Should our church focus primarily on reaching the seeker?
Recently, a reader of my blog wrote me to ask if I was familiar with an article by Carey Nieuwhof, “Why the Church Needs to Adapt to Reach Post-Christians.” Nieuwhof is the founding pastor of Connexus Church in Toronto, Canada; his article appeared in Outreachmagazine. It had raised some concerns for this person’s church, which is in the midst of a search for a new senior pastor.
“Do we go for a preacher who will reach the new generation only, or someone who understands that we have a multi-generational church?” the individual asked. “Our church leadership has no problem with changes, but some of the established, older Christians raise questions about making too many changes in order to reach the post-Christian generation.”
A familiar taste
A few years ago while visiting my boyhood home, I ate a bowl of Wheaties® just before bedtime. I used to do that every night as a teen. The cereal tasted the same, the box color was the same, and so was the slogan, “Breakfast of Champions.”
Still, I noticed something very different. Mickey Mantle’s picture wasn’t on the box! General Mills recognizes while they have such a great product in Wheaties that it should remain the same, the packaging must change frequently.
The same is true in the church. The message of the gospel doesn’t change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. But the church has to change methodology, or it will stagnate. Jesus told His followers you can’t put new wine into old wineskins.
While the church needs to adapt methodology to reach a post-Christian culture, I reject the notion of some cutting-edge ministers that that means not proclaiming the entire Bible. For example, one well-known, influential minister stated he will no longer preach from the Old Testament or against homosexuality because doing so is a barrier to evangelism.
However, our first assignment is not to be sensitive to the seeker but to be obedient to the Lord and proclaim the whole counsel of God.
Reaching multiple audiences
I also reject the notion that the church needs to focus on reaching one generation or target one audience at the expense of others . . . or at the risk of losing the flock we already have. The Bible instructs older men and women in the church to teach and inspire younger folks.
A healthy church is a multi-generational church. The Good Shepherd loves, feeds and protects all His sheep. Church leaders can’t let a few naysayers negate all change, but neither should they flippantly say (or leave the impression), “We’re trying to reach the lost and if you don’t agree with our methods, go someplace else.”
Dr. Fred Craddock authored a book titled, Overhearing the Gospel. He contends that seekers will hear the gospel better if they “overhear” it rather than feeling targeted by the message.
Craddock uses the example of a couple with marital problems attending a wedding ceremony. When the preacher talks about what makes a successful marriage, the troubled couple in the audience hears the message better than if they were sitting across the desk from the preacher. Their defenses are down.
If seekers visit a worship service and hear the Word of God taught primarily to deepen Christians, they will listen better than if the service targeted them. I’m of the opinion that worship services should be designed mainly to edify the saints (regardless of age), while at the same time being sensitive to the seeker.
Convincing unbelievers
Sally Morganthaler makes this point in her book, Worship Evangelism. She insists if Christians are being fed, the worship service is so alive and Spirit-filled that the result is very convicting to the unbeliever. Therefore, it’s possible to evangelize and edify at the same time.
Paul wrote that church leaders are to equip God’s people, “for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).
A wise pastor will teach sound doctrine.
Photo source: istock
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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