Since the advent of the airplane and worldwide web, everything has gone global. Ministry is no exception. People have many needs that the traditional church just doesn’t adequately meet or sufficiently provide anymore.
People are no longer just satisfied to attend a generic church service on Sunday and be milked of a tithe of their hard earned income. Typical Sunday services are full of announcements, have little Biblical expository teaching, and lull you to sleep with their old hymns. Many people would sleep in or go to a ballgame than be depressed by church.
Can you believe I as a minister am actually admitting this? Truth is painful, but can set you free if you will embrace it. The fact is people aren’t stupid. Religionists may be ignorant, but most people are not. People are sick of being served dead religion, which does not nourish their hearts and souls.
Moreoever meaningful relationships are hard to come by these days when mega-churches herd people in and out like cattle. The ministry model of Jesus was far more relational than most churches offer in America.
Don’t hear what I’m not saying. There is a lot of good that occurs throughout the body of Christ on Sundays. However much more needs to be done.
Here are some ways the local church could better serve its people:
1. Pastors should get to know their people and remember their names.
It is very hard to lead the people you don’t know. When people know how much you care, they will care how much you know.
2. Leadership should make themselves available to people throughout the week.
Church leaders need to be accessible throughout the week when they are needed most. Unexpected deaths, illnesses, the sudden family crisis and conflict, as well as successes are all wonderful times for a minister to be there for people.
3. Every minister should become a life purpose coach and cheerleader to assist people to live their dreams.
Unfortunately the model of ministry most follow is that of a weekly lecturer and religious officiant of traditional ceremonies. This does little to impart sustaining life to a person in need of daily practical application.
4. Churches need to put together a directory with the photos and names of its people, along with their occupation and long-term goals. That way people can better network and work together throughout the week beyond the four walls of the church.
5. Ministers must become mobile and go to the people.
For too long we have waited for the people to come to us. It is time we now go to the people. The church does not have a product problem. God is alive and well, ready to abundantly bless humanity. The church however has a distribution problem in that they have for too long remained hidden in the four walls of the religious edifice like the ancient monks in caves.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Let’s get out there into the world where people really need us and shine!
There can be no impact without contact.
Paul Davis is a wedding minister who officiates marriage ceremonies and vow renewals.
Contact Paul to officiate your wedding and more!
RevivingNations@yahoo.com
407-284-1705
www.itietheknot.com
www.PaulFDavis.com
Paul has been in ministry for over 15 years, blessing people around the world. He has traveled to over 50 countries and 6 continents having a worldwide impact.
As a relational coach, Paul’s compassion for people and passion for transformation makes him very successful. His depth, understanding, experiential wisdom, and disarming sense of humor makes Paul a personal favorite of many couples. Highly celebrated and sought after, Paul has authored several books including Breakthrough for a Broken Heart and Are You Ready for True Love?
Paul’s organization Dream-Maker Ministries is making a difference throughout the world building dreams, breaking limitations, and reviving nations. Paul’s interpersonal and unprecedented experience engineering breakthroughs for individuals and organizations is revolutionary.
Contact Paul to officiate your wedding and more!
RevivingNations@yahoo.com
407-284-1705
www.itietheknot.com
www.PaulFDavis.com
