Yet, as we develop in the Spirit of Jesus, we begin to note that pew-sitting can be somewhat like baby-sitting; not really ours but we will be responsible while fulfilling understood assignments. This has developed a shallow people; leaders, ministers, and followers alike.
Jim Cymbala and Dean Merrill clearly point to a true challenge among us. In the organized church, too many pastors are interested in attendance alone, which has nothing to do with a church's health. What matters is not how many people are showing up, but how active and vibrant their faith is in the God they serve. You can easily pack a building without pleasing God, because crowds do not equal spirituality.
I write this not as an excuse for low attendance. Memorial Drive's will run between 450 and 500 on our good days attendance-wise. It is the spirituality of walking, talking, and serving Jesus that is the litmus test.
Do we know Jesus? Do we study him? Do we credit Him?
Sunday Schools are abundant world-wide this morning. Sermons will reap even a higher number of listeners. The question isn't how good are we doing nor is it how bad we must cease doing other things. The rock-bottom issue is the Rock; Jesus. Do we know him?
Study goes on. Signing up and serving goes on. Prayer is minimal. Driven by the Spirit is questionable. Yet, we can get there.
Attendance doesn't make us spiritual. The Holy Spirit does that.
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