Assisting Churches Today for Tomorrow

Fiddling while Rome is burning

We are all familiar with this old saying when someone is said to be “fiddling while Rome is burning” which refers to the Roman Emperor Neo who by some accounts went to his tower and played a harp or lyre while Rome was burning.  The phrase is used of one who is said “to occupy oneself with unimportant matters and neglect priorities during a crisis.”  I assert that this is what many in the evangelical movement is doing today.  Stay with me a moment while I explain.

Even a casual observer would have to acknowledge that our world and America in particular is changing and changing fast.   While the politics of today fits into the changing story we are all living through it is more significant what is taking place in the Christian community.   In nearly every aspect of life America has entered uncharted waters, at least for her, because other nations have passed this way before and the price on individual freedom and liberty has been high.   The seeming demise of our free capitalist society, a shift in spite of our constitution from a representative and balanced government to a strong central and authoritarian type of government will both have profound impact on our freedoms personally and in the church to fulfill our mission.  The high profile entertainment driven churches are rapidly changing and weakening our effectiveness in ministry.   I have served the Lord for over forty years and do not recall a time when so many churches have been so irrelevant.  This is happening while these churches are trying so hard to be relevant by acting more and more like the world that they are having exactly the opposite effect on their witness.  Our discipleship and educational ministries are becoming less Biblical centered as we minimize our study of the Word.   What I am saying is that all this is going on around the church and very much within the church community and yet there doesn’t seem to be a voiced sense of urgency.  If our nation continues down the track we appear to have adopted the freedom to witness and seek to influence our societies values will be greatly hindered if not prohibited.  There is likely to be less and less freedom to share the gospel in our politically correct world and more and more persecution for those who stand firm and true to God’s Word.

 

Recently I read an article entitled The Coming Evangelical Collapse by Michael Spencer.   I do not know nor at this writing have I checked more into Mr. Spencer but in this article he nails some sad but true observations and makes some frightening projections for the church.  From the perspective on CAMA and our mission to keep the Bible central in teaching and preaching let me share a couple.  One very troubling but true observation is that “We Evangelical shave failed to pass on to our young people an orthodox from of faith that can take root and survive the secular onslaught.”  Another is that “Even in areas where Evangelicals imagine themselves strong (like the Bible Belt), we find a great inability to pass on to our children a vital evangelical confidence in the Bible and the importance of the faith.”  These two statements alone spell deep trouble for the church in the uncertain age we are embarking upon.  The church must accept full responsibility for the failure to pass on to our own children our values and core doctrines of the faith.  I submit that it is because we focused so much on the wrong things and let our own children and new Christians grow without correctly discipling them.  Hence, these are a few thoughts on why I say the church has been fiddling while Rome is burning.

We will explore more of this subject in future blogs but for now let me close by saying God is not limited and He is able to rescue His church at anytime and will do so when He sees the purpose to do so.  We are to be faithful in our ministry to others and blessable through obedience to God.  If we do so He will use us and bless us whatever the circumstance we find ourselves in.

 

Bringing people to Jesus should be our focus

If you have read any of my blogs or if you are already involved in Sunday School or small groups ministry you know that the first and primary task is to reach people.  This point was driven home recently during one of my morning Bible studies focused on Andrew, one of the first disciples.  As I studied I begin to focus on the wonderful character of this very special servant of the Lord.  It would serve the church well today if more church members not to mention staff leaders had the same character, commitment and focus as that of Andrew. 

When you think of Andrew what comes to your mind?  Nearly all Christians probably think first about his bringing Peter to the Lord.  ⁴⁰One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹He found^* first his own brother Simon and said^* to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). ⁴²He brought him to Jesus.  (John 1:40)  I certainly fall into this group but the other mentions of Andrew in scriptures are also about him bringing people to Jesus. 

The next time we find Andrew he was bringing a young lad with fish and loaves to Jesus.  One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said^* to Him, ⁹“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” ¹⁰Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.  (John 6:8) 

Finally, there is Andrew bringing Greek soldiers to Jesus.  ²⁰Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; ²¹these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ²²Philip came^* and told^” Andrew ; Andrew and Philip came^* and told^* Jesus. ^{2  (}John 12:22)

There are no books in the Bible written by Andrew, we never see Andrew preaching, we never see Andrew performing miracles, nor do we see Andrew taking great stands or being persecuted BUT WE DO SEE ANDREW BRINGING PEOPLE TO JESUS!  One might say that bringing people to Jesus was Andrews’s main focus.

Henry Blackaby said “Andrew is a good role model for us.  Our job is not to transform people into Christians, nor to convict them of their sin.  It is not our responsibility to make people do what they ought to do.  OUR TASK IS TO BRING THEM TO JESUS, and He will perform His divine work in their lives.”

 

A Goal to Achieve vs. A Circumstance to Avoid

One of the most difficult aspects to keeping your Small Groups ministry growing is the intentionality of birthing new groups regularly.  In my own experience this is a challenge I must always keep before my leaders.  However, it is not enough to keep it before your leaders if they in turn are not teaching this to their group members and keeping this as a goal to achieve not a circumstance they hope to avoid.

Failure at this point is directly linked to not understanding the mission and purpose of the Small Group ministry.  If your Small Group ministry is clearly dedicated to reaching people for Jesus Christ as its first priority there will be a whole different attitude concerning beginning new class groups. 

Once the leader and the members in a group not only understand but commit themselves to this principle they will see the victory in birthing new groups.  Like any family, a small group may have a tinge of sorrow about losing members from their immediate fellowship but it is short lived and put into Kingdom perspective.

How do you know if you have an open group?

I have spoken before about the importance of keeping your groups open if you want to reach new people.  If you allow your groups to become closed then you will not be as effective in reaching the world around you for Christ.  Just as a reminder, a closed group is one which is focuses inward only to those who participate with no real strategy to reach others for Christ.  On the other hand an open group is receptive and strategic in seeking to reach others for Christ by drawing them into their Bible study.

At a recent meeting I heard someone say that “an open group expects new people every time they meet.”    Wow, that is a great way to determine if your group is open.  The key is in the word “expects.”  You see if your group expects new people it implies that there is a strategy to reach new people.  It says the group desires new people and that it has become the concern of the majority of the members.  If a group expects new people there must be a strategy to reach new people.

Why not evaluate your group to determine if it is open or closed by whether or not you expect new people each time you meet.  If you find that there is little or no expectation it will indicate that there needs to be a new focus.   Keep in mind that Jesus said “the Son of man came to seek and save that which is lost.”   If that was Christ mission and purpose then how can we have one that is higher or different?

 

Take a look around, Christians wake up!

As we enter a new year our nation faces many challenges.   When you see the urgency facing our nation it doesn't matter, or it shouldn't matter if you are a believer, what your political party associations are.  It should break your heart to see the moral drift in our nation, the financial woes brought own by corrupt politicians and greedy individuals not to mention a perilous time of war around the world.

For the Christian there is a sadden heart and personal concern of course but there should be a peace as we take confidence that the it is all in the hands of God.  These are times of spiritual opportunity too and we need to pray that God will restore integrity in government, values to our population and give peace around the world but we need to be aware that during times of peril people are more open than anyother time to the Lord and His love.  Look for opportunities to share Christ with others who may be suffering loss.  Let others see Christ in you during these difficult days.

Our churches should not miss the moment and get back to basics.  Now is a time for truth in the pulpit and genuine Biblical instruction through our Bible study classes.  Small group connections will become more important in times of need and we need to instuct our members to be alert to those ministry oppotunities.

Becoming a Great Commission Christian

A major part of any discipleship minded church program is the Bible study ministry.  Indeed the Bible study ministry often provides the “back bone” of the organizational life within the church.  The Bible makes it clear that it is important for us to study the Word of God.  Paul writes,  ¹⁵Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.   Earlier in the same passage Paul instructs Timothy to disciple others.  ²The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also2 Timothy 2:15, 2 – 3 (NASB)

Jesus commands the church to make disciples which is evangelism lived out and then to “teach them all things” which is discipleship.   When we “make disciples” we introduce the lost to new life through Christ.  Then as when we teach new Christians the Word we disciple them.  Matthew 28:18-20.  “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you and I will be with you to the end of the age.”    Jesus set forth the expectation for His church.  He addressed not only the first church but also churches for all ages.  It is essential to the effective ministry of any church that the members become more Great Commission conscious.  If we want to have a strong effective discipleship ministry, we must share a vision of the organized Bible study being used of God to fulfill the Great Commission. 

 

In his book Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Dinosaur Ken Hemphill said, “Simply put, Great Commission vision is Biblically based.  It focuses church growth on the Great Commission.   He further said “Great Commission vision ensures that our motives for growing the church are genuine.”.   Hemphill concluded the thought with this powerful statement.   “ Obedience to the Great Commission, not church growth, is the appropriate goal for any church.  Church growth results from obedience to the Great Commission.”  (p. 35, Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Dinosaur)

 

Churches that take seriously the challenge to disciple Christians to become Great Commision Christians will have a vital and ever growing ministry. 

Keeping an Eye on Your Enrollment

One of the most serious mistakes made by churches and their leaders is a failure to understand the importance of their Small Group enrollment.  Enrollment is a leading indicator of your church growth potential.  A fundamental truth in church growth is that attendance always follows the trend of the enrollment.  Check your group’s records over at least a year and you will discover that whatever the pattern of your enrollment the attendance will follow.

 

Once a leader understands this powerful truth it will impact his/her conduct.  If you want your groups to grow you need to focus on increasing your enrollment and the attendance will follow.  Likewise, when leaders carelessly drop people from membership or prospect rolls they will notice the attendance dip or at the very least plateau.  Church leaders drop individuals from the rolls for all sorts of reasons but primarily because the individual has stopped attending but this is exactly the wrong approach.  When an individual quits attending there is more than likely a problem, spiritually or personal needs, in either case the response of the church ought to be one of prayer and personal involvement to restore the one who has quit attending.

 

This is just one example of why keeping an eye on the enrollment is so important.  However, I think the most important reason why your attitude toward enrollment is important is that when a church carelessly handles those God has given to their care it is deadening to the spirit of Christ in your church.   Christ sacrificially gave Himself for all men and desires that they all be saved.   This ought to be the spirit of His church today.

Impacting our Culture

There is no doubt that the church and the way it conducts itself always impacts our culture.   This can can have a positive impact or it can be negative impact if the church is weak.  Recently one of our Church Assist Ministry Association supporters submitted a guest blog which I felt captured this truth.  It is printed below for your consideration.

"Balkanizing the Republicans -- and the Church"

by Paul Crozier

If he were alive today, Ronald Reagan would not recognize the political party he led as a two term president.

For the last decade Republican leadership has endeavored to systematically broaden party appeal and woo segmented, non-traditional voting blocks. To reach moderates, women, minorities, and the poor, the party shunned its base, created new federal entitlements, invited Democratic opposition to craft their legislation, and ignored immigration issues, all the while fawning at the feet of the media. This balkanization reached its zenith when John McCain claimed during his acceptance speech at the national convention, "I'm not a Republican." 

Party efforts fell like a house of cards on November 4. To add insult to injury, all but one state initiative that was socially conservative passed.

In many ways the church has latched onto the same misguided model. In an effort to attract new members, target desirable demographics, and engender popular appeal, churches have scrambled to balkanize their ministries.

Songs about the blood have been scrubbed from playlists to make room for concert fare with a good beat. Corporate worship has splintered into stylistic camps, each eyeing the other with suspicion.

Our lexicon is being sanitized to prevent “confusion” among the unchurched. As a result we're forced to speak Church 2.0 where "Life Groups" means "Sunday School", "seeker" means "lost", and our most basic identity, "Christian", must be replaced with the less polarizing (“but more literal!”) "Christ Follower".

Pastors bemoan the moral state of the flock: divorce rates; sexual immorality; obesity; credit card debt. Yet when asked about church discipline they can only offer blank stares.

Biblical exposition, with its power in the hands of the Holy Spirit to convict, began to fade the minute growth was defined as a numerical, rather than spiritual, metric. Is it any wonder the altar call, that ready sanctuary for the desperate soul, has been retired? Comfortable congregants seldom need it.

In the end, the Republicans of 2008 offered a counterfeit ballot choice. They were neither true to their conservative ideals nor as liberal as their rivals. And as the pace quickens to modernize the church -- which in practical expression results in further conformity to the world -- I can't help but feel a similar reckoning is closer than we think.

While Jesus will always recognize His own, one has to wonder if He’ll appreciate all they’ve been up to.

Impacting our culture

There is an age old question in the minds and hearts of many people that goes something like this.  Does the church impact the world we live in or does the world impact the church?  Which is true?  The truth is both are true.  There is no doubt that the church and the witness of Jesus Christ has shaped all mankind whether they acknowledge it or not.  At the same time one only has to look at the church to see clearly that the world often and sadly impacts the church.

Perhaps the more important question is which is right?  The mission of Christ is to change this world and as members of His church we are to change the world around us to be more like Him.  The church is to make an impact on the world not the other way around.

Today when you see all that is taking place one is left to question if the world is not making the greater impact on the church.  Part of the work CAMA seeks to do is to help church leaders see ways to lead their church in making a greater impact on our world.

Fall 2008 Supporters Meeting

On Thursday Evening, October 23, 2008 we held our second annual CAMA supporters meeting.  There were a number of supporters and new attendees as well.  CAMA is still a new and fledgling ministry but the group of those praying for, encouraging and supporting this ministry are important to its future.

God blessed the evening as we discussed all that we have done through the year as well as what we have learned about the ministry.  There are many exciting developments and encouraging signs that God is using this work to make a difference in the church practices today.  It is our prayer that more will soon join us in our effort.