The Cancer of Complacency

Well, it's been three weeks now since I served my final day as a pastor but I still carry a burden for the direction the church seems to be taking.  Times have rapidly changed but there's something that we all need to recognize has stayed the same; Christ's call on the church to serve.  Sure... we've had to change some of our tactics regarding the delivery of the precious gospel but there is absolutely no justification for lethargy.  What do I mean by that?  I'm thankful that you asked.  Slothfulness has reared it's head among the congregation and behind the pulpit on so many levels.

I'll begin with what is obvious among the people.  For some reason the better part of the church has bought into a myth that says we come to church to be served.  If that's what you believe I defy you to find evidence in God's word that would support your case.  When one is searching for a place to consider his church home the question that seems to be asked is... "What can this church offer me".  You know what I mean... "What kind of program does this church offer for my children?  What kind of music do they sing?  What is the attire?  Does the pastor visit you when you're sick? ETC..." Instead the question ought to be... "God, is this the place you would have me to serve"!  PERIOD!!!  The result is a complacent, lazy, dissatisfied body and instead of it being a concern it has evolved into being the norm among the church.

Along with this the weight of expectation that lays upon the shoulders of the pastor has become heavier than ever.  With that said, I'm sure the pastor would shout "AMEN" but let's not get ahead of ourselves.  The average pastor in America has enabled the behavior spoken of.  Here are some "For instances"...

(1) Sunday evening church has become a rarity.  Pastors justify this by saying things such as, "We consider this family time".  REALLY?  Well let's take a look at that one!  Families are being ripped apart at the seams now more than ever!  Pastor, do you really believe your members gather in the family room in the solitude of their homes from 6:00 - 7:00 to spend quality "Family time" together?  AND if they do, how much would you like to wager that the time consists of watching television?  You might say, "I'm not a gambling man", but the truth is, by closing the doors on Sunday evening, you've thrown the dice and the odds are against the church!  One more thing before we move on... I also believe this has promoted laziness among our pastors.  When the man of God ought to be studying more and being more prepared the opposite is the outcome.
(2) Wednesday evening church has become a rarity.  All of the above applies!
(3) Tactics verses Truth.  I once heard of a wise preacher who said, "If you can lead them in with a hotdog I can lure them out with a hamburger".  It's undeniably clear that the covered dish supper has the power to draw a crowd but it's just as clear that the same crowd will not be present for an hour of prayer.  I'm not saying that we should discontinue these opportunities for fellowship but I am saying that they should not be what we employ as a means to grow the church.  I've been behind the closed doors of leadership meetings as we pulled our ideas together in regards to growing the church and while prayer and fasting IS THE ANSWER,  get-togethers and eating was the consensus.  Pastor... stand firm on what Christ had to say, "My house shall be called a house of PRAYER".  It's the pastor's call to give the people what they need for their souls.  Folks might leave because they're not getting what they want but your obligation is not to feed the flesh.  Preach the word and exhort them to pull up to a table that nourishes the spirit!

We could go on and on but I believe this is enough to get the idea across.  Get mad if you like... I'm just another layman!  The truth is the truth and it will stand when all else fails.  I pray that a handful of believers would share this burden and begin to lead by example... there will be plenty of time to rest on the other side!!!