Church or Club?

     What makes a church more than just a club for Christians?

     Many church members expect their church to serve them, meet their needs and sync with their schedules.  One Christian even said, “A large church should offer lots of programs and stuff for us to do with other Christians.”  –That sounds more like a cruise ship than a church!

     Providing free services indefinitely to contented Christians is not a church’s mission.  Nor is its mission to be the community nanny for members who care little and contribute less. 

     By some estimates, only half of regular church attendees volunteered to serve in the past three years.  A third never supported their church financially.  The truth is they’ve missed the point!

     Sadly, most churches–no matter the denomination–all end up with the same mission:  “To take care of our members, their children and the real estate.”  It may take 10 or 20 years, but all churches end up there unless they refocus on the main thing they should be doing.

     “Well, hold on just a minute!” you say.  “What’s the main thing a church should be doing?”

     Good question!  Maybe we should check with the church’s founder. 

     Jesus Christ was known for humility, compassion and serving others.  He was also known for his boldness and righteous indignation. 

     Yes, Jesus loved people.  But he became very angry when religious types thought they had God in their pocket and when they manipulated others to do their bidding.

     Do you remember the Pharisees of Jesus day?  In “The Pharisees Guide to Total Holiness,” author William Coleman describes the often-criticized sect.  They actually began with a sincere love for God and a devotion to serving him.

     Over time, the Pharisees’ devotion turned into intolerance, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.  To their credit they were very religious.  But they took a nation God intended to be a spiritual lighthouse for the world and made it into a club for members only.

     If we’re not careful, the same thing can happen to our churches.  In some it already has.

     Jesus made his mission clear.  He “came to seek and to save what was lost.”  His heart and passion were for hurting people.  People whom he said were like “sheep without a shepherd.” 

     His goal was to bring them into the Kingdom of God, forgive their sin and give them eternal life.  That was the purpose of the cross and resurrection. It’s the main reason we celebrate Easter!

     Do you call yourself a follower of Christ?  Then what is your purpose and passion?  If you are more concerned about your wants and needs, you are out of touch with Jesus.

     Want to get back on track?  Read the Gospel of John and The Acts of the Apostles again.  Ask God to show you his purpose for your life.  Be willing to sacrifice your comfort and preferences to reach your world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

     Then tell your church leaders you want to see the church get back to its main mission of connecting lost souls to Jesus. (Expect to see shock on their faces!)  Volunteer to help. 

     Watch as your life–and your church–gets more exciting! 

     If you’re a church leader, avoid the temptation to cater to complacent Christians.  Then challenge the church to get back to Jesus’ mission.  Help the hurting find comfort in Christ.

     Remember–the church is the only organization that exists primarily for those outside of its membership!  Christ’s followers must build bridges to people and help them connect with God.

     Churches are often about many things.  It’s time they got back to the main thing.

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!