Stupid Thing #1

Stupid Thing # 1

First of all, let me preface these writings by saying, my mother taught me better than to use the word ‘stupid’ but it did get the attention of more readers.  My intention is not to be degrading but catch the attention of a few more readers to recognize what I am trying to accomplish in this writing.

The first stupid thing that churches do that keeps them from effective ministry is, doing too much.  When I was pastoring I would often cringe when I would hear the stories of parents that are running their children from one lesson to another lesson and one sporting event to another. Their side comment was often, “they need a scholarship in something!”  While the effort of parents is admirable to want the best for their children, they would often have to say ‘no’ to some really great events like youth retreats or youth camps/conventions because the kids were so busy.

I remember one evening spending time with a large group of teens after a service at a youth convention.  One teen after the other began to weep about how stressed and tired they were because their parents wanted them in all these activities.  They were afraid to tell their parents because it might crush them and after all the parents had made it clear that their college future depended on the scholarship.

Lisa and I allowed our two daughters to be involved in one thing at a time.  It was mandatory that they stayed active in church activities.  We saved money for their college.  Whether they attended a college was not dependent on if they were a great cheerleader or violin player.  Our youngest attended a specialty college in cosmetology and our oldest graduated debt free from a university.  They didn’t attend a private college and would probably have debt if they had chosen that path.  But they are debt free.

This was our idea of keeping life simple.  We often regret not saving more so they could have had the choice to attend a private college.  We sometimes feel we missed out because they were not a part of more activities with friends.  I love reading about how great my nieces and nephews are doing in sports.  Friends on Facebook are incredibly busy with their gifted and beautiful children.  This blog is not about slamming anyone and saying that Lisa and I did perfect.  It is not in my blood to say, “I am better than anyone.” 

My point is this, in the life of the church, better ministry can be accomplished when churches find their niche and do it to the best of their ability.  Churches do not have to do everything or every new idea.  What do you do best?  Do that – and do it to the best of your ability.  Make sure those three or four things improve each year.  Tell the stories of those things.  Then with everything else, ‘stop it.’  Just pull the plug and concentrate on those things.  Here are a few examples with worship being an obvious given:

·      Worship, Small Groups, Vacation Bible School, Prayer Ministry

·      Worship, Missions, Discipleship, Choir

·      Worship, Sunday School, Food Pantry, Children’s Ministry

·      Worship, Evangelism / Outreach, Senior Ministry, Student Ministry

Once the church begins to show signs of health and growth, you might consider adding another strength to the list of ministries.

Do a few things well or life gets overwhelming, people burn-out, they leave and go to a church that they can find rest.