......I wrote this a while back but found it still very true.
Not long
ago, I opened up the latest copy of a popular pastor’s magazine. I used to
enjoy reading about the latest books and some of the latest trends. However,
something hit me really hard as I caroused through the pages. Where do these
guys come up with this stuff? There is the post-modern church, the emerging
church, the emergent church, the satellite church, and so many others I am not
able to keep up with all. Are these things really for me? Just because they
worked for one guy how am I to know that they will work for me. Why even should
I try them? They tell me why… “because it will change and improve Your ministry.” WOW! That is quite the
claim. Why should I even waste my time reading these same words that have been
written over and over again. I am not a mega church wanna be. I am not a mega
church pastor. I do not desire to build a mega church. I just want to love my
Jesus and serve the Lord. Yes, I do have a desire to preach the gospel. Yes, I
want to reach out and share Christ. Yes, I want to make disciples and help grow
the church. But, does it have to be broadcast to a satellite church? Do I have
to use Power Point just to communicate? Do I have to entertain the people and
appease their senses? Help us please Jesus! What have we come to?
Truly I am
tired of the Church du Jour philosophy. I am starting to wonder about it’s
validity and even it’s long term viability. There is so much hype but very
little in terms of outcome. There is little in terms of content. The Church du
Jour, catering to the tickling ear only leads to an empty heart. I agree that
there are many who are seeking. There are many who are looking for Christian
community. Yet there seems to be something lost in what is gained.
Along with
the Church du Jour is the latest and interesting fact that for every single
success in ministry that person as well has to write a brag book outlining
their achievements and giving advice on how the rest of us jokers can do the
same. Little does any of them tell us is that out of every success there are
hundreds and possibly thousands of failures. Not that any attempt in ministry
is a failure but rather that not all will be blessed in the same way. Every
ministry leader and pastor is unique and thus every ministry and church will be
unique. As well there are certain geographic and sociological differences in
every church community. There is not one possible way that a church in an urban
big city will have the same flavor as a church in rural middle America. Why is
it then we think there is a “fix all” for the church.
Often I
wonder if there is more than survival in ministry? I realize that all we can do
is to do our best and let God do the rest. The Church du Jour model is not the
answer for the Kingdom
of God
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