Removing the like button from churches
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I guess like buttons have their place in social media, blogs, podcasts, and other methods of communication. I pray, though, that I will avoid the temptation to see the various aspects of my church as a place where I can determine whether it meets my needs and gets my "like" affirmation.
I pray that I will not evaluate the music style in my church with a like button.Instead, I pray that I will be grateful to those who give of themselves every week to provide us with worshipful music.
I pray I will not evaluate preaching in my church with a like button.Instead of deciding if the length is best for me and the exposition precisely as I would prefer, I pray that I will be thankful for a pastor who faithfully prepares and preaches a message every week.
I pray that I will not evaluate the pastoral care in my church with a like button. Instead, I pray I will realize fully that we don't pay our staff to do all the ministry; their primary work is to equip us for the work of ministry.
I pray that I will not evaluate the order of worship in my church with a like button. Instead, I pray that I will demonstrate gratitude that I have the freedom to worship in my church and that I will not be so petty to insist on an order of worship the way I prefer.
I pray I will not evaluate our church budget and spending with a like button.Instead, I pray that I will be grateful for those who give and for a church that seeks to be the best steward of those gifts.
I pray I will not evaluate volunteers in my church with a like button. Instead, I pray I will have a heart of gratitude that they give freely of themselves without pay and most of them without recognition.
I pray I will not evaluate my church overall with a like button. Indeed, I pray that I will not see my church as a place to get my needs and preferences met.
My church is not a social media channel built upon likes and up-and-down votes. My church is built upon the sacrifice and work of Christ. He labored for me. He prayed for me. He died for me. The least I can do is to love his bride, the church, as he loves her. The least I can do is to seek unity and be a source of unity in the church.
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourself united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future (Ephesians 4:1-4, NLT).
 | Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers, and online community and resource for church leaders. Prior to founding Church Answers, Rainer served as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Before coming to LifeWay, he served at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for twelve years where he was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. He is a 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn More » |
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