Be the church
It’s a crazy time in the world right now! My parents came to visit last weekend and my dad randomly asked if we could drive through an elementary school’s parking lot and count how many American made cars were there. So, we did… it turns out, 12 cars were “American made” and 22 were foreign. I asked why the heck we were doing that? He explained that, in Ohio, the schools are asking for tax increases in order to just cover the expenses. It’s not like they want to go out and buy a bunch of new projectors or anything, they are just trying to make ends meet. So, what the heck does that have to do with the # of American made cars in the parking lot? Well, in case you haven’t heard, the American auto manufacturers are having a very difficult time. Thousands of people are losing their jobs in the Mid-West, and across the country. So, why would Bill Smith, who lost his job at the GM factory, vote to approve an increase in his taxes so the schools could have more money when they aren’t supporting HIS efforts by driving a GM? In other words, why would Bill (who has NO income right now) support a levy when those teachers haven’t supported him by buying a car from his company?
Think about it… This is a crazy time! Bill Smith lost his job at the GM plant (unemployment goes UP) and won’t support the levy to just cover expenses for his kids to go to public schools. So, what happens? Bill loses his job, Bill doesn’t vote to approve the levy, schools suffer, Bill’s kid gets a bad education, Bill can’t afford to make ends meet, Bill’s stress goes up, Bill’s marriage suffers, Bill’s family struggles!
Where does Bill turn? What does Bill do?
This is just one situation of hundreds. Think about it… People are struggling all around the world because of this type of situation and most of us don’t even realize it. We can point fingers and blame this or that or him or her or whatever, but the reality is, we’re here! What are we going to do about it? Well, interestingly enough, we’ve seen attendance in churches increase because of this. People don’t know where to turn or what to do! So, they go to church! Why not? We’ll try anything if we think it’ll help!
So, what is the church’s response to this? My opinion… BE THE CHURCH! Love people! Care for people! Quit being negative! Encourage one another! I honestly think that this is going to change church’s and their philosophy of ministry. I think it already has! Think about it… We’re shifting from this “Whatever it takes to get people in the door” mentality to “How can we support people”. How can we be the “Church” to people? How can we build TRUE community? Honestly, this is a GOOD thing. The time is NOW to re-think your philosophy of ministry. What are you going to do to support these people? What are you going to do to LOVE these people. What are you going to do to build TRUE community? Everyone is struggling… Re-THINK your ministry, your philosophy, now!
2 Comments
I think your last paragraph is spot on. i was recently at a fundraiser for an organization that i work with. They said, “in these times we need to be giving MORE, there are so many in need…and if you can’t give any more, then let us know and we’ll make you a casserol!” To me it was the picture of what the church could be; suggesting that they will journey with them, encouraging each other to get involved where we can, extend grace, compassion, benevolence, and love so people can actually get a picture of what God is like and believe that he is good. I’ve seen it change very hard hearts, mine included.
It’s an interesting concept… while church numbers are up, giving seems to be down and a lot of staff are loosing their jobs as well. I’ve been talking to various people who consult church leaders when it comes to finances and there is story after story of church communitieswho are not only financially maintaining, but actually doing more now than ever!
It has happened before and I don’t think there is a better opportunity to BE Christ to the world and redefine how “the church” is viewed in today’s society.