Focus!

Are we winning the lost?  How about discipleship?  Are the new Christians being trained as they should be?  I’ve considered this as I move forward in 2007.  Our church plant is still young and in its infant stages but already, the focus for many of our families has been on other things.  They do this without really knowing that they are.  Our mission is clear and is always being taught but now I wonder, is it not being that well?   An example…We focus a lot on fellowship.  We should.  It’s important.  Without fellowship, there’s no community and with no community, connection never happens.  But I asked some people in our church what the reason is for fellowship?  Why do we get together to eat, talk, enjoy coffee, or work out together?  Is it the goal or a means to the goal?  If it is a means (which it is), what is our progress towards the goal?  That last question always throws people (unless of course, I’ve had that conversation with them before!).

In today’s church culture, we’re all about relationships and creating the perfect environment.  Sure there are many churches who point to numbers but how many to salvation decisions and the discipleship that must follow?  Very few actually.  I’ve read blogs, magazine articles, and snippets in newspaper columns about changed lives and many coming to Christ.  I won’t doubt those but I want to see some numbers to back it up.  I really want to see the changed lives on display since that’s how the gospel will be spread.  I hope to visit some new churches this spring and summer to glean ideas from them but, ultimately, what it all boils down to is: are people being saved?  Once they are saved, are we moving them through a measurable process that directs them to discipleship.  We measure what’s important and for many, that means simply measuring worship attendance.  But there’s more to it than that.   How many are in Sunday School or small group ministries?  From there, how many are serving?  Who’s on the ministry teams?  Is it the same five folks or are new families getting involved?

I battle this weekly as I look for new people to come visit our work.  We’re not flashy with all the latest bells and whistles.  We invested in a great sound system and AV projector with a large screen but that’s about it.  Our money needs to be invested in SD’s (Salvation Decisions) and how to bring that about.  With so many churches focused on light shows, stage props, funny sermon series titles, and other funky things all the churches are starting to look and sound alike.  It’s getting harder for people to find a church that fits them.

We decided to pursue quality and excellence in those areas but our focus, our driving passion, is to see new people receive Christ as their savior.  If that isn’t happening, then it’s time to jettison some things and try new ones while staying focused on the goal.

What is your experience in this area?  Share if you like!