Category / Leadership

If you quietly believe your church isn’t that different today than two years ago, consider that because the culture has dramatically changed, people see, perceive, and experience your church differently.

That reality is unavoidable.

The essential question is — Are people experiencing the difference in your church that you want them to experience?

In most cases, the difference is shaped by nuance, how you say what you say, how you treat people, and the values and convictions you stand for – not your programs.

The new church is people over methods. Yes, it’s always been about people, but we have leaned heavily into models and methods for decades, and while they will still serve you well, people must come first.

As little as twenty-five to thirty years ago, society looked at the local church, generally speaking, with favor. It was seen as good even for many that didn’t go themselves. Today, the church (again, in general) is often seen as something unnecessary, irrelevant, or maybe even questioned.

It’s my observation that people are considering things of a spiritual nature more and more because, intuitively, they’re at a loss for answers in a world that increasingly doesn’t make sense.

Turning the tide is not easy, and it’s a long road ahead, but it’s unquestionably doable! I have great faith in the Church because I have faith in a great God.

So, where do we start?

There is something deeply moving about giving ourselves away for the good of others.

When we give of our time and talent in any way to encourage and build others in their faith, or emerging faith, we begin to activate the servant-heart of Jesus within ourselves.

When we serve others, we add value and potentially change a life. We bring a cool cup of water in the name of Jesus.

There is no right or wrong, or greater or lesser, in serving. If the desire of your heart is to be helpful, serving pleases God and makes a difference.