As I watch a congregation I’m very familiar with spiral out of control I’m forced to sit and reflect on what went so wrong? Why does it seem like the only options are to either fire the minister or close the doors?
When I think back the problems began before this minister was even hired. This is a congregation that wants to and likes to say that it’s a welcoming and friendly place. But in reality it isn’t and hasn’t been for the 20 some years I’ve known it. Groups of people made sure that other people knew that they were below them. They were operating then on the mentality that we did this 50 years ago so we need to keep doing it. And as for being welcoming… well with you weren’t middle-class, preferably upper middle-class and white well don’t bother walking through the door. These are all issues that existed 20 years ago and were never addressed. And shockingly these are still issues in the congregation today.
Clearly this church has decided to put its head in the sand and live in the past and not the present. They have not participated in the local, regional or national church events and now scream that they don’t know what’s going on. They’ve not paid attention to the fact that the senior living center across the driveway is not and has never really been a big draw for attendees because most are still attending their own places of worship. The neighborhood has aged and the kids and families that they once could have attracted are now older and not in the area. They have failed to realize that this church is a commuter church, with the majority of the people driving at least 20 minutes or more to get to worship. Having meetings on every day of the week is no longer convenient or efficient.
So what am I saying here besides listing faults? I’m saying that it’s time for this congregation and the many others out there just like it to pull their heads out of the sand. While tradition and history influence who we are as communities of believers, they do not have to dictate who we are today. Change is not a bad thing, as long as it’s not just for change sake. The Holy Spirit moves, lives and breathes with us in so many ways but to live in the past isolates and puts limitations on how us humans receive it. It is my prayer that people take a hard and honest look at their past, see the good, know why they are where they’re at today, and then take a step of faith into the present to see where God is calling them now.
When I think back the problems began before this minister was even hired. This is a congregation that wants to and likes to say that it’s a welcoming and friendly place. But in reality it isn’t and hasn’t been for the 20 some years I’ve known it. Groups of people made sure that other people knew that they were below them. They were operating then on the mentality that we did this 50 years ago so we need to keep doing it. And as for being welcoming… well with you weren’t middle-class, preferably upper middle-class and white well don’t bother walking through the door. These are all issues that existed 20 years ago and were never addressed. And shockingly these are still issues in the congregation today.
Clearly this church has decided to put its head in the sand and live in the past and not the present. They have not participated in the local, regional or national church events and now scream that they don’t know what’s going on. They’ve not paid attention to the fact that the senior living center across the driveway is not and has never really been a big draw for attendees because most are still attending their own places of worship. The neighborhood has aged and the kids and families that they once could have attracted are now older and not in the area. They have failed to realize that this church is a commuter church, with the majority of the people driving at least 20 minutes or more to get to worship. Having meetings on every day of the week is no longer convenient or efficient.
So what am I saying here besides listing faults? I’m saying that it’s time for this congregation and the many others out there just like it to pull their heads out of the sand. While tradition and history influence who we are as communities of believers, they do not have to dictate who we are today. Change is not a bad thing, as long as it’s not just for change sake. The Holy Spirit moves, lives and breathes with us in so many ways but to live in the past isolates and puts limitations on how us humans receive it. It is my prayer that people take a hard and honest look at their past, see the good, know why they are where they’re at today, and then take a step of faith into the present to see where God is calling them now.
Kate - unfortunately, God's people have forgotten whose they are. Not only in this congregation, but in so many others. I am praying for a church that seeks to listen to God's Spirit lead even into unknown places! Thanks for your leadership in that direction!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I understand what you are saying. I've seen churches fall into "that's how we have always done it" mentality. Churches are not that much different from businesses. No growth or change, they die.
ReplyDeleteUnfortantly too many churches won't allow growth. Growth generally means change and change scares people. Christians have forgotten the radical hospitality we are called to share with the whole world; humanity and creation. We have forgotten how to sit and talk to each other. Therefore we don't know others and we fear them. Makes you wonder what ever happened to the idea of "come as you are and be fed."
ReplyDelete