In a recent conversation with a brother in Christ, our discussion turned to the challenges facing the contemporary church. As in other conversations over the last few years, the topic soon turned to a single question: Are our churches more and more filled with people who are “not very serious” about Christianity? This raises several questions–and a series of blog challenges!
Are our leaders serious? For over 20 years of ministry in two steadily growing churches (decadal growth rates of 100% and slightly over 50%), I worked with elders and deacons who often gave 4-5 nights per week to the work of the church–two assembly nights, a meeting night, a members’ visitation night, and an evangelism night. And that doesn’t count the hospital visits, member contacts, and shepherding done after work or on weekends. It is no surprise that those churches grew steadily. Most churches today do not hold their leaders accountable. Leaders do not desire accountability, refusing give the congregation the opportunity to reselect them or to reaffirm them. Many are afraid they would not be reselected. Too many leaders are frequently absent from the church assemblies and can easily count the average number of hours they spend each week in church leadership matters on their fingers (10 or less).
An external, objective observer might ask, “Are you serious about your shepherd role as a representative of the Chief Shepherd?” When members are absent without contact by the shepherds, when members “fall through the cracks” and are not the subject of continuing prayer and effort, the question is valid. Are we serious?