When I first retired from full-time ministry at age 64, I thought I wanted to become a church consultant. After all the mistakes I had made over the years as a Senior Pastor, I just knew that I could help other churches do what they do better—by not repeating my miscues!
But after consulting (no pun intended) with a pastor friend who had tried it, he encouraged me to do something else. What he had found in a short time was that most churches that really needed help—and some even asked for it—had turned so inward over the years that they were not even aware of how far they had fallen (Revelation 2:5).
Church consulting, however, is really not that difficult because Jesus was very specific as to the mission of his church. All we have to do is do what he said to do. Interesting concept don’t you think?
In the 40 days between his resurrection and his ascension, Jesus met with his disciples on at least five different occasions with these specific instructions as to what to do until his return. You’ll find them in the four Gospels and the Book of Acts.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Note the emphasis on the church going into all the nations and making disciples, baptizing and teaching them to obey the commands of Jesus. This is called evangelism.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16).
Note the emphasis on preaching the gospel in all the world and baptizing new believers. This is called evangelism.
And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:45-49).
Note the emphasis on preaching the gospel to all nations through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is called evangelism.
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22).
Note the emphasis on sending believers out from the church with the power of the Holy Spirit to win the lost. This is called evangelism.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (Acts 1:8-9).
Note the emphasis on receiving the power of Holy Spirit to witness to people by preaching the gospel everywhere in the world. This is called evangelism.
So, the simple question that every church and every church member needs to answer in this regard is, “How are we doing in following what Jesus instructed us to do in evangelizing the world?” An honest answer will lead to honest solutions and for many a change in direction and teaching.
According to the latest findings from LifeWay Research, 3,700 churches closed their doors in 2014, and the trend continues. All of these churches appear to have the same things in common. They had turned totally inward. All were great on fellowship, potlucks and feel good and self-help programs but weak on outreach, evangelism, training and sending workers out to win the lost (Matthew 9:37-38).
The sorrowful part is that most church leaders were satisfied where they were right up until the end. Members were happy and comfortable because they were never challenged to get out of their pews and reach the world for Jesus. Pastors were happy because their members were happy and nobody left the church. But as a result nobody joined the church as new believers either. So normal attrition eventually took its toll and the last one out the door turned off the lights. How sad.
What do you do when the well runs dry? Dig a new well. Follow the instruction manual and lead sinners to Christ. Then fill up the baptistry again and get some people wet. Maranatha!
