Life vs. Death

As I look out over our congregation in multiples services each week, I always see faces that I don't recognize (especially since they’re wearing masks) -  but I love it! It affirms to me that God is growing and building His church in beautiful, coastal South Carolina. Seeing and meeting new people each week also shows me that LCC is alive. And living things always grow.

Growth often causes concern for some people. (You know the type of people I am referring to. They are the ones that state: "I like our church the way it is. We don’t need new people coming here. Why do we need to change the way we are doing something?")  

Change and growth can make some people feel threatened or intimidated at times. We like the tried and true and the comfort zones. 

But, if we find ourselves feeling that way, let's just get over it! 

Author Earl Thorton reminds us of what a live church looks like:

- Live churches have space problems: parking, seating, classrooms, etc. Dead churches don't have to worry about space.

- Live churches are always changing things. Dead churches don't have to - they just stay the same.

- Live churches have noisy children and teenagers. Dead churches are fairly quiet and serene.

- Live churches have a shortage of workers. Dead churches usually have a surplus.

- Live churches are always over-spending their budgets. Dead churches have full bank accounts.

- Live churches struggle to remember new names. In dead churches, everyone knows everyone - and they have for years.

- Live churches are always seeking to develop new leaders. Dead churches don't. They just keep recycling the same ones over and over.

- Live churches spend a lot on missions. Dead churches keep it all at home.

- Live churches are filled with givers. Dead churches are filled with tippers.

- Live churches operate primarily on faith. Dead churches operate totally on sight.

- Live churches evangelize. Dead churches fossilize.

 

The choice is yours. Will you choose life over death? Are you willing to change something in order to become more effective? 

 

Absorb 

What statements could I add to Thornton’s list?

What areas of my organization are showing life?

What areas of my organization are showing the signs of being very ill – if not already dead?