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Dear God:  Please Don’t Send Christians To Our Church!

Orginally published on Monday, November 07, 2005 at 9:25 AM
by Todd Rhoades

Dan Reiland had a great article in his last Pastor’s Coach newsletter.  Dan serves as Executive Pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He has some great insights into what he calls "Professional Christians."  Dan writes…

At Crossroads, we pray what can seem like a strange prayer. We pray that God does not send Christians to our church. Before you yell "heresy" and push your delete key, keep reading. We have such a passion to reach the un-churched that we don't want to fill up the limited space we have with Christians who are looking for a new church to attend.

I have been asked: "How can you pray such a prayer?" "Do you turn away followers of Christ?" Of course we don't. We don't turn anyone away. We don't have our parking lot attendants "carding" people, asking if they are Christians and turning them away. It's easy to pray such a prayer when your heart is hot to reach people far from God.

We pray also for a second group. We pray for Christians to come who are nominal in their faith. We would love for the majority to be non-Christians, but particularly in the Southeast, that is not our reality; there are many who have some church background and consider themselves Christians even though their lives give no evidence. (Don't go theological on me, stay practical here.)

We pray for a third group to attend. We pray that the Christians that do come are leaders who are ready to serve. For these believers we are most grateful. We ask God to make this a small but powerful percentage of new people.

If we must choose who we offend (though it is not our desire to offend anyone), we will offend Christians, not the un-churched. If we offend anyone, we are most likely to offend what I call "Professional Christians." Professional Christians are believers, but have no intention to roll up their sleeves and serve. They are looking, in contrast, for a church to feed them, meet their needs, serve their schedules, and offer many of the latest and coolest programs in town. If you felt a little heat there, it is intentional. The consumer mindset in the local church is killing us.

I was recently asked why we don't have a softball league as one of our ministries. This person was pleasant and polite, someone you would enjoy being around. When I asked (kindly) why we would have a softball ministry, the answer was, "Because my spouse likes to play, and a large church should offer lots of programs and stuff for us to do with other Christians." I attempted to contain myself, but my long pause (silently counting to 10) may have been a giveaway. In that span of silence, this person jumped in and asked, "Other large churches offer tons of stuff, why don't you guys?" Only the kindness of God and His merciful Holy Spirit, and the fact that I was standing in the midst of hundreds of people, kept me from doing a clergy version of "going postal." For all that is holy and sacred, we are a local church not a cruise ship! I hope to challenge you to think the same way.

The following three thoughts are not purposed to be critical against any grouping of Christians, or a particular ministry. They are, in contrast, a challenge to church leaders to be bold, courageous, and sold out to the Great Commission, not trying to keep everyone happy.

  • Don't cater to Professional Christians.

    All church leaders are tempted to cater to Christians who come in with obvious local church experience. You want to grow your church. You need to increase revenue. You are under pressure to find good people to serve in the areas of high need. And who of us wouldn't want to be gracious and grateful for one of God's people who shows up and indicates abilities and a desire to jump in? Not so fast. Ask some questions, get to know them, and proceed slowly. (It is not always a new person, but often someone who has been part of your church for some time and begins to change in their desires and direction.)

    First, find out if they are willing to surrender leadership to others and simply follow and serve. Make sure you know whether they are on the church's agenda or their own. And do your best to know their heart. Sometimes a Professional Christian is only misunderstood or lacks good leadership. By taking the time to know their heart, you may know how best to respond.

    The single most important principle in dealing with Professional Christians is that you must never start programs in your church to make them happy, comply with their passion, or gain their resources. Run your ministries lean and fully designed by the Holy Spirit's guidance.
  • Challenge Professional Christians to think outbound, not inbound.

    Similar to the fact that non-Christians can become Christians, Professional Christians can become mature, serving, and sold out to the Great Commission. That is a challenge to your leadership, not a confrontation of their mind-set.

    It is human nature to move from cutting edge, fearless, aggressive, and all about the un-churched to comfortable, cautious, over-programmed, and focused on discipleship only. In my travels to well over 100 churches I have not seen one that is not tempted to give in to this gravitational- like pull. I refer to this as "machine over mission."

    I am not writing anything I don't believe or practice. I consistently challenge our leaders to think "outbound," not "inbound". Simply put, this means nearly all, if not all, new ministries are for and about those who are not connected to our church. Outbound efforts are often, but not excluded to evangelism and compassion. In March of this year we added a staff member, Norwood Davis, whose title is Director of Extension Ministries. 80% of his efforts and energies have little to do with Christians connected to the church. This energy often results in the un-churched becoming part of the church (a good thing), and once again we are tempted to build our repertoire of ministries to offer Christians. Hold steady leaders, and point even the new ones back out into "His harvest fields."
  • If Professional Christians leave your church, relax and let them go.

    This is tough for all of us. No one wants to see anyone leave the church. I personally hate to see people go. But I remind myself that when this person is a Professional Christian who came from another church in town because they were unhappy there, it is not unlikely that they will become disappointed again.

    If they are upset because you won't offer all that they want when they want it, treat them kindly, but let them leave. I mean that with utter sincerity. Treat them with dignity and respect, but do not persuade them to stay, and by all means do not reshape any part of your ministry to align with their desires.

    I know that I have written this article with the potential of being misunderstood. That is the risk of anyone who is willing to be bold for the sake of the good of the church, and puts it in print! I hope you have caught my heart and that my purpose was to challenge and encourage you as a leader. My desire is for your church to flourish, and at times that calls for bold and courageous leadership. May God bless you with both.

    • FOR DISCUSSION:  Is this your prayer as well?  How do you deal with "Professional Christians"?  Do you feel this article treats this subject fairly?


    This post has been viewed 861 times so far.


     TRACKBACKS: (2) There are 144 Comments:

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:07 AM

      I think this article is RIGHT on the nose! It made me want to stand and shout. If my Board members would decide to pray this way I would faint.....Many of them are already Professional Christians...hmmm.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:17 AM

      Thank you!  You are right on!  Over the ten years I have pastored, I have had to deal with a variety of Christians who don’t want to serve but demand to be served.  My prayer is very similar - “Lord send the lost and those who are willing to serve them.” I have offended some members and even my wife by not pursuing visitors who are Christians.  My answer to my critics is “I only want those who join who feel called to serve here.”

      I will visit or call Christians in transit with one primary goal - to help them find a church.  I know the churches in my county well.  I know which church has an excellent music program, a great youth program, a sound children’s minister, etc.  When a visitor is moving from First Baptist from another state or town, I do inquire of how they served [most did not] and what programs they seek [most are consumers not producers] and then suggest a church to visit.  A few have said, “Why aren’t you trying to persuade us to join your church?” My reply, “You need to be where God is calling you to.  I don’t want to interfere with that call.  If I persuade you contrary to God’s call, then you will have an unhappy experience and miss God’s blessing.”

      I’m not about numbers.  I’m about people - the people God is saving and those He is working through.

      Just my thoughts.

      Dan Moore

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:18 AM

      I was a little confused.  Early in the article he referred to the “professional Christians” as pew-sitters and later he indicated that they wanted to immediately jump in and get involved.

      Either way, this is a fresh view of church attendees.  I would guess that most churches never even consider such a thing.

      As always, great article, Todd!

    • Posted by JackWilson
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:20 AM

      I pretty much concur on the professional Christian problem however the point made about not being a cruise ship doesn’t quite sit well with me.
      One of the problems Christians have today is a lack of fellowship. We do our Sun morn and night along with our wednesday and all is usually forgotten in between.

      There is nothing wrong with a ball playing Christian. I personally do not cae for sports but I know many who do. Isn’t it our responsibility to provide the opportunity for Christians to play Christian ball? How about a Mom’s club? Should we not have that? An after school program for the kids so they don’t hang out on the street but hang out with other Christians?
      Our problem today is as the Ephesian Church had in Revelation chapter 2. They had all the “rules” down perfect. Yet they were losing out because they lost their first love. If you go to the book of Ephesians, you will see the two great things that Paul praised them for but they had lost. That was Faith in Christ and the love for the brethren.
      I tell everyone to surround themselves with Christianity. Attend all functions, keep the Christian talk shows, music and tv programs (good ones) going and surround yourselves with Christians.

      I believe any church who is not catering to Christians coming together as often as possible has missed the boat entirely.

    • Posted by Mike
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:23 AM

      This is a very interesting article and I’m anxious to read the comments that follow. A couple questions come to mind though...I’d like to know how the church can--in a short but meaningful time--discern who is a “professional Christian”, a sincere believer who is willing to serve, and someone in the middle who needs to be discipled from a “pro to a server.”

      We have to be very careful how we pick and choose who we work with. Don’t get me wrong I think we must choose who we work with if we are to properly steward limited resources such as staff time and the church’s money. Every church makes those kind of decisions every day. We do limit who we work with. But we are fully, completely called--commanded--to “go make disciples.” Every person that walks through the doors of our church is a potential disciple. They are also a potential “leader, laborer and lover.” All 3 of those are needed for discipleship of others and evangelisation of the lost.

      So I guess my question still stands...How. How does this church decide to intentionalize their strong values without offending those who just need a greater vision than a “softball league” and may really get on board with the Spirit and the love of the staff of the church bring their thinking more in line with Scripture.

      Finally, (then I’ll shut up wink We need to not worry so much about offending the lost. We need to remove every barrier that we can be responsible for so that people clearly hear the gospel in a persuasive, understandable and loving way--creative too when appropriate. But if the offense still exsists (and according to scripture in many instances it still will) then we better make sure we make no excuse for that offense. At some critical levels Jesus is still the great Stumbling Stone and The Rock of Offense.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:32 AM

      AMEN! We have been in the process of steering our church from the (what about our people?” mode into thinking that all our ministries need to have a “what about the unchurched?’” focus to it. We recently changed the way we do our “Fall Festival” which met with a lot of resistance from our “Professional Christians” but thanks to the persistance of the Pastoral Staff and a few visionary leaders, we were able to make first contact with over 52 families in our community, the majority of which expressed a desire to know more about our church.
      We have presented to our church the need for changes because our church has been in decline for the past 7 years, most have embraced the changes, yet there are those who enjoy status quo. Its familiar and comfortable.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:33 AM

      Great article, good information and suggestions for church leaders.  During my pastoral days, we saw a lot of these types and though it’s not your goal to offend, you also don’t go out of your way to impress.

      The only way the Church will continue to see Power that builds(form) and not Power that leaves only the form remaining, is to ONLY listen to the Holy Spirit and be only impressed with Him.

      Marc

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:34 AM

      Very well said!  The biggest barrier to the lost is probably ourselves.  IF our desires and comfort come first, many will never hear the Good News.

    • Posted by Mark
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:41 AM

      I thought the softball story was strange and the response a little cold.  It seems to me that an appropriate response to a “professional” Christian might be: “We have considered that in the past, but have been unable to find a person to lead and organize a softball team. Would you be willing to get that going?” There’s nothing wrong with giving a “Pro” a reason to serve.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 10:43 AM

      This article nails it.  I have personally just come through a period of several ‘professional Christians’ leaving our church.  We’re a church plant that’s just 20 months old.  We have intentionally gone after people who aren’t believers.  However, some Christians in the community heard of our our plant and came saying they wanted to ‘join in.’ We welcomed them.  Only to experience exactly what the writer has referred to here.
      What’s amazing in all this:  We released them.  Wished them well, and moved along.  It hurt both in numbers and financially. (Particularly in a young church) Within 3 months God had replaced the numbers and the lost finances. 
      I’m glad to hear someone finally calling out this issue.

    • Posted by Mike
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:01 AM

      Marc and Vic,

      I think you need to be careful you don’t speak too quick in your enthusiasm.

      Marc,
      The last time I checked, one of the primary ways the Holy Spirit communicates to the body, to leaders and to you and me is through other believers and in and through Biblical Community. I would assume you believe that the Pastor, when he preaches and teaches in studies and on Sunday morning is a vehicle for what the Spirit wants to communicate. Same is true for other believers. They can--are are usually--used to convey the Spirit’s impressions and messages. This “ONLY listen to the Holy Spirit and be only impressed with Him.” can be a problem because it violates God’s design to use community, preaching, teaching, serving as vehicles to hear the Spirit. These are equal to the discipleship needed to move the body from “me centered” to what the original writer is asking for.

      Vic,your words are both true and not at the same time. Of course I’m the biggest barrier to the lost hearing the saving words of Christ and the Scriptures. This is always the case if you knew my life. But God’s plan was to hide that treasure in earthen vessels as it gives him the most glory. We absolutely can’t--shouldn’t--get out of the way. We would then be violating God’s design that we are the instruments and mediums for the gospel!

      Which again brings me back to the concern I have about this article. I think I understand the heart of the writer. Crusty, professional Christians are an anti-apologetic to the gospel. But if a chruch is going to reach many outside the building then who is going to do that “out there” and who is going to disciple them “inside?” I’m not sure you can have it both ways or at least make it so black and white. Don’t we have some level of obligation to take on believers and disciple them toward Christlikeness? Aren’t we all “pro” at some level? Is that all bad? I’m afraid for the arrogance that this may produce. The “we get it but they don’t” attitude that I subtly see in that softball illustration. Instead of trying to correct that view in love, they have no time for this believer. What about a loving, higher vision? A softball team made up of believers and seekers? Softball as a vehicle for the gospel? This is what Hybels does with his sailing. 1/3rd the boat crew believers, 2/3rds seekers.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:05 AM

      Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weak and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” I’ve served the Lord for 20+ years as a lay person in several different bodies.  When the time came for us to leave one body to join another, I believe the Holy Spirit did the leading.  I am grieved by the idea that any of Christ’s sheepfolds would hold to the idea that a “professional christian” (whatever that is) is of less value than an unbeliever.  The Apostle John, in 1st John, said there are two tests to a true believer, right living and loving the brotherhood. 

      When we choose to not include because someone doesn’t meet our “criteria” for christianity, we have become the judge.  That is a dangerous place.  For Jesus said with the same measure that you judge, you shall be judged.

      Only the Lord can change and sanctify and we are all at different places in our maturity and understanding of service. 

      Rather than moving people on...why not love them and let the Great Shepherd lead them to the right pasture.  That may be your sheepfold and it may not. 

      May we all be careful how we lead, as we will someday give an account.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:16 AM

      I’m SO glad to see someone openly identify the “church hoppers” who move from church to church looking for the right combination of ministries and programs “for their family”.  All they are really doing is shopping for church like one would for a country club or YMCA.  And thank for saying not not change or add programs just to keep these type of members. They are not “members” at all.  They are religious wanderers.  So if they decide to wander somewhere else in hopes of the illusive perfect program....godspeed.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:18 AM

      The “Great Commission” isn’t just about reaching the lost, in fact, it’s more about discipling in Sound Doctrine!

      [18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.]

      We’re to make disciples (which requires teaching) and “teaching them” - which is to say doctrinate them - to observe all things that I have commanded you.

      It seems to me Dan Reiland would at least in some sense be Coaching Pastors unBiblically.

      I’m not:

      [I know that I have written this article with the potential of being misunderstood. That is the risk of anyone who is willing to be bold for the sake of the good of the church, and puts it in print!]

      taking you out context or misunderstanding you Dan, you’re just Scripturally wrong.

      You should be internalizing your ministry as much as possible and training the men in your ministry to be leaders first in their home then if God calls, in a broader ministry.

      Reaching the lost is a by-product of the joy of being Saved and telling others about it.  Both new believers and mature believers alike are able to share this.

      Our problem isn’t reaching the lost, our problem is taking care of the Saved.  Properly equipping them and training them so they are able to stand.

      I’m sorry, I disagree with the assumption that the “Great Commission” (a theological term btw) is to reach the lost at all costs (like offending Believers).

      Point taken on “professional christians” but it sounds like the very thing many leaders are willing to do - perhaps at your encouragement - let them die in the battle field.

      Why not pick them up, nurture them and “OUTBOUND” them???  Isn’t this what Christ did with his 11?  Especially Peter!

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:21 AM

      Great article.  It’s interesting to read the comments and see the push back.  The mindset that the church should provide programs for Christians and the mindset that if somebody will lead a program, then do it, could both be a first step in the wrong direction.  Churches should have a specific plan to accomplish their mission and should not add programs simply because they can.  That always dilutes the overall effectiveness of the church, eventually, if not immediately, by further dividing up time, talent & resources.  Maybe the best answer to the softball scenario would be to ask them to start a team outside the church in an existing league and live out the Christian life in order to lead others to Jesus.  Leave the 99 to go after the 1.....

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:21 AM

      I agree with Mike.  I’m from Calif., but recently moved to the Midwest.  The churches are much different out here. The churches seem to want grow in numbers rather than feed the sheep that already attend.  Therefore you have luke warm, milky christians, kind of like the blind leading the blind, in a sense. 
      We need the pure WORD of God to feed the body of Christ so it can grow healthy and strong, so that we can “go and make disciples”. 
      I think we need to “go out” and make disciples by bringing them into the church and then giving them the meat (WORD), which will not return void, it is sharper than any two edged sword.  The Holy Spirit will do the work.  “It’s not by might nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord”.  We are not able to make disciples without the WORD of God.  When we bring the “world” into the church in order to not “offend” new comers, we are in danger of compromising the body of Christ.  The church IS the “body of Christ”. 
      In the church of Acts, the believers came together for fellowship, prayer, encouragement, to learn, etc.  Then they went “out” to evangelize the world.  So far the churches I’ve been to out here seem to be watered down and giving only milk to not offend.  Lets face it, the gospel is offensive, Jesus said the “world” will hate you as it hated me.  We need to remember to be in the world and not of the world.  The light cannot have fellowship with the darkness.  We are the light of the world and suppose to be set apart. 
      I have led many to Christ, hardened convicts, drug addicts, etc. and it wasn’t by me embracing the “world” and it’s ideas. It was by love, prayer, and the power of the holy spirit, through God’s WORD!  Me speaking TRUTH!  There are so many ways of reaching the lost without compromising our faith in the church or from the pulpit.  We need to be that example, that is what they are hungry for.  If we are like them, what good does it do, it’s a bandaid?  They will know we are christians by our love and the fruit of the spirit!  And the more we know the WORD, (his love letter), the more we become like Him...."faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God”.  They are hungry for Jesus, they just don’t know it yet. 
      Since we’ve made our move to the Midwest, we are church hoping and feeding ourselves and our children the unadulterated Word of God, until God shows us otherwise.  Blessings, http://www.tonyamusic.com

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 11:44 AM

      What i see as the bigger issue is what are we doing to our Church members that contributes to the development of Prof.Christians. what ever it is we have to stop! we have in the past three or four decades created clubs for religous people where it is all about them, their music, their worship, their bible studies… and have lost touch with the people we exist to reach and serve. most of the american church has an inward focus, club mentality. as leaders we have to be the ones that take the comfortable and move them to discomfort, in smart, leader driven ways. when we do this the self absorbed will show themselves and we will have identified our prof. christians.
      we cant afford to be inwardly focused, there is too much on the line. From the call of Moses to Jesus himself, it was the prof. religous people that have stood in the way. it is simple human nature to want it to be all about us, it is super natural and unselfish to have an outward focus. leaders have to grab hold of a God sized amount of courage and wisdom and help lead us out of this mess.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:00 PM

      Great article! Yes it is time for the churches to rise up and come out of their mundane routines. Most churches have forgotten the main commandment, “Go out and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15, and try to make the Christians as cormfortable as possible. Well, many have gotten too comfortable and have imprints of their Dockers pressed into the seats and pews of our churches. Rise up leaders and be the leader that God has called you to be. Be those men with the Caleb and Joshua spirit. Claim and reclaim that promised land in the name of Jesus.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:08 PM

      I had to chuckle at the softball comment in the article. One of the things that I do in my spare time (do we actually have spare time in ministry?) is officiate various sports. What can I say, I enjoy dealing in the truth!

      Several years ago I was umpiring a softball game involving a church team and an industrial team. It broke my heart. For the first and only time in my officiating career I ejected enough players to where we got to the point that the offending team had to forfit the game. The offending team of course was the church team. I ejected two players, one for trying to start a fight while he was rounding second base and threw an elbow right into the chest of the shortstop for the other team, and another palyer dropping the dreaded “f-bomb” after the first ejection. My partner later in the game ended up ejecting another couple of players for the church team for again trying to start a fight.

      After the game as one of the ejected players was following me out to my car nipping at my heels I expressed my disdain and sorrow at the teams conduct only to have him tell me that “none of us go to that church, except for the one time a year so we can play!”

      I think that some churches try to do a good thing when they have a sports ministry, but do they approach it as a ministry or as a program?

      In Christ,
      Tony

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:18 PM

      Church...for Pagans???mmm? What would Peter say? What about John?  What would James’ response be?  What would Jesus think if he saw us doing church for Pagans...?  Do we fear offending man more than offending the only HOLY, PERFECT GOD of the UNIVERSE? Do we truly believe the Good News of the Gospel of Christ if we dumb down the message?  Do we fear preaching the Word of God because we might lose memebers?  Do we really trust God at His Word if we are seeking to DO CHURCH FOR PAGANS?  I have a deep compassion and concern for the lost.  the question I ask myself daily: who can I share the gospel with today?  my neighbor, my co-worker, etc.?  I have a great longing to understand the Truth of God uncovered in His Word, by His Spirit.  Yet, when it comes to corporate gatherings, ie. sun. morning church (or sat or wed night), or even bible studies...or even anything we do in this life...is it about ME?  The Christian “culture” has become a , “What can I GET OUT OF IT” culture.  Is that Biblical?  Well, will we ?  Who knows, is that to be our focus?  We miss the Truth of the gospel...it is not about us.  It is about the ONE TRUE GOD.. JESUS CHRIST!  So I ask, should we gather together on Sundays, and bible studies, and evangelism asking what can I get out of it, or should we be focused on .."What can I give back to God...What can I learn about Christ...Who can I share the Gospel Of CHRIST with ..so that GOD would save them...for His Glory..not MINE.  So friends, let us get back to the FUNDamentals of the Bible...of our Faith...Let us stand firm in it...Let us not be shaken, or blown by the wind...by the culture.  After all We are seperate...we are aliens in this world..called to OBEY Christ’s commands..not mans demands.  Doing church is not about reinventing the wheel..or making the Bible easier for people to understand, while at the same time dumbing down the Truth of the Gospel Message.  The Bible is God’s Word..suficient enough for Preach Teaching, correcting and rebuking..Do we believe that?  Anyone interested in discussing this further please email me at .  Peace

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:19 PM

      First, a response to Jack Wilson’s question, “Isn’t it our responsibility to provide the opportunity for Christians to play Christian ball?” ABSOLUTELY NOT!  That’s not to say that churches SHOULDN’T offer “Christian” ball, but it’s certainly not a Great Commission, God-glorifying responsibility!

      I think one of the problems with churches is that we offer so many places for Christians to fellowship together that we are taking ourselves out of the world where we are supposed to be salt and light.

      Quoting Jack again, “One of the problems Christians have today is a lack of fellowship. We do our Sun morn and night along with our wednesday and all is usually forgotten in between.” I agree with the last six words, but I don’t think the problem is lack of fellowship.

      How about this - instead of pining for a “Christian” softball team, join a community team.  You’d get to play a sport you enjoy and possibly make a positive impact on the people around you who don’t know Jesus.  Yes, you might get a little dirty - and I’m not talking about sliding into home.  You might get a beer spilled on you, or hear some words you’d rather not hear.  But they may also “see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16, NASB)

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:23 PM

      Now for a comment on “Professional Christians.” I take very mild offense to this for one reason and one reason only:  You’re taking in vain a term I use in a much different way!

      I agree with the description, though; I’d just prefer to call them “consumer Christians” or “spectator Christians” or something like that.

      My definition of Professional Christian has no negative connotation (in my mind), it is merely a minister by profession - e.g., pastor, missionary, church or parachurch employee, etc.

      Oh well.  I guess we can differ on this!

    • Posted by Randy Seiver
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:26 PM

      My only observation is that the church by definition is an assembly of believers.  One of its purposes is to equip the saints for the work of ministry.  It is not wrong to evangelize the unconverted who may happen to attend the assembly, but the primary purpose of the church meeting is not to evangelize but to equip for evangelism etc.

      Why not set aside another time to meet in the building where the church assembles for an evangelistic meeting.  In that way, believers would have a forum in which to practice what they have learned in the church meeting.  I have always encouraged believers to invite visitors out for a meal or for coffee and initiate a discussion of what they have heard in the meeting.  In this way, issues can be clarified and explored further.

      Asking believers to stay away from the church is like asking family members to stay from the dinner table so we can feed all the vagrants who may wander through our neighborhood. It won’t be long before the family members will be malnourished and loose touch with the family.

    • Posted by Randy Seiver
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:40 PM

      I have one other thought I’d like to share. I believe evangelism occurs because believers are so filled up with excitement about God’s truth they can’t keep quiet.  Is there any possibility that many of the believers who seem to be servees and not servers are as they are because pastors have neglected the ministry of biblical teaching? How much are they going to say about God and the gospel if they are running on empty?  Evangelism only occurs from an overflow of what God is doing in our lives.

    • Posted by
      Monday, November 07, 2005 at 12:47 PM

      I guess this article explains to me, why myself, my spouse, and daughter get the reactions we do. 

      We have ministry education and experience to offer, but are having a tough time finding work.  I suppose pastors don’t believe that college-educated people, really, really, don’t mind vacuming the floor and cleaning toilets (personal experience)

      After having attended course after course, we find it a bit disappointing to offer to help, but are met with delay and yet more courses! 

      We don’t mind hammering nails, cleaning toilets, typing, stapling bulletins, and we would LOVE to find a group that is actually street witnessing.  We feel like if we were the lead pastors, we’d love to have us.  But after hearing experiences of people who say they want to serve, but really want to control and lead the church in a different direction - that is folks who aren’t inclined to submit to leadership - it helps me understand why we get the reactions we do. 

      But how do we demonstrate that we are not that breed?  How do we break past that wall and back into service?  Do we need to find a smaller church?

      -Mo

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