Healthy Church is Hard

“This is a totally different church, then when I first came, nine years ago.” I shared this quote with you a couple of weeks ago during a sermon. It was by a visitor who has been attending faithfully, for about 2 years.

“In years past, our church mainly consisted of families who had a long history with one another. Today, people have come in from the community who do not have this connection.” This was shared with me by a Bible study teacher I was visiting with, about a month ago.

Taken together, here’s what these quotes demonstrate: 1. God is honoring our efforts to reach out to the community. 2. The effects are visible for those who are both members, and visitors.

What impact has this effect made on you? For some, it can be challenging when church begins to look and feel different than what they have previously experienced. I totally get this! Church family is the only family that can be “in flux,” as people join, leave, die, move, etc. This can be discouraging, but it can also be a sign of health.

Let me draw your attention back to the second quote, mentioned above. Can you imagine what a church would look like if it DID NOT reflect the community? Words like exclusive, insular, or “click-ish” may come to mind. The word “healthy” should not.

It is a challenge to be a healthy church, that prioritizes service, evangelism, and discipleship above desires, traditions, or activities. But that’s our mission, and I’m thankful we are in it together!

Blessings

Pastor Matt