This past weekend we were traveling to see some friends in the Atlanta – there are a lot of churches there (almost as many as Knoxville)! As we passed a few of the churches, Hayden asked,
Are those churches still open? They look old.
When you look at a lot of churches today, you realize that they are becoming relics. They are losing their impact in the culture, yet they are being preserved. The people who attend them may or may not realize it, but the people who pass by each day are wondering if the churches are even open.
We need to do something about this. Shouldn’t churches be the most vibrant places in the community?
How can we change it?
Man – your son hit the nail on the head! For too long we’ve simply been opening the doors and expecting people to flock into the building. We’ve ignored the lost and hurting world out there so we can tend to our own wounds and get our warm fuzzy feelings going.
We shouldn’t be sitting in our comfortable seats all the time – sometimes we’ve got to get out of the building and be the hands and feet of Christ. If you see someone that’s hungry – buy them a meal – even if it means you miss that meal (I know I could stand to miss a meal or two!). Spend that meal time as a mini-fast, praying, seeking God’s face. Find a cause in the community that you care about and volunteer some time. Whatever we do – we need to do it – not just talk about it…
Ok, I’ve said it, now it’s time for me to do it!
“..the people who pass by each day are wondering if the churches are even open..” That’s if they pass it and even realize it’s there in the first place. When I tell people how many churches are within their own city limits, they’re always shocked. Seth Godin tells marketers, “If you aren’t remarkable, you’re invisible.” This applies to churches as well; even down to their buildings and/or the environments they create.