanted to be.” I know so many churches winning souls by the gospel by leading people to realization that they belong to God who has something good for them. Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13.
Know what we’re supposed to do and do it well
What is the end goal of church? Jesus summarized our job description in Matthew 28 by telling us to make disciples; we help people by showing them how to be authentic followers of Jesus. That’s it. If we’re for Him, we’ll focus all of our attention on that task.