The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Auteur: John Boland
Date: 12.11.2011
Category: Peuples non-atteints, Témoignage personnel, Ministère sur le lieu du travail
Has the modern church and religious denominations left their membership behind? Should seminaries have a course on effectively church growth through the use the congregational resources (people in the pews). Let me re-phrase that question! Do seminaries even have classes that teach true biblical discipleship? I am convinced this is the heart of the problem of the “Sunday to Monday disconnect” which we find in modern church communities! Pastors, who have not been effectively discipled themselves, do not understand effective ways to utilize the committed Christians they find in their congregations in workplace evangelism. Developing new believers is not about witness training or continued upgrades in some thirteen week course hoping that someone catches the program’s vision. It’s about investing your time, energy and effort into another person’s life until that person matures into a lifestyle of ministry and passes that vision on to another. This process does not mean we will necessarily raise up another paid staff minister either! Just read about Jesus three year ministry on earth and you will understand the methodology (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). Here is what I find a little insulting both from the ministerial and the congregational point of view: many a church staff member has the belief that just because the membership is not “seminary” trained, they are not qualified to do anything without supervision or direct instructions. The other side of that is when the membership refuse to do anything they think is the pastor or staff’s job. I am an ordained Baptist and have held several church staff positions and I have been in membership off/on for years, so know a little about what I speak. How sad a day it has become that we fail to lead others to Christ, minister in Christ name, visit the sick or take care of the needy just because we either think that it is an assignment of some paid person, or we are not properly “trained or equipped”.
There are several questions that come to mind when I think of workplace evangelism and the role of the church staff: 1) What is the Biblical role of church leaders? 2) Who is responsible for promoting workplace evangelism? 3) How should staff relate to the working membership? 4) Who is responsible for church growth? 5) What is really the most important: overall church growth numbers, or growing & maturing disciples?
BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP:
According to Scriptures the role of church leaders includes:
PROMOTING WORKPLACE EVANGELISM:
When preparing the membership for a workplace environment, it all starts with discipleship. Add to this the idea that no one can know what goes on in the workplace if they have not been there to experience it. Therefore, many a church staff has no real world experience, most only have an educational background (grade school, college, seminary, church), and very few (mainly rural churches with bi-vocational pastors) understand what goes on in the workplace environment. A vast majority truly cannot or do not have the time to help church members cope with real world problems! The neediest among us are the new believers, who have recently made life changing decisions but still live in the real world. They must be retooled on how to cope with old workplace conditions. The Church has to help them understand how to answer fellow employee questions about these changes that have taken place in their life, which we all know will inevitably come up. They need to know the difference between Christian and the worldly values, in other words: this is how you acted before Christ; this is what the Bible says a Christian should act; what do you think you should do now? Discipleship must take place through the church by anointed people of Godly character (whether staff or not) who can teach new believers, mentor maturing disciples, and encourage future teachers (2 Timothy 2:2). True discipleship then helps the new believer:
This means they must be learning several basic things about their faith, such as:
CHURCH STAFF AND THE WORKING MEMBERSHIP:
It is important for the church staff to relate to every member of the congregation and sustain that relationship over time. I think Alexander Strauch, a church elder and teacher from Colorado stated it best in his article[i] on church leadership. He said that leaders should seek to be humble and loving, not condescending. Listen to others patiently. Handle disagreements calmly. Confess sins and shortcomings quickly and openly. Appreciate the wisdom and perspective of others with whom you disagree, without criticism. Understand that ministry is not to dictate, but to direct. Seek to take on the love qualities of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Never manipulate any situation for any reason. I would add that church leaders and the membership should attempt to learn their Spiritual Gifts and then plug into that Gift appropriate ministry. This gives each member a sense of belonging, purpose and importance within the body and is important if the church is to see true Biblical growth.
RESPONSIBILITY AND CHURCH GROWTH:
Without reservation the Holy Spirit is solely responsible for leading each of us to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Now with that said and looking first at the early church, it grew because of the testimony and lifestyle of the Apostles (Acts 2:40) and the early church leaders (see Acts chapters 2, 5, 6, 9 and 16). However, the first century church continued to multiply due to other factors. People saw the signs and miracles (5:12) performed through the church leaders. New members united with the body of Christ and used their Spiritual Gifts as needed. As the new believers were educated (2:42) about Jesus and His ministry individual lifestyles changed. This change in conduct and character (2:42) was so noticeable (2:47) that other people within the community were drawn to believe in Christ. Believers were recognized for their positive outlook (2:46), manner of sharing (2:44), taking care of one another (2:45), warm fellowship (2:42), overall inner peace and personal contentment (9:31). The result of all this was that the church multiplied, many sought discipleship, scores of others became obedient to the faith.
OVERALL CHURCH GROWTH VS GROWING & MATURING DISCIPLES:
So it all comes down to what is really important? The numbers that we read about among the first century Christians comes out of a sincere desire to know the Lord Jesus, be of service to God and be a part of something larger than oneself. Yes, numbers were kept, growth of the church was observed and celebrated but not to the degree of importance which we hold numbers today(Acts 2:40, 46; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1, 7; 9:31; 11:19; 12:24; 14:1; 16:5, 34; 17:4, 12, 34; 18:8). In that day and age, growing in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ was way more important to people who faced ridicule, opposition and persecution. The natural growth of the body of Christ back then out ran the idea of keeping track of numbers in order to elevate oneself, a ministry or a denomination.
Other questions came to mind related to workplace evangelism, as I further pondered the idea of church membership, such as:
THE PRICE OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP:
From the Biblical concept of the first century church, members’ responsibilities to the body of Christ were high. They were expected to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Then believers were to continue steadfastly in the teaching of doctrine and fellowship (2:42). They went on to put all things in common (2:44). They sold their possessions and goods for the common good as anyone had need (2:45). They learned to pray daily (quiet time), corporately (small & large groups) (4:31) and specifically (against illnesses, persecution, problems, etc. being thankful, praising God). Miracles that only God could accomplish occurred regularly. The power of the Holy Spirit shown mightily and Spiritual maturity among the membership was noticeable. In short the church grew at record numbers and non-believers took notice.
However not all was as it seemed! There was lying among members (Acts 5:1-11), disputes between ethnic groups (Acts 6:1), conflicts over religious tradition (Acts 15:1-5) and even divisions due to member conduct (Acts 15:36-41). Later generations of early Christians faced a bigger crisis of belief: debates, envying, wraths, strife, and backbiting (1 Corinthians 12:20); blaspheme (I Timothy 1:20), internal fighting (James 4:1); envy (James 4:5); and finally among other things, divisions and disputes (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:3; 11:18) and as we know a hierarchy developed. A definition found in most any dictionary is a tiered system of people place one above the other according to status or authority. The point is that the first century church wasn’t all that goody-goody, as we would like to think when we try to compare it to what is happening in the church today.
Way too many members in today’s churches hear preaching and teaching on Sunday, then forget its purpose, application, and power during the week. Even the prayer life of the modern church leaves much to be desired. God-sized miracles seem rare. The power of the Holy Spirit is limited from the lack of believers’ faith. It sometimes seems that members would rather be involved in criticizing each other and even enjoy the art of factionalism, than trying to cooperate for the common good which brings praise and glory of God. The Spiritual maturity level among a majority of church members is questionable too. We hear of church splits from internal disputes and arguments that are not handled very well either by church leaders or the membership. There are even stories of former church facilities being turned into business offices and condos. One recent study done by two religion professors reinforces this conclusion by stating that church attendance has decline between 1950 and 1990[ii]. A later Barna study reinforces this by concluding church attendance numbers are at only 47% of the total Christian population[iii]. No wonder a non-believing world has a hard time seeing any difference between life inside or outside the church. Unfortunately it seems the statistics show that many people do not want to pay the price of local church membership.
RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERSHIP:
Any question as to why we are not doing such a great job as Christ’s witnesses? I submit again, that the key is a lack of Biblical discipleship. The best explanation of this term comes from the Apostle Paul, he said “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”. (2 Timothy 2:2) He goes on in that letter to remind us not to chase after words that don’t profit Godly pursuits. He further warns us to conduct ourselves approved of God. He continues that disrespectful and ignorant talk only leads to further ungodliness. Then he cautions disciples to depart from all forms of wickedness, declaring that a true disciple follows Biblical principles, avoids foolish and ignorant disputes, because it only produces strife among the body. He further states that a true disciple does not quarrel but is gentle, able to teach, patient, humble, and corrects those who are in opposition without offense (2 Timothy 2:14-26). He adds to this discussion by telling us to be an example to the others in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). At one point in Paul’s line of reasoning he instructs Christians to be watchful of those who would walk away from the Lord. He calls on us to fulfill our God given ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).
MEMBERSHIP & MINISTRY:
God has called each of us to a life of ministry not just paid staff. It might seem that a fruitless ministry gives the appearance as if someone has a questionable religious foundation in Christ and is not committed to following the Scriptures as a lifestyle. We are warned that suffering will happen to Christ’s followers, but we are told to have patience (James 5:10). God loves the body of Christ and the work we do in His name (Philippians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4, 8, and 11). We are called:
DEVELOPING MINISTRY:
How do members learn to minister in the workplace? Honestly, it is one of the hardest things in this life to do! It first means that one must stop thinking about oneself and start thinking about how one can serve God and others. It’s called:
For in Luke 14:11 it says that everyone who exalts himself or herself shall be humbled and whoever humbles themselves shall be exalted. Luke 6:47-49 says “Hear God’s Word and act accordingly”.
[i] http://www.peacemakers.net/resources/strauch/biblicaleldership.htm
[ii] Baker, Hunter, Is Church Attendance Declining?, Christianity Today, November 12, 2011 (posted to web 11/08/2007 09:56AM)
[iii] http://www.barna.org/faith-spirituality/514-barna-study-of-religious-change-since-1991-shows-significant-changes-by-faith-group
Mots-clés: workplace evangelism; ministry; leadership; church growth; membership; church staff
Vues: 4940
Commentaires: 14
Recommandations: 0
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États-Unis
“People in the pews” are one of the church’s greatest assets. Too often ministry leaders invest an excess amount of time and energy into perfecting their weekly worship encounters over actually doing the difficult work of discipling new believers into maturity in Christ. I like how Boland puts it: “Pastors, who have not been effectively discipled themselves, do not understand effective ways to utilize the committed Christians they find in their congregations in workplace evangelism. Developing new believers is not about witness training or continued upgrades in some thirteen week course hoping that someone catches the program’s vision. It’s about investing your time, energy and effort into another person’s life until that person matures into a lifestyle of ministry and passes that vision on to another.” Paul says our work is until Christ is fully formed in you. In my experience, when the churches I’ve been a part of start offering evangelism training, it has not produced disciples or disciple-makers. From my perspective, it just produces more Bible study attenders. The best evangelism classroom, in my opinion, is actual interactions with unbelievers. In fact, the workplace is a mission-field and you can see yourself as a missionary in the field, while at work. I agree that the role of the pastoral staff is to equip the saints for service and evangelism. I am a pastor, so it is part of my role to model what it is to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus
05.05.2013
États-Unis
So often, we think about the evangelism and introduction of the Gospel to others while leaving new Christians hanging out to dry when they actually are seeking to learn more about their new faith. Frequently, I think this occurs because many Christians don’t know how to help their colleagues grow in their faith. In the Southeastern US, we are often taught exactly how to lead people to Christ but what is often left out is the steps that should be taken to help them grow in their faith. This article provides a great outline of how to do disciple in the workplace and beyond.
01.05.2013
États-Unis
Tom,
don’t feel bad because you have a degree and you have a decent job. I believe that God has put you there for a purpose, (to be the salt and light of the world). and, He will give you a better job at the right time. Hang in there and continue being a blessing to others.
28.11.2011
Serbie
From my experience, it is easier to organise some aactivity and training course in congregations, than be a "mentor and mentoree", and built deeper relationships toward "God and I", "I and you" and it will be the least : "I and others" and my work for others for right purpose. There are no other reason to suffering except of Jesus.
21.11.2011
États-Unis
@ Klara_Kisgeci_Dudas:
Is it easier because of lack of time? Is it easier because mentoring would require growing closer to the person and it is easier to mandate a regimen from on high than on a one to one basis? We pastors should be spending time discipling so that the light of Christ be shown from us and our disciples. If it is too hard in a large context then our programs should be designed to let others do it by equiping them to disciple.
28.11.2011
États-Unis
What a great article, howeverh,I often wonder, if Jesus was one that commission thoae to go for him to be a witness, while I am a believer that one should be trained to do ministry, did the training come before the real effort of embracing the call. Why accept training and operate in immaturity before one has a genuine relationship that embraces the call of God. If it is real, one will seek to embrace the call for the purpose of effectiveness.
20.11.2011
États-Unis
@ Billy_Houze:
Billy, can you expand on what you wrote? I read what you’re saying and I think I understand. It seems that sometimes we try to train people who have not embraced the call yet. They would not be ready for true discipleship then.
What kind of calling are we talking about? A specific calling or in general? Following Christ alone beckons us to be disciples and make disciples. It’s a long and messy process but that is the call.
20.11.2011
États-Unis
@ tjcooper: Hello Tiffany, thanks for the response. You have have received my comments correctively. Many persons come to ministry without a genuine call of God on their lives. They often submit to training without a dedication to the call to lose themselves in ministry. This also helps to explain in my opinion why so mny drop out of ministry so soon after being trained. One has to be called to do ministry or training will simply futile. One that loves God, loves sharing Him at any available opportunity, even the workplace.
21.11.2011
États-Unis
@ Billy_Houze:
It really surprises me that people would go through all the training if they were never truly called. It also startles me that people view ministry as just a "job." As we were discussing in class today, we share the gospel with others because of our obedience to God. Our obedience is an outpouring of God’s love in our life and we want to share Christ with others because we, ourselves, have experienced transformation.
22.11.2011
États-Unis
@ tjcooper: Tiffany your point is well taken. I believe that only when one has had a genuine saving relationship with God can one truly obey Him. Only then can they take serious the mandate of God. As Christ take full possession of us, we will begin to show forth Him in every aspect of our life even in the mark place and workplace because He now lives inside.
22.11.2011
États-Unis
This article encapsulates many needs in the American Protestant church today. 1: That pastors are now called to be administrators instead of disciplers. 2: That Discipleship is one of the most important, if not the most important, parts of a ministry. 3: There is a major disconnect between what people profess to believe, and how they act once they go back to thier Jobs. 4: The church as a whole is suffering from this because non-believers don’t see Christians acting as Christians in their daily walks.
Pastors as administrators: It is very hard to meet people where they are in life if a Pastor has to take on the administration of the church as well as the Sunday responsibilities. For this reason many pastors rely on comittees or boards or lay ministers to work with people and run the day to day affairs while the pastor focuses on worship and visitation. This is a problem as the pastor in many cases has been trained in proper relationships with their congregation but does not exercise that training. Plus there needs to be a discipling going on throughout the church.
Discipleship: The most important part of ministry is to make more ministers! Any church that suceeds in this quickly gains members regardless of location or denomination because they are doing what Jesus told them to.
Major Disconnect: In my own church I am seeing a lot of gossipers. I can take this to mean that these people have so little to talk about that has to do with their faiths that they must talk about each other instead. We need to give them something to talk about. Something to take home and to work. A reason to remember what happened sunday morning and spread it among their co-workers.
The church is suffering: True. We have no presence in the community. At work or at home Christians act as non christians to fit in or just becasue they have categorized their lives so efficiently that they don’t think they need to take anything out of the God Box and apply it anywhere but at church.
Thank you for an awesome and well thought out article!
Tom
21.11.2011
États-Unis
This is a great write-up about the need for discipleship training in the church. A good point was mentioned that most staff of the church are not aware of the real world problems that members are facing in their work environments. Finding a way to bridge that disconnect is key in the church community. A new believer is in dire need of learning how to walk in the way of the Lord. Their heart has been changed but it now takes a renewing of the mind. Small disciplieship groups should be formed so that people can support each other, pray for each other, and grow in their faith. As members are discipled, they are sent out to disciple others. This lines up with the command of Matthew 28 in which we are to intentionally make relationships with people outside the church, baptize them, and teach them all of God’s commands.
19.11.2011
Serbie
This is all true. Nearly 20 years ago, my congregation not recognise me as a person worthy for His work. I am emloyed and with limited opportunities to take responsibilities for church seminars, evangelism and activities. I was excluded from the home group for a year. It was aa best time spended in the presence of God to re-examine why I am dissatisfied with my Congregation-leadership.Word came to me: "Church is my bride, the body to whom I gave my whole life. So she all is not perfect, and loosing her blood... Will you care more for the health and beauty of my Bride?
I could not say no .... and then I accepted that I lead a home group again, in addition to theCMF and a few members. I learned that first I have to develop my healthy relationships (God and beleivers/non beleivers... then I can talkinf-giving-acting God’s love for people/toward others inside congregations
17.11.2011
États-Unis
@ Klara_Kisgeci_Dudas:
Dear Sister Klara,
Thank you for telling us about your own experience and learning from the Lord. I am glad you received guidance from Him about what to do in your own context and church. You illustrate John Boland’s point about churches often failing to see the amazing strength that it has in its members.
May the Lord continue to encourage you and give you grace in the eyes of your pastors and leaders.
Alex Araujo
17.11.2011
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