THE CHURCH IS IN A WORLD OF HURT

There are a couple of ways one could perceive the meaning of the above title.

1. THE CHURCH IS in a world of hurt.
2. The church is IN A WORLD OF HURT

In general, all congregations are most likely found in one of these two zones.  One is in a world of hurt because it refuses to take the bold moves to reach into the world of hurt.  Or, the other is aggressively moving into those rugged conditions in the world where the pained and hurting reside.

Our nation's terrain has congregations strewn about which are failing and dying. Sprinkled, as well, are those groups who are thriving robustly.  We all want to be of the latter.  Yet, if we are to go there, very tough decisions will need to be made by its leaders.

First, we simply must get on board with the idea that the church really is IN A WORLD OF HURT.  That world needs our reaching arms as well as our loving hearts. Second, we surely must awaken to the reality among us that churches tend to turn inward without notice or warning.

This is a problem Houston.  

Self-serving is not other-serving.  It never has been and won't ever be so.  The Great Commission is just that.  We are to be driven to reach others.  It seems that a few in churches have this vision; but the most tend to look inwardly as to their likes and dislikes.  These churches have either died or will fade out of existence within two or three generations.

When we leave the banks of the self-serving by determining to walk on the waters of outreach, many significant matters evolve.  Our gatherings are about others.  Our funds are about others.  Our ministries are about them.  Our prayers are about them. Our vision....is about them.

Our parking lots are about them.  Our foyers are to draw them in.  Our messages are to connect them to God's urgent love.  Our music is to snag their senses of emotion. Our greetings are to sew their hearts into the fabric of kingdom living.  

Our children are to say to other children, You will fit in.  Our teen cluster invites doubting teens to give God a try.  Every age is to be positioned as magnets drawing the wide range of society toward the Cross of Jesus.  We have received our holy assignments.

THE CHURCH IS in a world of hurt if it feels inclined to perpetuate keeping the members happy.  Yet, when the the church is IN A WORLD OF HURT, an unexplained sense of God sweeps over the hearts of the church like no other fulfillment to be desired.  The great hope in this approach is that all of the church feels emotionally at its best when we are winning the hearts of our communities.

Such moves are not easy.  In my long tenure I must steadily re-evaluate whether I am current.  Not whether I'm keeping up in a worldly nature; but am I delivering messages that resonate with seeking hearts.  The graying of all churches could signal we have gradually transitioned from evangelism to ritualistic house-keeping; from outreach to management.

Those who have never had a hunger to reach others totally do not get what this post is about.  But they should learn.  We have the greatest message of the greatest system of the only Savior of all of the world.  Masses are in deep need of relief.  They can only find it in Jesus.

May you and I determine to bravely and boldly move as a church IN A WORLD OF HURT.