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Leading the Trends
Sometimes church leaders are more like followers. As Paul Williams wrote last week, “Like lemmings, churches follow one another into the latest trends, whether proven or not, desperate for that bump in attendance and increase in per-capita giving.”
It’s true there’s no new idea under the sun, including the ones I’ll share below. And there’s no virtue in ignoring a successful method or ministry just because it’s new. But the Bible suggests dozens of ideas that could breathe fresh air into our ministries—and set a good example for others to copy.
Wouldn’t it be great, for example, if one of these became a trend in our churches?
No sermon, little music—just prayer. A prayer service, perhaps unannounced ahead of time, where folks can share personal needs and requests with designated leaders. Pray individually, as a congregation, or in groups throughout the auditorium. Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray (James 5:13).
Focus on his love: an hour-long cele-bration of the Lord’s Supper. Relax and revel in Christ’s gift to us. Explore and expound on it through the music, drama or monologues, creative Scripture readings, room arrangement or decoration, and the sermon of the day. Allow time for thoughtful meditation as individuals partake of the emblems. We, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf (1 Corinthians 10:17).
Spontaneous offerings to relieve suffering in African or South American slums—or communities in crisis much closer to our church buildings: Empty your pockets right now for God’s glory! He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done (Proverbs 19:17).
A weeklong, congregation-wide fast from television and a tally of Bible chapters read with the time saved. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (1 Peter 2:2).
A month of NO church programs or activities (outside of weekend worship services) with a long roster of ideas to help families and couples communicate and serve with each other. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).
Bear one another’s burdens. Atten-dees write down their names and personal needs on a form, including contact information. The same form provides a place for attendees to list needs they could meet: free babysitting, transportation, auto mechanics, house repair, financial planning—there are dozens of possibilities. Volunteers match needs with servants. In this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Which new ministry idea will your church try this year? Be sure and tell us so we can report it here. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start a trend!
PREVIOUS COLUMNS:
November 18, 2009 - Meeting the Needs by Providing the Wants
November 11, 2009 - The Most Important Leadership Task
November 4, 2009 - Like a Good Neighbor?
October 28, 2009 - Tell Us Your Read!
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