Good Morning Pastor!
This Monday morning, here on what I call Seekers Bay, the sunrise was exceptionally beautiful. Once again I am reminded of the handiwork of God and the majestic work of His hand in nature. It reminds me of the church, how it is so beautifully been created and cared for by Jesus the “Great Shepherd.” And further I am reminded what a privilege it is for pastors to be entrusted by God Himself to Shepherd the local congregations, these precious people whom He dearly loves. Lest we forget, God really, really loves the people in your church!
The church has been in great transition in the last thirty or forty years and pastors continue to try to adjust and understand how to meet the needs of the “New Transition Church.” When we called it the New Testament Church we understood that it had boundaries that we could comprehend and pattern after the scriptures and our traditions. But now we have what I call the “New Transition Church.” It has stepped out of the box of tradition and carrying on it’s faith, lifestyle and worship style in a different manner than ever before in the history of the church. This has created great stress between the generational church causing division, declines and financial collapse of many local congregations. And its effects are far reaching, touching the most sincere denominations and mission organizations. Things have changed and they are going to continue to change. The question is not only how does the church adjust but survival is even now being discussed behind closed doors of many organizations.
For the denominations, I am convicted and I have long contended that they must reinvent themselves to be viable servants to the “New Transition Church.” Without the “servant spirit” becoming the dominating focus for denominations, I seriously doubt their future viability. The discussion of this is complex and lengthy but it is my prayer that God will call His church and they will follow.
For the local church the issues are much more basic and visible. The “New Transitional Church” is demanding more music, less involvement (less volunteers), larger facilities and bigger programs. This all comes with a price in two forms, leadership and money! Many gifted leaders are unwilling to serve and minister, therefore providing less gifted leaders and lowering the vision and the quality of ministry. As a result the church depends more on the giving of the people to compensate for less volunteerism, less gifted leadership and more paid staff. Therefore, our congregations must be taught and lead into being financially committed to the needs of the “New Transitional Church.”
Many churches have historically taken membership lightly. Membership classes have been often considered an inconvenience rather than an opportunity. We must take the time to explain to our congregations the reality of the needs of the church. I think our membership classes are a great time to really solidify Biblical responsibility and the principle of giving to the church. And perhaps a class taught by yourself or one of your Elders called something like “Remembering the Church,” “Lest I forget,” or “How The Church Works” would be a great time to teach responsibility to the entire congregation at large.
Remember, when the storehouse becomes empty so will the pews!
In His Delight,
Lyn Sahr
Prov. 3:13
