A minister in our church informed me that we have people who sometimes (very infrequently) come to our church but aren’t committed to church asking us if we will come to their house and have a “bible study” for some couple they have taken into their home. This answer could apply across a wide variety of similar situations.I will not be able to make time for that study. I think that if “He” and “She” cannot commit to Sundays we would be too quick to just jump on their bandwagon when they have other issues. They have been gone for a long time, said they were back, were here one Sunday, then Friday for the special event, but were missing this past Sunday, and I guess we'll see about this Saturday and Sunday. I don't know these people, meaning whoever it is that is staying with them. Let them come to church, get “He” and “She” to be there for the evangelism studies the next two weeks, and then speak to them for themselves. To my mind, “He” and “She” will not be a very good witness so much until those whom they have with them can see the change in them, a lasting change. It is not that God cannot work with them as they are, of course He can, if they are actually saved themselves, but I don't see an opportunity here, I see a pitfall.
Trying to “work with them” will not bring them along; it will only keep them from actually making a commitment. We shouldn’t have to convince “He” and “She”, as they are supposed to be believers, but if they are convinced yet not committed, what good does it do to show up and go to bat for something they don’t actually believe? Is it the people who are staying with them, or “He” and “She” who need the bible study? I think the answer is “He” and “She”, and the truth is that they need to commit to the church before we capitulate to them. Not that they are trying to be deceptive, but that they are deceived. Why take the time necessary to do a personal bible study when we are not going to do that elsewhere? Yes it builds relationships, but “He” and “She” have a relationship with us already, and we have already been over there numerous times in the past to “help”, but they have just now “come back”. It is too soon to start giving more than they are willing to commit to. I think that Jesus would say, “Follow me”, and not accept their terms. “But it is about these other people”, you might say, but no it isn’t.
People want to get what they want without having to be a part of a group, but Christianity doesn’t work that way. We cannot look to fill felt, individual needs before they will “come to Christ”, they all have ONE need, and all we can do is show them that Christ is the answer to that need. We don’t need to try and get them to feel okay with making a commitment; we need them to be truly converted, and as scared as hell if they don’t.
13 comments:
Sounds like they're trying to get a free counselling session. Or corner their guests. It'd be great if they're trying to get rid of their houseguests! Have the pastor come over and put them on the spot about eternity...hehe. But I'm taking the situation lightly. I agree, if they were really interested in Jesus, they'd read the word for themselves and start out in church with the collective group. If they want special bible study, try Sunday school.
I would think the first step would be to simply ask why they are not willing to commit.
I am attending a church where I am unwilling to commit to membership. I also am able to articulate why I am unwilling. But I do attend on Sunday mornings.
We live in a time when more and more people are attempting to live out their faith outside the "organized" church. If there is something this couple believes is wrong with the way your church is "run", that would be a good place to start.
Well of course you would be right, and we have taled to them about it for sure...sorry if the implication wasn't clear...in this short post we have not included all the background information.
For purposes of this scenario, when we are saying "commit" it is not about membership, but about attending and advancing at all.
This type are not committed to the faith, as in they are not being discipled in any way, as in not reading their bibles, fellowshipping with others, trying to deal with sin, etc. They are just living their lives as always, very worldly, serious issues, and they just show up every so often, they do not ever go to other churches, or if so it is also very seldom. They are not looking to mature in the faith, and show none of the marks of assurance.
Thanks for the comment, btw, it helps us to make things more clear, I hope...
Also, I would like to address...(thanks for mentioning it)
We live in a time when more and more people are attempting to live out their faith outside the "organized" church.
More and more people are sinning in this matter.
Yes, there are problems with certain things about then "organized" or "institutional" church, but that in no way validates the idea that believers are not supposed to be organized at all. Not belonging to a group is not an alternative; it is the clear NT truth that Christians are supposed to assemble in loving, covenant communities.
The idea that someone can "live out their faith" detached from a group is a huge problem, unless said people are in fellowship with others, as in assembled in a house. The NT knows nothing of the maverick mess that George Barna and others are trying to say is a "revolution"...it is actually rebellion...
We have written more than 60 posts dealing with this issue, under the heading, “Why You HAVE To Go To Church!” which can be easily located to the right in our sidebar near the top.
In lieu of that, Daniel Phillips has written a very brief yet very powerful post about this, one that hits the target directly. I would advise all Christians to read it.
http://bibchr.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-you-need-to-be-in-church-tomorrow.html
God bless everyone that comments...
I hope the previous didn't seem like a rant, it is just THAT important, and many are being led astray, thinking that they are doing right when they are clearly, biblically not.
Just to make sure I am clear, the people described in the post are not trying to live out their faith outsdie the structure of a church, they would readily admit that. The reason that they don't come to church is not because they don't agree with how something is done, it is simply because they don't want to go to church (or read the bible or pray or fellowship or witness, etc.) at all...
We are in a "do it my way or I don't want anything to do with you" society as well as the "quick fix" mentality. If things will get better in my life (by my own definition) then I'll "try it". Otherwise, I will pout, talk behind your back, and not come back.
We need to commit to what is already offered in the local body, not insist on personal programs to meet our individual needs which more than likely will not be committed to either. Commit to your local body of believers in worshiping with them on a regular basis and learn, learn, learn by sitting under the teaching of sound doctrine and walking out what you learn. This is true discipleship. Until you learn, you cannot instruct others. Allow yourself to be taught, and learn, then.....
Preach it, honey!
Even So, I'm not saying that attempting to live out your faith outside the organization is good (note my wording that includes "attempt").
I can sympathize, though. I've been searching for a church for 3 years, in the heart of CRC-land. I'd be happy in a CRC (was happy in a CRC). But when a church within that organization goes off the reservation, the system fails and I lived through that.
I also want to be in a church with men in leadership and CRC just shot my legs out from under me on that one.
With a CRC on every corner, who needs another Reformed church (there are Reformed churches around; most of them are the liberal variety who are in "discussions" with the homosexual community and some are in existence because of arguments and continue to argue.)
If there are valid theological differences and I cannot find a church that I can line up with, what is the choice?
I am currently attending a CRC, with a co-pastorette. Socially, they're doing the right things with outreach (which many CRC's don't), but if I want to hear the Gospel, I come home and listen to a podcast.
But hey...I'm within a local body, right?
Yep, you are doing what you can, and that is the point...we (meaning Margie and I) will be praying for you, dear, and thanks again for engaging this post...
It can be tough, but just as with sanctification, those who have faith will continue to "battle"...and it is apparent you are trying, and again, that is the point...may God bless you with His truth and to find fellowship in the community He sees fit...
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