The other day, I took a long drive through the country side. Along my journey, I passed a little country church. My thoughts began to take me back to the early days of ministry when I was asked to preach revival services there. As a rookie preacher, I remember walking into the auditorium and noting that sometime in the past, it had been expanded to accomodate growth. The expansion was no longer needed as only around 40 souls would attend nightly, most of whom were life-long members. As I walked around the stage mentally preparing myself, I glanced toward the baptistery. It, too, had seen its better days. A dead spider, a few dead bugs, and dust were all that had been in it in months, if not years. As the mostly elderly group of saints began to arrive, my heart sank knowing that in the not-so-distant future this special place would close its doors. Why? Why couldn't God step in and do something? Why should the church have to compete with malls, movie theaters, and country clubs? Do people not love Jesus enough to take one measly little hour of their lives and come to worship? Then I remembered what Jesus had said. HE had said it in HIS Word... "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." If the gates of hell can't destroy a church, what or who can? I will tell you who can destroy a church quicker than anyone -God. The permissive will of God may very well allow a church to close if that body of believers is not carrying out His work. In Matthew 28, we are told to "Go and make disciples." We aren't told to hold a revival service in the fall, Homecoming in the spring, or even a Christmas cantata. We are told to "make discliples." If a church isn't growing, what good is it to God? You may say, "Well, it fills me up and satisfies my needs." If you aren't "making disciples," then, obviously, it's not doing anything for you either and you need to attend a Christ-centered church where you will be about His work.
Back to the little church.... At one time, she was a powerhouse and that addition was full. She had a great pastor who was willing to do anything and everything to lead members in bringing the people to faith in Jesus Christ. People came to church because it was exciting. People came to see what great thing God was going to do today or to hear what He has done in someone's life the past week. But now, she sits empty. Children's laughter doesn't interrupt the message, because young couples no longer attend. People don't come to see exciting things because nothing exciting is happening in the lives of the remnant. Sure, they have a good pastor. He believes and preaches the Word, even though his beliefs are slightly askew of the original context and meaning. He has a good heart and his plan of salvation is right on. What's keeping the baptistery dusty and the pews unfilled at this church then? Answer, the people, and no matter what, they aren't budging. They are stuck in the early 1900s, waiting. What are they waiting for? They are waiting for more people to come. They are hoping and sometimes praying that more will come listen to their outdated music and irrelevant messages. They are wishing someone would accept the invitation, run down the aisle, grab the preacher's hand and confess their sins on the altar while the third verse of "Just As I Am" is sang over and over. But they never come. No one comes and says, "I heard y'all had some great hymn singing here!" No one accepts the invitation and "Just As I Am" is cut short. No one comes. No one comes because the Bible doesn't say "Stay and I will bring disciples." It says, "Go and (you) make disciples." The church of today must leave the pews and hit the streets. We must build relationships with ungodly people just like Jesus did. We must change our services to reflect society. We must preach relevant messages to the masses, not about rules and regulations but about grace and mercy. About how Christ died and arose to set us free! Sure, we lucked out in years' past and people "came" to church, but that was then, this is now. We have to take Jesus to them. And if your church isn't a happy and exciting place, they aren't coming back. If we aren't profiting spiritually for God, why shouldn't He shut the doors? "Go and make disciples." This is not a new concept or cutting-edge ministry tactic, it's gospel, plain and simple. It's basic evangelism, and It works!
