In my contemplations of the function of the modern church, particularly in regards to the evangelical church, I have determined a short list of some of the ways Christians are ineffective in reaching the world around them and doing the ministry that is desperately needed.
1. Apologetics—I understand apologetics is important. We need to understand and be able to answer our questions about our faith…but must we always be in attack mode? Sometimes, we must simply be quiet. Too many times, the opposition simply wants a fight—why do we always need to deliver? Are we not confident enough to let the word of God stand on its own?
2. Too interested in Resisting Change than Creating Change—Our world is changing. And not for the better. Sin is dragging people into the depths of despair. Many times the Christian response is to fight. Maybe we should rethink this. Maybe we need to work harder at changing hearts rather than passing laws.
3. Too Interested in Labels—Everyone seems to have a label now days—We’ve got Republicans, Democrats, Evangelicals, Reformed, and on and on. I believe in the theological structures of denominations—but let’s focus on the gospel.
4. Spend too much trying to be an adequate substitute for the world—there are many well meaning people trying to reach the lost through an attempt to make our worship appealing to them. What happens, however, is that we become a cheap substitute for the world and we reach no one. We are called to be different—so why are we trying so hard to be the same?
5. Spend too much time time starting and less time doing—I have been to Christian Concerts and Conferences for roughly 30 years. I always hear the phase, which receives great applause, “It is time we take our __insert city, school, government, nation, football team, preschool, here__back for Christ!” Isn’t it time, we just go and do it already? Quit sitting on the bench and get out and do something for the cause of Christ?
The Gospel is the only solution to our world’s problems. There will be no peace until we turn back to him—we must return to living and proclaiming that alone.