If you’ve been around your church for at least three years, take the following reflection survey. The results may surprise you and give you a whole new view of what God is up to.
Who You Are/What You Aren’t
What you are not: a consumer-oriented church hopper who constantly complains about getting your own way, and threatens, “If I don’t get what I want – if I don’t get my way – I’m out of here. I’m going to the church down the road.”
Who you are: a person who has an inner, gnawing concern that won’t go away. You are loyal to your church and the leaders. Yet, you can’t shake the feeling that your church could do more, do better. It is likely you are experiencing “holy discontent,” sometimes called “spiritual restlessness.” You are not alone. There are likely others in your church who feel the same. Since you are mature Christians, and loyal to your church, you would not risk undermining the environment by bringing this up in public.
How do we know this? As a team of Church Doctors, we consult congregations. In the process, we conduct personal and confidential interviews with a cross-section of members. Starting seven years ago, we began to hear something we had not encountered before: loyal, involved Christians who shared that they have this feeling the church could do better when it comes to mission and ministry. Each year, the percentage of those with “holy discontent” has grown. This is a movement!
Your feelings about your church are the work of the Holy Spirit. You are what we call a “spiritual entrepreneur” for something God is doing. You are an “early adopter,” someone at the front end of a move of God. You, and those like you, should be gathered together into a vision team for your church. You should work toward spiritual formation for those in your congregation. Focus less on what you do and more on who you are and what you become.
When God moves, it begins with those who have “holy discontent.” Given a platform for expression, you will encourage others. This leads to a “wake-up call” in the church. This is called an “awakening.” An awakening in the church precedes a revival in the land. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!