Writer's note: This blog is not aimed at one particular church. This is simply an observation of what I see happening as a whole. I see even in myself and the church I serve lots of room for improvement.
Have you heard this before?
"We have the best worship music"
"Our youth group rocks"
"We are authentic"
"Our churches children's program is great"
Some time ago churches began to market themselves in the same way secular businesses have for several years. Cool color schemes, an awesome logo, a good tag line and unique names for the church in order to be different became the norm. Churches have become more concerned about their perception in the community. In the process of trying to be "different" in order to grow, churches have set the wrong expectations for possible church members.
Have you heard this before?
"I would go to church, but its just full of hypocrites."
As a pastor I have heard this excuse many times. Why do we hear this so much? Because of the expectations we have laid out. We make church more about what we are doing rather than what the church can help fix.
Of course it is full of hypocrites. It's also full of liars, drunkards, adulterers, idolaters, thieves, child abusers, people hooked on pornography and drugs. The church is full of bad, sinful people and that, hopefully, is why they are there to get out of that life.
Paul, writing to the church in Corinth was dealing with false apostles and teachers who took the spotlight off of God and put it on themselves. In 2 Corinthians chapter 12 Paul acknowledges that Satan has put them there and he has asked God to take them away. But God answers Paul with this, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (v9)
When we set expectations based on ourselves, I.E. best music, youth group, children's program, etc., we set ourselves up to fail. What if people come and don't like the music, the youth group or children's program? What if they see people that they have had bad dealings with before? What if they come and don't feel like they were welcomed at the friendliest church in town? Then they walk away feeling like they have succumbed to false advertising.
Paul makes it pretty clear that our boasting should be about what life God helped us leave behind. We need to acknowledge our weaknesses and make it known only because of God's grace, mercy and strength are we able to rise above the former life. This has to begin with the pastors of the church. Taking themselves off the pedestal, the church van and the church sign. Showing they are human and sinners saved by grace just like everyone else. We have to lead by example.
Do we want church members talking about all the great church programs, community projects and the great people? Or do we want members sharing how God delivered them from excessive drinking, how God helped their marriage, saved their children, or move away from what ever sin was keeping them apart from God?
Paul was content with his "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities." (v10) Why? Because in all of that it was God who was receiving all of the glory, not Paul.
Nothing in your life is about you. Not even your salvation is about you. It's all about God and His glory.
What are you doing that shows God's glory to the people around you?
Have you heard this before?
"We have the best worship music"
"Our youth group rocks"
"We are authentic"
"Our churches children's program is great"
Some time ago churches began to market themselves in the same way secular businesses have for several years. Cool color schemes, an awesome logo, a good tag line and unique names for the church in order to be different became the norm. Churches have become more concerned about their perception in the community. In the process of trying to be "different" in order to grow, churches have set the wrong expectations for possible church members.
Have you heard this before?
"I would go to church, but its just full of hypocrites."
As a pastor I have heard this excuse many times. Why do we hear this so much? Because of the expectations we have laid out. We make church more about what we are doing rather than what the church can help fix.
Of course it is full of hypocrites. It's also full of liars, drunkards, adulterers, idolaters, thieves, child abusers, people hooked on pornography and drugs. The church is full of bad, sinful people and that, hopefully, is why they are there to get out of that life.
Paul, writing to the church in Corinth was dealing with false apostles and teachers who took the spotlight off of God and put it on themselves. In 2 Corinthians chapter 12 Paul acknowledges that Satan has put them there and he has asked God to take them away. But God answers Paul with this, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (v9)
When we set expectations based on ourselves, I.E. best music, youth group, children's program, etc., we set ourselves up to fail. What if people come and don't like the music, the youth group or children's program? What if they see people that they have had bad dealings with before? What if they come and don't feel like they were welcomed at the friendliest church in town? Then they walk away feeling like they have succumbed to false advertising.
Paul makes it pretty clear that our boasting should be about what life God helped us leave behind. We need to acknowledge our weaknesses and make it known only because of God's grace, mercy and strength are we able to rise above the former life. This has to begin with the pastors of the church. Taking themselves off the pedestal, the church van and the church sign. Showing they are human and sinners saved by grace just like everyone else. We have to lead by example.
Do we want church members talking about all the great church programs, community projects and the great people? Or do we want members sharing how God delivered them from excessive drinking, how God helped their marriage, saved their children, or move away from what ever sin was keeping them apart from God?
Paul was content with his "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities." (v10) Why? Because in all of that it was God who was receiving all of the glory, not Paul.
Nothing in your life is about you. Not even your salvation is about you. It's all about God and His glory.
What are you doing that shows God's glory to the people around you?
Have Fun, Live Free, Hope Strong
Pastor G
