A NEW GENERATION OF CHURCH LEADERS

I came across this convicting excerpt that Senate Chaplain Richard C. Halverson, prayed in the Senate, December 2,1981:

"Forgive the churches, O God, for demanding that Congress legislate a morality that the churches fail to produce among their members."

This forty-three-year-old statement is even more penetrating today!

It's difficult to talk about the American Church as one body.  There are distinctions when it comes to:

• the fractured denominationalism in the U.S.  
• the waning influence of liberal mainline denominations
• the existence of very large, multi-site churches with diverse programs to appeal to a broad audience and small, country churches with less impressive numbers but dedicated cores

One thing is certain:  COVID-19 was the great leveler!  The AP broke a story about many houses of worship in the U.S. that were shuttered forever due to the pandemic.  So many churches closed their doors, unable to survive financially with the severe decline in attendance and tithes.

According to data collected in April/May 2020 by Barna Group, one-in-three practicing Christians dropped out of church completely during COVID-19. What’s worse, church membership in the U.S. dropped below 50% for the first time in 2020, according to Gallup data dating back to 1940. 

Many churches that remain are struggling to continue to exist.  A minority have managed to survive by taking advantage of the tech revolution that enables people to stay at home, yet view worship.  No statistics are available to indicate the financial support given by these 'viewers'.  

Recent decades have produced hurdles to recruiting workers - especially for children's and youth ministries.  Intensive background checks are essential - even for pastors - which is, of course, necessary in today's culture!

Continuing moral failures by high-recognition pastors diminishes people's confidence in their spiritual leaders.  

Halverson's comment was made at a time when the church still played a dominant role in influencing people's lives and the political scene!  Not so today!  

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The problem described above is more an indictment of cultural demise than of the decline of the local church!  Perhaps some blame lies with the church for failing to adapt and change to match the massive shifts in the culture.  The church has never been known to be a fast adaptor.  

Another factor is the aging out of a large quadrant of baby-boomer pastors!  Largely called during the 1960's and 70's, properly educated at theological schools, and deployed across the church, these leader's influence carried the church into the technological age and then retired.  

Those who followed may or may not be properly educated.  The newer generation of church leaders do not seem to be interested in caring for people.  Rather, they tend to view themselves as CEO's who desire to lead the church from their office!  

In one situation I know of, a young leader asked her new pastor if he would make a few visits to older members with her and show her how to handle that ministry.  His response: "I don't do visiting."  

This generation seems determined to grow great churches using high-tech methods to pack the house without having to really care about the people.

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I led churches from 1976 - 2016.  After a break, I am now leading a church again as an interim.  One of the methods I employed throughout the years was by writing lots of notes to people in the churches.  I sent thank-you notes to teachers, team members, ushers and greeters, board members, and anyone who I saw doing kind and caring things in the church.  Most Mondays, I would drop thirty to forty home-made cards in the mail.  

Of course, I resumed doing this in my new interim role.  Several people have responded by saying, "I've never received a note from a pastor before!"  

Sad as it may be, it appears that caring for people is not the motivation of many current leaders.  Instead it may be how quickly they can grow a big church and be recognized for their leadership.  

This does not bode well for a recovery of authentic ministry.  

COVID-19 EFFECTS ON THE CHURCH

We may never be able to determine the full impact that the COVID 19 pandemic had on the church worldwide. 

One facet alone is that almost every church had to quickly discover how to project worship services online!  For small congregations with limited resources and little or no equipment, this was a major stretch.  

We’ve all likely seen poorly produced worship services with many empty seats and little zoom capability.

Churches that had already begun to use the internet had a huge leap on all others!  Some were quite adept and polished in their presentations.  Using multiple cameras, on-stage cameras, a coordinated mixer and the ability to fuse camera shots became the dream of all. 

Congregants were taught to worship from home in the same way that workers were encouraged to work from home!   Churches suffered from a lack of attendance.  Churches closed because of a dearth of tithes and offerings! 

In many places, evangelism faltered as churches struggled just to keep the doors open! 

Even now, with the pandemic behind us, the church continues to struggle in many places.  Congregants always have the option of staying home to worship.  Does that really substitute for the exchange of greetings, fellowship, and contagion that results from worshiping in a ‘live’ environment?  This question could be actively debated. 

I read regularly of the goals and growth of my home denomination across Asia.  Pictures are posted almost daily of new believers being baptized into the body of Christ.  A goal has been set for a million new believers in the next several years!  Country leaders are ‘zooming’ prayer and strategy meetings as they encourage one another.  Large groups are being impacted as a result. 

But we rarely hear of or see this kind of growth and impact in the United States.  It is happening in rare pockets that have resisted the lethargy of sameness that has infected the American Church!  Copying successful platforms and models has been debilitating to the church for several decades now!  Local creativity and adjustment is listless!  Those who are innovative and quickly adjust to the needs and desires of their people are thriving and few! 

No paradigm will work in every situation!

Our buildings are considered a blessing, but the church’s greatest days – the first four centuries – had no buildings!  This is a fact that we often overlook!  During a pandemic, a building becomes an albatross! 

I have written about the ‘house-church movement’ in other places.  It is a viable alternative for the American Church that will not likely evolve because of our dependence on our facilities!  Yet it is exploding across Asia and has been for multiple decades! 

What will it take to see similar growth and life in the American Church? 

If you’re in an environment where convert growth is occurring – REJOICE!!!!!  Not only rejoice, but enlist in the momentous task of mentoring, coaching and befriending these new converts!  Your own life will be indelibly impacted as you walk alongside someone who is exploring the faith in all its newness! 

If you’re not in a place where vital faith is being expressed and experienced and new converts are coming in line with Christ – TWO OPTIONS:

1.       Talk with leaders and others from your church!  See if there is any interest in seeing a Spirit-Renewal.  Could an investment of energy and effort make a difference.  Will the structure of your church allow for this to occur?  God can bring revival ANYWHERE!  Are others seeking something more meaningful?  Are others discontent?  Is this just a drought period?  Is there a history of vibrancy that could be renewed?

2.       If you deem that it is not likely that renewal will occur where you are, then SEARCH!   Your own spiritual health and ultimate destination may depend on it!  Find a group who share your concerns and desires.  Be genuine!  Get close to God and His Word!  Share openly and honestly.  Become a God-directed catalyst for the development of something that will shake the earth and birth new lambs! 

Nothing will catalyze your life (and the life of your family) more than involvement in a vibrant, faith-filled, body of believers who are intent on seeing God’s will be done and His mission accomplished! 

LONGING FOR HOME

In the story of David, he exhibited great patience in waiting for God to install him as the king of Israel.  King Saul (the first king of Israel) sought to find and kill David for nearly a decade.  Both grew weary of this pursuit.  

In II Samuel 23, David is hiding in a cave with his men.  He is tired of living the life of a fugitive.  It's one of the few times we seem him feeling down and disheartened.  In this weak moment, he makes a statement that his 'mighty men' overhear:  "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem."  [Remember, Bethlehem is the "City of David".]

His 'mighty men' are deeply devoted to David!  

So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.  [v.16]

What a symbol of devotion for a man they loved, admired and trusted.  They literally risked their lives for the sake of their leader!  

David was overwhelmed, shocked and unhappy with the tremendous risk they had taken on his behalf.  

...he refused to drink it;  instead, he poured it out before the LORD.  "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!" he said.  "Is this not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?"  And David would not drink it.  [vs.16-17]

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Christmas is a time of longing for home for many.  It's a nostalgic time of remembering fond people and activities from our past.  Those memories are embedded in our minds and are a formative part of who we are.  

Many of us would love to revisit times past when loved ones were still with us and where life seemed simpler.   We may get reflective during these weeks of preparation and celebration.  That's partly why many churches are offering a special worship opportunity called 'Blue Christmas'.  It allows - even encourages - us to experience the somber side of this celebrative season and own our feelings of despair and sadness.

This attitude of reflection is evident in the music of the season.  

I'll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow

And mistletoe

And presents 'neath the tree

Christmas eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams

[by Robin Bernheim]

It seems to represent a longing for the familiar - the things and people that formed and shaped us. It's a desire to be with those whom we love - or have loved.  This is not a bad thing!  It is a simple recognition that life has been good and we have enjoyed wonderful people and pleasurable times.  

Loneliness is exacerbated when we see families and friends making merry.  Many people no longer have the pleasure of companionship or family to comfort them.  When we reach out and enfold them, we bless them with acceptance.

Christmas 2020 magnifies this phenomenon by ten times!  Many states are trying to prohibit us from getting together - even with our family!  We long for a drink from Bethlehem's well, but are not allowed to travel to Bethlehem!  We've never experienced this before!  All of us are incredulous.  We didn't see this coming - never even imagined it!  

Let's pray about this:

Kind and loving Lord,

We lift those who may be longing for home, but unable to go.

Bring people into their lives who can facilitate joy and camaraderie for them.

We pray for our military who are often required to be on duty in far distant places.

Comfort them as they celebrate with their loved ones via phone or computer.

Comfort them and keep them safe as they reflect on those they love and miss.

Bless - Oh God, bless our many parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and other family and friends

who are trapped in hospitals and nursing homes as a result of Covid-19.

Many of them have had no physical contact for over nine months.

Some must surely feel abandoned. 

Gracious God, be near to them, watch over them, protect them and comfort them.

Send Your angels to assure them that they are loved and appreciated.

Strengthen front-line workers, Lord, who are growing weary.

Reassure them that the end is in sight.

Heal those who have become infected.

Comfort those who long to be with loved ones for the celebration of Your holy birth!

Give us hope that this year's Christmas is an anomaly and that things will soon return to some semblance of normal.  

Thank You for Your many blessings!

You are an awesome God, and it is our pleasure to serve You!

May Your name be praised forever!

Amen.

 

WORSHIP IS A VERB

 I was raised in a church where worship was rich and meaningful.  It was a large church for the time (1960's).  I remember the Easter Sunday that we had 614 out, largely a result of the 'bussing' ministry.  Morrison Baker was the song leader and he was always assisted by capable people at the organ and piano.  He loved the Lord and knew how to help people transition from the cares of this world to the wonder of our faith!  

Then came the educational phase of my life.  While studying Religion/Philosophy at Roberts Wesleyan College (North Chili, NY), I attended the 1,500 member campus church, Pearce Memorial, where the sanctuary choir lifted us each Sunday and excellent messages challenged us to be our best for Christ.  

Next, I married and we moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, where I attended classes for three years at Asbury Theological Seminary.  We attended the Wilmore Free Methodist Church, where future bishop, Clyde Van Valin was our pastor.  Sundays and Wednesdays were filled with meaning, excellent teaching and vibrant worship!  

Finally, I was somewhat prepared to enter the ministry.  My first two churches were small:  Tunnel Hill FMC in English, Indiana, and the Jeannette, PA, FMC.  But, I rolled up my sleeves and worked hard to provide meaningful worship experiences that enriched people's lives and cultivated a deepening of their faith!  

My skill at forming public worship grew during those days as I experimented and gained confidence.  

By the time I arrived at the Oakland FMC in East Liverpool, I was coming into my stride as a former and leader of worship.  I realize - as I look back - that I was developing goals for the worship experience.  Although they were never written down, nevertheless, they became a guide for my planning and execution of worship leadership.  The following might characterize my approach:

• INVOLVEMENT of lay people in the leadership of worship:  reading scripture, leading singing, giving prayers, participating in Holy Communion, drama, testimonies, etc., etc..
• ENGAGEMENT!  This was key to my understanding of worship.  "It's a sin for worship to be boring!"  The people were to be viewed as participants - not spectators!  My Youth Pastor - Raeanne Thompson - and I planned worship at Oakland around David's confession, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the House of the Lord.'"  
• CHANGE rather than predictability.  I remember printing the bulletin one Sunday at Oakland with only one statement in it:  "God loves you!"   I was soundly reprimanded by some for that wasteful use of paper!  :-)  But it was a sample of how strongly I felt that worship should have an unpredictable nature to it!
• CREATIVITY should be maximized in worship!  Exhibiting creativity through music, drama, skits, humor, the arts, and story-telling were beginning points.  Utilizing the resources of the people made this a deep pool to draw from!
• MEANINGFUL IMPACT!  This captivated my planning throughout the week!  The hope was to make a difference in people's minds and hearts EVERY SUNDAY!  Eventually, I established a pattern of retreats for planning and preparing my preaching by going to a retreat house for about five days every spring and fall.  Holy Communion became especially important to me as I carefully and prayerfully planned for these times of worship!  

With the capable help of volunteer and paid leaders, we formed worship that energized people's faith - and the churches grew!  Thanks be to God!  Lives were transformed!  

I am often appalled at the predictability of worship in churches today.  When worshipping with my grandson two years ago, he leaned over and said:  "Poppy, there'll be four songs, announcements, prayer and the offering;  and then the message."  He nailed it!  

A WORD ABOUT COVID-19

Something has to be said for pastors and leaders who are trying to deal with the complications brought on by this pandemic.  EVERYTHING is being affected by this virus. Our ability to meet and plan is shrouded with fear.  Some churches have literally been prohibited from singing - a strong component of worshipping the Lord!  Attendances are down.  Some are still feeling the need to provide worship via the internet only.  Churches that have been doing so for years have a distinct advantage over those who have been forced to explore online worship suddenly and quickly.  Those who have adapted well may have multiple cameras and people capable of operating them properly.  Others are still using a single, stationary camera that induces an unfortunately boring effect.  I say KUDOS to all pastors who are navigating these waters as best they can to keep the church alive.  

A FINAL WORD

Fortunately, our private worship is ours to engage in and develop!  The Gaither Vocal Band [on youtube] leads me in worship frequently every week.  Yesterday, Christine Dente's rendition of "Prepare A Place" set my heart in pace with the Advent Season.  My daily walk around Herron Woods is often a prayer walk.  The quiet of my study becomes a sanctuary as I read and study God's Word and write these blogs.  

Create your space.  Sanctify your holy place.  

Susannah Wesley had nineteen children.  She taught them that when she pulled her apron over her head, to leave her alone for she was worshipping God!  There's always a way!  Find it!  

Prepare for public worship!  Make your heart ready for the merging of your worship with the worship of all those you will be participating with.