Comments on: Not Everything is For Everyone

By: ChurchNiche » How To Achieve 277% Growth

ChurchNiche » How To Achieve 277% Growth — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:04:28 +0000

[...] example for increasing church attendance? Hardly. Blogger Nathan Rice makes a great point that not everything is for everyone. I think we can look at this and the most we can say is, “Wow, they were sensitive to how [...]

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 18:37:28 +0000

Well, I think you have just diagnosed the very task of Christian leadership. It’s a tricky deal to hold the carrot out in front of the people whom God has entrusted to you, while not making the task seem impossible. We want people to always be growing, always moving forward. Yet there are many just happy to be where they are and many who don’t want to change.

Our task is to call people to be like Jesus and show them the grace of God that transforms. And sometimes it is in big, dramatic changes, but usually it is “baby steps.” For example, if you wanted to develop a spirit of service in the church, the place to start is probably not a trip to Peru. It’s probably getting people to give away bottled water on a hot day in the park.

Anyway, all that to say that the challenge is to encourage people where they are, while always gently and humbly (two important words) pushing them forward into Christ-likeness, because often we know what it is our congregation needs better than they do.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:25:28 +0000

Thanks Chris and Steve,

Your points are both well taken. I guess the balance is knowing what the congregation can handle, while at the same time knowing what it is they need to handle.

hmmm….
any suggestions on how to keep the balance?

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:57:32 +0000

My seminary professor, Steve Brown (of Key Life Networks), often says that “not all churches all called to be all things to all people.” Big churches may have that responsibility, but not every church needs to do everything. What are the things you can do well and faithfully to reach the people God has placed before you.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:15:34 +0000

That sure is a pastor’s job! But it gets even harder when you know what the congregation can handle and then God has you push them beyond that point!

By: Cory Miller

Cory Miller — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:44:21 +0000

Nathan, you’re living this, bro, and I am sure proud to be called your friend.

I heard this quote one time (paraphrased) … that the only place to be is in the center of God’s will … but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be comfortable or “safe.”

Be led, my brother! Praying for you!

–Cory