Church is not a spectator sport
April 21st, 2007
While reading a church website this morning about how they planted a new church community I read the following wonderful words:
The rush for this adventurous community was in getting to be the Church – not just attend it. It was clear church was experienced best when we were in living it, not simply watching it happen. ROCKHARBOR had been marked by a heart of passionate involvement.
If you’re watching something happen, then you’re not really part of it. You’re not engaged in it, it’s not costing you anything.
I read something else yesterday about the 80/20 rule, which is about 80% of the work in a church being done by 20% of the people, or members. It’s a common problem. The article was saying that in many ways the way we structure church, the way we set it up actually results in this 80/20 situation. When the focal point of church is a Sunday meeting(s) where a smaller group of people are creating a time of ministry/worship/teaching, then it stands to reason that the rest of the people gathered are spectators to some degree.
I’m not sure how valid that is in every context. There are people in church who are there because they’re seeking, people who need healing and rest and teaching, but then there are a lot of Christians sitting in church each Sunday who come and go, and don’t actually take part in what church is about at all.
I think there’s room to think about how we are best to function as a church. What is important is truth, and I’ll come back to that in a future post. Community is important. Contextualising Gospel truth into the culture(s) we live in is important. Doing everything we do for King Jesus and His Glory is of uppermost importance.
I certainly want to be part of a local church where we can say ‘ The rush for this adventurous community was in getting to be the Church!‘.
April 22nd, 2007 at 1:20 pm
True. And I think biggest part of what church is all about happens outside of the church building. As disciples of Jesus we follow him as he leads us to the needy and hurting in the world.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the focal point of church - the ministry/worship/teaching - flowed out of more and more people coming to know Jesus, and that the majority of the members of the church had an active part in that. If our ministry/worship/teaching was in response to that and with an aim to see that happening, and with an aim to disciple those who have come to know Jesus…
So often we “do church”, we preach, we lead worship, and then whatever has happened in that service is just left and forgotten about. People come back the next Sunday for their weekly God-fix. It’s just not the way disciples of Jesus are meant to live.
April 23rd, 2007 at 5:44 am
then change it (sorry i have a lots of essays to write and would much rather be startinga protest for church reform)
love n hugs
amy x x x
April 24th, 2007 at 4:02 am
Thanks for the comment on my blog.
It really encouraged me.
I think the 80/20 things is true of most churches.
Ive just finished reading (and signing) my Partnership Pack.
WOW who wrote the personal covenant ?
Its amazing! I have been truely blessed and inspired today.
Thanks dood.
April 30th, 2007 at 10:25 am
A Church is the people so….you nee to get them motivated and on fire for God then that ratio will change…
read Velvet Elvis on my hols, thought Rob Bell had some very interesting things to say on the Church and claiming things for Christ.
May 1st, 2007 at 2:02 am
How do we ‘get people motivated and on fire for God’? Discuss
Yes, a church is ‘the people’, well, it’s those people in ‘the church’ who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation. There are probably a number of non-christians who ‘attend church’ in any given congregation. But i think often the structure of church, the traditions, the way we do it, can possibly hinder us being what we should be. There are all kinds of issues and problems and solutions….all of which we can talk about until the proverbial cows come home
But it’s all good. I’m still slowly getting through Velvet Elvis… Hope you had a good holiday Dave B!
You’re welcome Ste
And Amy, ‘then change it’…haha….yes, well, it’s really THAT simple!!
Miss you kiddo!
Dave, yeah, church buildings..we should all meet in Wigwams….acoustics might be a problem though
May 1st, 2007 at 7:44 am
Rockharbor do seem to have their finger(s) on the pulse. I’ve often found really inspirational stuff on their site.
Peace & Blessings
J
May 2nd, 2007 at 1:02 am
it could be people are, sorry i just handed in 12,000 words of essays i finished at 6 o’clock this morning, trust me all things are possible!!!
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:16 am
This might sound like a cop out.
I have been a “Christian” follower of the Living God for about 20 years now and have found these things to be true.
A Church will never do anything if isn’t a Prayerful Church.
For a Church to be active it actually needs to get active. It needs someone or someones to actually get off thier bums and start to do things.
When people start to do things others will follow, as people are like sheep. If people start to do things others will take a lead and start to do things as well.
You will find that there are natural starters, followers, doers and sitters. So once poeple start something off there will be people who follow them and keep it going. There are people who will always do things and people who will sit and watch.
The thing is you need motivators people who are natural at getting people involved, they are the people who ooze infectious charisma.
I know that is stating obvious James, sorry
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:18 am
Oh yes thanks we had a top time in the States.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:35 am
Yeah DaveB, you’re right with all that.. Prayer and movement, it’s very true. Glad you had a good holiday mate
Thanks Johnny! I’ve seen Rockharbor before, and yep it’s all good stuff! Cheers for commenting and reading!
Amy, well done on those essays
May 6th, 2007 at 7:33 am
thankyou, i now have two exams. went to B1 again today i really really love it, when are u and your beaitiful gonna come ppay me a visit?? your the onli oakhamites who love me anymore!! (other than rob)
really hope to see u soon
love n hugs amy
May 9th, 2007 at 1:07 am
Amy!!! tut tut tut ………………. i am shocked at that comment
I love you too and have text you to check how you are only thing is you don’t reply!
So i will ask here…………..HOW ARE YOU? miss ya lots xxxxx
May 9th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
ok sorry Lisa!!! i tried to reply but apparently i need credit to do that!! and i am officially a poor poor student living of pasta in a house (which is very tidy you would be so proud) with a Hoover that doesn’t work!!!
i am very good although i have far too much work to do, however i miss you oakhamites, how are you and the Matthew?? tell me something exciting that has happened since i last came!!
love n hugs
aims x x x
May 11th, 2007 at 1:40 am
good girl x
Well Kerry has had a baby girl thats exciting……….
Me Matt and Gracie are off to the nec to see Full flame thing this weekend
oliver and jack have joined the worship team
james white came to speak and loved it
the germans visited last weekend and stayed at our house and jon caught them jumping on my bed tut tut lol
prayer meetings have been really awesome
well is that enough?
what is it with u and hoovers lol
stay safe love ya sis xxxxx