Ridgell's Originals

I am always intrigued to listen to churches talk about the kind of church they are.  And it is even more interesting to hear them talk about how to show others what kind of church they are.

Here are few things I have learned.

Most of our talk about the kind of church we are is really more about the kind of church we should be.  Or that we want to be.  Or wish we were.

One example.  I talk to a lot of churches about reaching lost people. Some of them are honest enough to say they need to be motivated to evangelize because most of them do not do it.  Some will say they want to, but acknowledge that they need to be better equipped.  But many of them say they are very evangelistic.  So I ask them to introduce me to some new Christians.  Or I try to find visitors in the assembly who are not Christians.  I will often ask the leadership individually to tell me about the last real Jesus conversation they had with a non-believer.  Oops.

I've never been to a church that did not think they were very warm, friendly, and welcoming.  And I think they want to be.  Some are.  Some aren't.  But almost all think they are.

Every church thinks they are open to all races, nationalities, and economic levels.  Just look around at most churches and you will see that something is missing... and it is generally different races, nationalities, and economic levels.

Too many churches are like the Sardis congregation in Revelation 3.  We have the reputation of being alive but are dead.

So be careful about image versus reality.  Wishing to be a certain type of church is not the same as being that kind of church.  Reputation does not always match reality.  And it is easier to cultivate an image than to actually be the church you know you should be.

So watch out for:

Marketing instead of ministry.

Talk instead of action.

Programs instead of people.

Be wary of a focus on scripted, professional, 1 hour worship assemblies instead of equipping for the real worship of transforming our lives outside the assembly.  Church is more "out there" than "in here".

Staff, buildings, and programs centered on us.  Mission emphasis primarily on far away places.  

Any program that is introduced by saying "this will show the kind of church we are".

Because here is the truth:  you either are... or you aren't.

If you aren't, no amount of marketing, public relations, or image building will make it so.

And if you are, don't worry.  Everyone will find out.

So quit worrying about how to convince everyone about what kind of church you are.

Just be the church you want to be.

And God will be honored.  You will help change this world.  And people will know.