Did You Think To Pray?—part 2

by Allen Webster

To be a part of a growing church—seeing lost people saved—means more to a genuine Christian than a Lexus in his garage or a million in his bank. It means more than a college education for his children, or a getaway vacation for his family. It means more than a job promotion or an early retirement. It means more than a trophy buck on his wall or his team in the Super Bowl. It means more than a “big church wedding” for her daughter or a ring on her every finger.

   What would Jesus think of our “growth strategies” and church activities nowadays? With many congregations, He would be as happy as with any since Philadelphia and Smyrna (Rev. 2:8; 3:7), but others might remind Him more of Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) and Corinth (1 Cor.). We have tried many things to get the church to grow: buses; fancier buildings; smoother-talking, better-looking preachers; Willow Creek strategies; shorter services and sermonettes; membership drives; campaigns; and a full slate of programs;  Family Life Centers; “Don’t ask/don’t tell” on divorce; mass mail; websites; and phone surveys; compromise doctrines on repentance, baptism, and worship; giveaways and getaways; sheep- steeling from the church across town; drama and choirs; aerobics on Tuesdays; the Lord’s suppers on Thursdays; and softball on Saturdays; area-wide meetings and “special” Sundays; seminars; workshops, retreats, and “felt needs” emphases; purpose-driven ministries; small groups and big days; marriage films and parenting videos; events for Seniors, women, youth, parents, singles, couples, divorcees, retirees, and any other special interest group someone would recognize and put together.

  A few of these are good ideas. Others were simply the wisdom of men. Some are nothing more than the devil’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11; 121:15). The questions to ponder in this study do not have to do with practical growth strategies but with our primary Resource. Have we remembered to save God a seat in our planning sessions? Have we charted our attendance without logging our prayer journals? Have we planted and watered while shading out God’s life-giving sun (1 Cor. 3:6-9)? Have we had members to purpose their giving without encouraging them to practice their praying? Have we emphasized a day in the park more than a night in prayer (cf. Luke 6:12)? Have we spent more time in our prayer closets? Have we rolled up our sleeves without removing our shoes? 