I am not saying that this is the case for all churches but it is definitely worth a closer look. There has been a lot of discussion on the first century church lately, at least on this blog and it has really got me thinking. One of the greatest advantages they had was the fact that they were the first. No expectations, no programs, not too many traditions…just a mission and endless possibilities to fulfill it. What if we actually put ourselves in their sandals? What could the church today actually look like without any of the preconceived ideas that we take into almost every religious gathering? So let’s dream together for a moment. As we dream let’s also remember that our mission is to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. That is, we are to reach those who have no relationship and assist in strengthening those on the journey. Are you ready?
Let’s start with Sunday mornings since that seems to be the center of all of our church activity. Let’s strip the scene bare for just a moment. Don’t back out yet, perhaps some of these things can come back in the dreaming process but for now we just want a blank canvas.
Here are some the things that no longer exist.
- No more refreshments
- No more ushers
- No more band
- No more music
- No more overhead or videos
- No more sound system
- No more stage lights
- No more preacher
- No more sermons
- No more announcements
- No more corporate prayer
- No more facility
- No more structure
- No more anything…just a bunch of people who want to make a difference for Jesus sake.
So there you have it. No more barriers. Now here is where your active participation in the dream is completely required in order for the dream to have life. Here is what I am asking you to do. Get as many eyes on this blog post as possible. Ask your friends and family to read this post and comment their thoughts on the questions I am about to ask. Let’s all dream together. Now on to the questions…
With everything stripped away, what is missing for us to accomplish the great commission? What would you add to position the church to impact lives with the gospel? If nothing were off limits, what would you do or implement to reach people for Christ and “be” the church?
Let’s get this conversation going…what say you?
Hi! My name, as the blog suggests, is James Laws. I'm a Web Designer, Pastor, Husband & Social Media Advocate among many other things. If you would like to learn more about me or would like to send me a message please visit
I think you know how I’m feeling.
these are your words.
Kevin has also simply been a friend to me when othes had abandoned me. Some for their own good reasons and life situations and others for no reason at all.
Ray, I know you said this was your last comment so I don’t expect a response but I feel this conversation of yours has moved from general talk about church to very specific issues that you are dealing with. My comments about bumping into people who have left the church was not specifically directed towards your situation but a general observation about my own actual perspective in very general instances.
My ability to visit all my friends MySpace accounts is not a reflection of my caring. I don’t get to call them all or visit with them either. If I made it a habit of visiting all my friends MySpace accounts on a regular basis I would spends many hours on MySpace. I am sorry that it isn’t an option for me. If I am aware that you are in need, I am there. Unfortunately I have so many people in my life that the ones who are in the most need and make me aware of it get my time. If that makes me a bad friend…I’m sorry.
You speak of “suffering with” but that is what my whole life is about. And because there is a lot of it I am always busy. If you are going through something and I can help, I want to know but your comment implies that I know something that I don’t. I haven’t seen you in a very long time and have no way of knowing what’s going on in your life unless you tell me. I’m not just a person with a few friends to check in on. I am a pastor who has people pulling on him from every direction. I am doing my best but I many times fall short. For that I am sorry.
I can’t say that all churches are like this, and I’m not going to name any names, but the one I have in mind when I say the following is one of the larger ones in Cleveland, and if you’re on Lee’s campus you can spit on it with no problem. (Not that I’ve tried that)(lately).
Some churches have, or at least seem to exude, a sense of superiority. At this particular church, I was waiting to be herded into the sanctuary, like the rest of my fellow sheep, when greeter – yes, a greeter, complete with nametag identifying her as such – said of a church in Chattanooga, “Well, we’re more spiritual than them. We have church on Sunday nights.”
First of all… good for you. Second of all… how does spending 2 more hours in church make you more spiritual? It shouldn’t have been said, even if you believe it sincerely, and certainly not where anyone else could hear it.
I must have missed the part where church is a competition.
Brandon, you hit the nail on the head. One of the things I would change in the church has nothing to do with how we do service at all. Why can’t we love and cheer each other on for our part of the greater work? Why can’t we stop esteeming ourselves more highly than another?
The reason most people remain outside the church is the attitude that has always been inside the church.