We live in a very consumer-driven society. We are able to access whatever we want, however we want, whenever we want.
I never have to leave my house to shop. I don’t have to pick up the phone to order a pizza.
And I get to have things my way.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for that same thinking to creep into how we view the local church?
It’s really subtle how it sneaks up on us.
The easiest way to tell is when we start describing our Sunday based solely on our feelings. If the preaching or the music or whatever was entertaining or uplifting, then it was “good.”
But if the preacher doesn’t say things like the guys I podcast? Weak.
No movie clips and pop culture references? Forget it.
No lasers and smoke machines during the music? Pfft, please…
And if we’re not careful, it’s really easy to become like Statler and Waldorf when we look at our churches.
Always grumbling. Always finding fault.
But not loving our churches.
That just won’t do.
While there are some concerns that are absolutely legit (like unsound doctrine), is it possible that some of our frustrations are due simply to our preferences?
Could they be solved by investing in our local church, instead of grumbling about her?
By showing her love?
At our church, we’re encouraged regularly to find ways to serve. There are lots:
Kid’s ministry. Small groups. Set-up. Greeting. Parking. Care teams. Prayer teams. The resource table. Music…
I’m sure there’s more opportunities that I can’t even think of (we’re still relatively new, having been there for less than a full calendar year). Sufficed to say, there is no shortage of opportunities to serve.
For me, starting to serve when I did (shortly after we began attending) was essential. And where I serve, the resource table, is a great fit. Not just because of my bordering-on-obsession with good books, but because it gives me an opportunity to actually meet people and be a help to them.
Serving my church helps me love the people there.
How are you loving and serving your church?
their is no perfect church but we as church should improve and grow if we face complains….
We should definitely always be striving to improve when legitimate issues are presented, but not all complaints are legitimate ones, you know?
Great point. People want to complain about the church, while forgetting that they are part of the church there are unhappy with.