Greetings, Friends!
In a recent article on ChurchLeaders.com, Dan Reiland writes about the difference between missing a worship gathering every now and then and “drifting away from church.” He writes, “Vacations, travel for work, and kids have travel ball. That’s part of life. But when part of life turns into a different life, it may be time to re-think your new trend and the possible results.”
Regular participation in worship is integral to the Christian life. You’ve heard me say several times, “When you’re called to believe, you’re called to belong.” When one of us drifts away, the absence is felt both by the individual and by the church.
Reiland lists five reasons people drift away from church.
1. “The church doesn’t meet my needs.” Welcome to the club. The church cannot meet all of our needs. In fact, it is not the church’s place to meet all our needs. The purpose of the church is to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20). Anything beyond that is “icing on the cake.”
2. “I attend online.” I probably don’t have to address this one that deeply because of the make-up of our church. I’ll say two things: (1) “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). (2) If you’re lonely, would you prefer a friend Skype you, or come visit you.
3. “My pastor made a decision I didn’t like.” Again, welcome to the club. Reiland says, “I’m a pastor, and I make decisions I don’t like.” Sometimes we have to make decisions that aren’t popular. Sometimes, we make mistakes. Reiland suggests asking the question, “Was the pastor’s decision sinful or subjective?” If it was sinful…say, the pastor taught that salvation can be found apart from Jesus…then lovingly and tactfully confront the pastor. If it was subjective, meaning it just didn’t meet your personal preferences…”The pastor said he likes new music better than older music”…then let it go. It isn’t worth “going to the mat.”
4. “I don’t need church to be a Christian.” This one spans all generations. I could write a dissertation on this one. I’ll just quote Reiland, who points out that separating from the church hurts you and the church: “…the more independent and isolated a person is in their faith journey, the higher the likelihood they will stall out spiritually…. As I read Scripture, the role of the pastor is not to ‘do’ the work of ministry (Note: That should sound familiar!), but to train and equip the congregation to do the ministry…. God has a purpose for you that is part of His church. Don’t miss out.”
5. “The church is all about money.” This one also spans the generations. I’ve talked about money. All Biblical preachers do. The Bible talks about it a lot. The truth is, the church is the one place you can go and experience all the benefits for free. But ministry takes money, and generosity is a hallmark of a faith that trusts in God to provide.
Do you find yourself connecting with any of these? If so, take some time to think about them, talk with someone about them, see what the Bible has to say, and pray about it. Summer is an easy time for “drifting away” to begin. Be aware, and don’t get caught in the undertow.
Pastor Rich