So many church leaders are hyper-focused on doing rather than being. They jump at the next newest program or activity, and wonder why—when all is said and done—a lot is said and not much is done. The church is essentially the same as when they started. The essence of the church has not changed at all.
This is true for effective outreach. Many churches operate at a low level of mission effectiveness. In biblical terms, there is little spiritual fruit. A church may appear busy, but there is little evidence of making new disciples—bringing in the harvest, reaching those who are not yet Christians.
What happens? Christians just work harder, burning out staff and members alike.
1 Peter 4:1 says, “Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like Him.” (The Message, emphasis mine). This is the “renewal” of the mind the apostle Paul wrote about to the Christians at Rome (Romans 12:1-2). This is the essence of Jesus’ teaching which began, “the Kingdom of God is like…”
The battle for revitalization does not take place in a board or staff meeting, in a program, or an activity. The battle for revitalization takes place in the geography of the mind. Sometimes we have to see things differently before we can do things differently.
What we need to see is the culture of the Kingdom. Then we experience a renewal of our mind. This results in transformational change. This is the essence of Christianity.
Help write my new book and provide me feedback on this article. Please comment below! – Kent