First of all, you guys should go read Shaun King’s blog entry entitled “Why Capitalism Doesn’t Always Work In The Church” (HT: Bear Cherian) and then return back here. I’ll wait. Really. 

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Does Shaun’s post ring true for any of you? Do you see yourselves in any of those descriptions?

I’ll admit, it hasn’t always been easy for me to be supportive of other churches as they grew, as they became more innovative and creative, as they implemented more programs for the youth, as they appeared more sincere in their actions and worship. My natural response upon seeing such prosperity in any other churches would be to tear down other aspects – not always verbally but at least in my mind.

“Oh, that church has more English focused services? Too bad all their kids are heathens.”

“Their worship leader is really talented and is really sincere? It’s a shame he doesn’t know jack about the Bible.”

Those examples may be a little harsh but that’s kinda how it played in my head. My jealousy got the better of me. I was good about keeping my thoughts quiet unlike the many who thought like I did and were determined to make their opinions known. In either case we were just as guilty of being un-Christlike.

We have to continually remind ourselves that we are not competing against the other HYPF churches, the other churches in the city or even the rest of the country/world. We have to step back and remember that we’re all together in the cause of proclaiming Christ and sharing His Gospel to the world.

Sometimes we desire change for our church. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, how often do we demand change because we see another church doing something new? Do you find yourself playing the comparison game where you rate your church’s effectiveness based on another church’s?

Too often we deny the uniqueness with which God created our church communities. We believe that God made each of us as individuals, distinct and different and with intent; why do we fail to accept that truth as it applies to our churches?

We all have the same ultimate goals. Describe it however you like but I believe we all want to know Jesus better, we want to worship him, we want to grow as a community in love, and share the love and grace we’ve received from Christ to others who haven’t heard it and disciple them. Nevertheless, each church body has different specific needs because they’re growing in different ways at different times. Because a separate youth service works for your church doesn’t mean my church has to try and have one. The fact that your church does 30 minutes of English worship shouldn’t determine if my church should cut out testimony time completely to accommodate more songs.

We should pray for what God wants to do with our own churches, in our own churches, and see how He wants us to grow and change. Change isn’t a bad thing. But let’s have our change reflect what God wants and not just what we think or hope God wants.

 

Have you ever witnessed this mindset take form in your life? Please don’t tell me I’m the only one  :)