Ridgell's Originals

 I have more and more convinced that there are four types of people church leaders ought to focus on working with.

People who do not know Jesus or have not yet committed to him.  Non-believers.  Non-Christians.  We grow the kingdom by new births.  People are saved.  Their eternal destiny is changed.

People who have left Jesus.  Not just left the church, or our particular church, but have left Jesus.  Living in a far country.  They may not want help.  They may like where their life is.  But we have to try and find the lost sheep that has left the flock.  And left the Shepherd.

People struggling to stay in the light.  They may not have left the faith, but they are barely hanging on.  We have to walk alongside of them, pray over them, speak words of truth from Scripture into their lives.  Help them get into the light and out of the shadows.  And stay there.

Those in crisis.  The sudden death.  The unwanted diagnosis.  The natural disaster.  The sin that was "out of character" but now has devastating consequences.  Those shattered by someone else's sin.  

These are the people I want to spend my time working with.

Now think about where most church leaders spend their time.  And who we expect our ministers to work with.

Children of members.  Robust children's ministry. Active youth ministry.  These may -- or may not -- be appropriate ministries.  But most of the time is spent with kids of active members.  Helping them parent even better.  Assisting with the training of their children in righteousness.

Time spent keeping the saved happy.  Not necessarily keeping them saved, but keeping them happy.  Getting the budget developed and approved.  Attracting Christians looking to change churches.  Keeping our members from looking around.

We spend a lot of time preaching to the choir.  Helping them feel good.  Keep them coming.  And giving.  And being sure all the leaders are on point with message.  Preserve the church.

I actually understand the temptation to spend our time with the wrong people (you know, the people who are right with God).  Because that is what is expected.  For ministers, that is how you keep you job.

But there are only so many hours in the day.  For all of us.  

I want my time to count.  So I think I will just keep working with those people at the top of this blog.  The ones who need Jesus and don't know him.  Or have lost their faith.  Or fighting for their faith.

Because that makes a difference.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM