Can A Christian Really Grow Spiritually WITHOUT The Church?

I checked my email on Monday only to be hit with the article "5 out of 6 Americans Agree: I Can Grow Spiritually without the Church". That was a real blessing -- NOT! I am certainly aware that there are all kinds of studies on all kinds of issues, and many end up contradicting each other. But having waited a few days in order to be able to go back and read it with a little more emotional energy (Monday is not the day for those kinds of things!), I thought it might be at least informative to hear what is being said. Apparently the original survey was done by George Barna (whatever you may think of his analysis), here is part of his statement:

And while 72 percent of Americans claim they have personally committed themselves to Jesus Christ, less than 50 percent attend religious services on a weekly basis.

“These figures emphasize how soft people’s commitment to God is,” evangelical researcher George Barna said in the report. “Americans are willing to expend some energy in religious activities such as attending church and reading the Bible, and they are willing to throw some money in the offering basket, but when it comes time to truly establishing their priorities and making a tangible commitment to knowing and loving God, most people stop short." (link to article)

Todd Rhoades made two deductions (link to article) from the survey:

1. The world, even when they are searching and longing for spiritual growth, isn't even looking to the church as a possibility for that growth. Four out of five (according to this survey) don't view the church as a valuable source for spiritual growth. The church has lost it's salt. Quite frankly, 80% just don't believe the church (as they know it) to be valuable to them in any way other than weddings and funerals.

2. The church (those who attend church as a whole) has a diminished view of what being a part of the church can/will do for them. A growing percentage of those still involved in the church disagree that being a part of the church can help them reach their full spiritual potential. This matches other studies that show an increasing percentage of Christians who feel they are spiritually fit while not involved in any local church.

Having had a chance to have emotional energy (and maybe also spiritual energy) renewed, I am convinced that the Church of Jesus Christ is the only answer to people's deepest needs, and so we keep on "preaching and teaching Christ in order that we may present every man complete in Christ"

Church Ministry to Men - How are we doing?

H.B. London writes in the Pastor's Weekly Briefing (4/21/2006) that he believes that the church is not doing a very good job of reaching men. He lists 5 reasons why he believes that men are having a difficult time identifying with the church. He writes:

"To be honest with you, I think the church as a whole has done a very poor job of seeking out "men on the fringe" and recruiting them for the work of Christ. There are several reasons for that.

1. We have feminized the church to a degree. Men are warriors and we have them singing love songs.

2. Most men have a "sitcom" attention span. They grow weary at long sermons, extended standing and messages that do not challenge.

3. Many clergy are intimidated by strong men and so we focus on those that do not threaten us. Men want their pastors to be "men of great faith and courage." They really want to look to us as an example.

4. It takes time to serve men. If you fail to make the males in your congregation your priority of time, interest and message, your commitment to them will simply appear ordinary.

5. A men's ministry is only as strong as the pastor and leadership are willing to fund and promote it. What works for women will not work for men."

H.B. London goes on to say that this needs to be a long term commitment, not just an occasional event and that most churches are not willing to do that.

What is your church doing to reach men, even those on the fringe? Men, what are your suggestions for effectiveness of the church to serve you? Please leave your comments and suggestions!

The Seven Sins of a Dying Church

Why do some churches die, and other churches grow? That is undoubtedly a puzzling question that is asked by anyone who is concerned with the state of the church. Dr. Thom Rainier has written on this topic in his book entitled, "Seven Sins of Dying Churches"” (the following is adapted from a seminar by Dr. Kevin Schaal). Rainier lists the following causes for dying churches:

1. Doctrinal dilution: he found that non-christians were much less likely to attend church that have weak doctrinal beliefs and teaching.

2. Loss of evangelistic zeal: churches and their pastors have lost their evanglistic zeal.

3. Failure to be relevant: many churches are totally unaware of the realities, hopes and pains of those living around us.

4. Few outwardly focused ministries: in a recent survey done in America, 95% of the ministries were for members only, and many churches had no ministries for those outside the congregation.

5. Conflict over personal preferences: conflicts surrounding music styles, the choice of carpet color or the type of pulpit furniture.

6. Priority of Comfort: it is much easier to do things the way that we have always done things than to try and do something different to reach our world for Christ.

7. Biblical illiteracy: only 3% of churches in America have a planned method to instruct their members to learn the Bible in its entirety.

Response to doctrinal concerns: too often the church feels that it has to be like the world in order to reach the world. We need to continue to clearly and boldly teach and preach God's truth.

Response to loss of evangelistic zeal: Rainier says that most often the problem is the pastor (ouch!). We must lead the way for people in talking about spiritual things with non-believers. Rainier also says that some pastors need to leave their positions if they are just sliding toward retirement.

Response to failure to be relevant: we need to be develop ministries that are geared to the needs that people in our communities are facing. After all, we have the Biblical answers to these needs. These include single parents, parenting, abortion and its consequences, financial management, etc. We need to be prepared to disciple new believers that are dealing with these issues. (A word of warning: a lot of compromise has occurred under the guise of being relevant)

Response to few outwardly focused ministries, and conflict over personal preferences: few outwardly focused churches are in conflict over personal preferences, they are too busy trying to reach out. When the focus is on the internal and "being comfortable"” that is when conflict occurs. Perhaps we need to do a ministry inventory to determine how many of our ministries are focused on the internal with the investment of time, and finances. Rainier also points out that ministries with Christian schools really struggle with this problem.

Response to Biblical illiteracy: it is important that we preach doctrinal content rather than to fall into the trap of 20 minutes of fluff which is somewhat similar to trying to get physical nutrition from marshmallows. There is a motto among some churches which declares it takes "“three to thrive."” It takes involvement in three Bible teaching events a week to truly grow. But those times are only effective if the time is being used productively --– in solid Biblical content. Pastors, Sunday School teachers and small group leaders must understand the importance of solid Bible content.

It is true that churches go through life cycles, but it is not necessary for a church to die. The above is some food for thought!

[some other books by Dr. Thom Rainier that might be good to consider: Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them, High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret of Keeping People in Your Church, The Unchurched Next Door, Eating the Elephant: Leading the Established Church]