PLEASE DON’T LEAVE!

 

PLEASE! Don’t leave!!

 

It would seem that many churches and pastors are in a dilemma. People (and pastors) are leaving the traditional church in droves. It’s not like it used to be. Church, for many people, in a sense, became their extended families. But it’s rarely, if ever, like that anymore. Church, in many instances, has become a production. It has become a consumer’s matter of choice.

Some are leaving church because they are curious about other churches. Some are leaving church because they have been either hurt, disappointed, disillusioned, or they are just bored. It can be complicated.

Some people are just looking for another church that better suits their view of Christianity.

Some people are leaving in search of another church that better suits their wants.

Some people are leaving in search of another church that better suits their needs.

Some people are just dropping out of church, but not dropping out of religion.

Some people are just dropping out of church, but not dropping out of Christianity.

Do any of these reasons resonate with you?

I would think that we should, and I think I would want to look back at why I started going to church in the first place. Something attracted me and drew me to church. What was ‘that thing’, and what has happened in the meantime?

Let me get this out front: It doesn’t matter WHY you started going to church or who invited you to church, God is the One Who drew you to church. It is always the work of the Holy Spirit. What you do with what you encountered is what matters, and it is why you are where you are at this moment.

A Pew Research Center study offers something different: a survey of 4,729 Americans telling us precisely why they do (or don’t) attend religious services.

The survey complicates other stereotypes about Americans who rarely, if ever, attend religious services. As it turns out, they’re all not atheists, or even members of the “spiritual but not religious” crowd. Many say religion is important in their lives, and lean conservative, politically.

“The people who attend religious services less often are not a monolithic group,” said Becka Alper, a research associate at Pew..”

Here are the top 10 reasons given by Americans who attend religious services at least once a month, according to Pew. Survey respondents were allowed to give more than one reason. The percentage refers to people who said this was a “very important” reason for their decision:

1. To become closer to God. (81%)
2. So their children will have a moral foundation. (69%)
3. To become a better person. (68%)
4. For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66%)
5. They find the sermons valuable. (59%)
6. To be part of a faith community. (57%)
7. To continue their family’s religious traditions. (37%)
8. They feel a necessary obligation to go. (31%)
9. To meet new people or socialize. (19%)
10. Because the pastor knows my name. (added by author.)

And, most people are smart enough to know that this is not just ‘caught’, assuming that if they are around like-minded people, searching for the same or similar things, it will rub off on them, although that has some truth to it. They come to be ‘taught’. Taught from the Bible. Taught from the Living Word of God, about HOW TO

1. To become closer to God.
2. To get their children a moral foundation.
3. To become a better person.
4. Find comfort in times of trouble or sorrow.
5. Find the sermons valuable.
6. To be part of a faith community.
7. To continue their family’s religious traditions.
8. Feel a necessary obligation to go to church.
9. To meet new people or socialize.
10. Because the pastor knows my name. (added by author).

Are any of these reasons YOUR reason(s)?

So, HEY PREACHER. Stop begging. Stop guessing, and stop being so creative in your own ways, and listen and look. People are not coming to hear you or to see your ideas – as well-intentioned as they may be. People are BEING DRAWN BY GOD TO HIS CHURCH SO THEY CAN

1. Get closer to HIM.
2. Give their children a moral foundation.
3. Become a better person.
4. Find comfort in times of trouble or sorrow.
5. Find sermons valuable.
6. Be a part of a faith community.
7. Continue their family’s religious traditions.
8. Find a necessary obligation to go to church.
9. Meet new people or socialize.
10. Because the pastor knows my name. (added by author).

Henry Blackaby, in his book and study, Experiencing God, wisely calls the “Seven Realities” as

(1). God is always at work around you. (So, join Him in what He is already doing).

(2). God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. (Surrender to Him. Engage Him).

(3). God invites YOU to become involved with Him in HIS work.

(4). God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways. (Listen and follow Him).

(5). God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. (Just do it).

(6). You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.

(7). You come to know God by experience as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.

Finally, The Bible.

Simply, honestly, humbly, teach what Jesus teaches and do it His Way: Speak The Words, Show the Wonders, Send the Workers. Don’t deviate. Don’t create. Just do and be like Jesus. Lead others by His Example. Don’t be a C.E.O., don’t be a visionary, don’t direct others, YOU DO IT, and they will follow you IF you are following Jesus.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: And, pastors, you will manage if you stop always trying to over-manage others. They are also called to the ministry, as believers. Teach, model, make disciples, send them. And if you want to be effective and if you want to see Kingdom Results, you go first. And, while you are at it, pastors, please stop bossing and PLEASE stop begging.