Wannabe Churches
Too many churches have an identity crisis. It's time they figure out who they are. Just like people, churches have an identity. Let's even say that's their ministry and focus. Problem: too many pastors and church leaders have a different idea of what they want the church to look like. This presents a crisis to the congregation.
Maybe we should change the terminology and say every church has a niche. I have been attending a church that runs 900 and I've never seen more than 10 senior adults. But that's who they are, their niche. And they arrange their style according to their niche. Unfortunately, many are in denial. I mean really, it's a sad state of affairs to have so many wannabe churches. They see what a church in California is doing or Chicago and try to mold their local body into that. It doesn't work.
Another situation that plays out often is the change in community. Here is a church that was once the buzz of the city. Their pews ran over with members. But gradually the community around the church changed - maybe a different ethnic group or the socioeconomic climate was altered. What's a church to do?
Here's a radical idea - meet the needs of the community you find yourself. Should a church try to drag their middle class, white parishioners from other towns? Or perhaps create an environment that matches their own field of ministry?
