YOU’VE READ THE ARTICLES
How many articles have you read lately either reporting on the decline in church attendance or the increased numbers of clergy leaving the ministry in discouragement? We clearly are going through a rough period in church life. Our culture is increasingly reluctant to make commitments to belong to most groups–religious and non-religious. Everyone wants to speak of the Spiritual but Not Religious attitude.
DISCOURAGED BUT NOT DEFEATED
If you love the church and care for those who are exhausting themselves trying to serve the people, it can be discouraging. It’s important to recall the biblical story of the people of God and remember that while its a new phase of our journey, the story has been told before. Whether you begin with Abram and Sari or with Jesus and his disciples, it is important to remind ourselves that God has been here before and GOD IS NOT DEFEATED.
SO WHAT CAN WE DO
i think it is time to learn again and to trust again that God is not defeated and knows what God is doing. Recall when Elijah thought he was the only one left, God’s response was two-fold. One, I have lots of others of which you are not aware. Two, it is time for you to get to work in your area.
Since retirement, I have been writing blogs twice a week, leading conferences, and publishing books exploring the thesis that Healthy Clergy Make Healthy Congregations. I think there are lots of ways we can test that thesis out and contribute to the Body of Christ.
If you will click this link http://bit.ly/HealthyClergyMakeHealthyCongregations
it will take you to my new landing page. If you will trust me enough to follow the link, you will 1. get a free booklet, Being Pastor in an Anxious Congregation and you will join me in exploring what people who love the church can do where they are. It won’t cost you anything and you can opt out anytime, but you will begtin to identify specific ways you can contribute to the health of the congregation regardless of what role you are specifically holding.
