Our churches Are Failing! Part 1 of ?

I haven’t been to church since before Christmas 2019; before the Covid-19 thing. It was over 16 weeks before someone at church even made contact with me; and then I’m not sure if it was a shepherding thing, personal request or to ask for something for his business. The discussion didn’t take long to get to church business, or lack thereof. A few weeks later I did get a follow up call and then silence.

But it isn’t just what my home church is doing. Many people I talk to haven’t heard anything personal from their church family. My parents, who attended their church since 1965 hasn’t had any leadership contact them though some that used to go to church there keep in touch with them (a month or so ago a lady from a Sunday School class at the church has called a few times; if anyone else from there hs my parents haven’t told me). My brother hadn’t been to his church for 7 months after the virus thing hit. No contact from any leadership there either.

And I have other friends that say the same thing. No personal contact. I don’t believe that it is solely the preachers responsibility to make contact with the congregation, that’s what a shepherding ministry helps with, but when the preachers are prevented from doing visitations, classes, funerals and what ever else they do, they had time to make connections with their flock. What were they doing during this time? What are they doing now? Sure they have lost some opportunity now that some of the restrictions have been lifted but??? Again, let me stress, this isn’t just a preacher issue. Leadership, and I contend, the church (again, not just mine) failed.

For example, a friend who is my age had attended VBS as a child but never really stated to know Jesus or his love until she was in her 20’s. No one ever followed up with her after the VBS program was over. That’s pretty much any church, any activity any ministry. The participants are told how much Jesus, and the workers and church, love them, then reminded of that at the end of the program and they hope to see them next year. No more follow up with the individual or the family. That’s the love we show which pretty much tells the participant that they don’t love them at all.

I believe that the church has been failing for some time, long before the virus issue. Lots of churches don’t have no shepherding program in place and do a horrible job of communication with their congregation let alone the community. But the virus situation has just brought it to a head for many.

We sing the “Now they belong to Jesus” song when some one gets saved, baptized or ridedicates their lives. But the church doesn’t come along beside that person and mentor or encourage them; maybe invite them to a class. Heck, outside of the handshaking that goes on in foyer after their conversion, most people won’t say another word to them. A few week later, when things didn’t change in their life they wonder why the “Magic Lamp” baptism didn’t work. No one has helped show them the way after you give your life. Since no one helped, what else could they deduce that it must be a magic lamp that helps. Without guidance, how would they know that it isn’t always an immediate change of circumstances in their life? And why is the church surprised if ij a few weeks the individual/family is back to old habits and ways? But we are! Shame on us!

Excuses like they didn’t leave contact information or people don’t know who that was is ridiculous. If the church can’t get the information they need to make contact or to shepherd, I suggest the church change the way handle their services and activities. Church members, when you see someone new, escort them to the welcome center or your church, at least feign an interest in them. After misting the welcome center, sit with the individual. Offer them to sit next to you where you normally do and if they feel hesitant or uncomfortable there, ask if it’s OK to sit next to them. If you can’t contact them before the next Sunday (actually, it’s probably more of no one will bother or take the time) watch for them the next Sunday and try to sit and develop a relationship. I know, this is really goofy stuff. Who would do this? Has anyone ever thought that the reason people don’t leave contact information is that they don’t feel comfortable, welcomed, wanted, or loved?

What if this really was the end time and our churches were permanently closed or the leaders were arrested? Lots of people would be in fear. Rightfully so. But much of that far I feel is because the church hadn’t prepared people. People getting all frazzled because thy couldn’t go to church on Sunday mornings. Church isn’t Sunday Mornings; church is all week and a life style. Good communication, personal contact (In person, phone calls, e-mails or the traditional mail system) could and would elevate a lot of stress and concern.

Many churches were interested in getting a face put up for a live video. I’m sure that comforted some people and mad others happy. Of course, I know lots of people that can’t receive a live feed or a recorded feed; though pretty much the older folks, but who cares about them anyway. For years, anyone could turn on a TV and hear a sermon. And in the recent years, anyone could get a live stream from any church What did these churches that didn’t have one before the virus have to offer on their live stream that others didn’t have except a familiar face? They certainly don’t offer any connectedness(?) or fellowship.

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against a live feed but I feel and felt the resources would be better served if used to interact and communicate effectively with people. My home church posted about 7 things on Facebook in 7 months after the virus incident started. I believe I have received only one letter from it right after the lock downs began saying they didn’t know what the going to do except come up with a home Bible Study (shouldn’t there had been at least one already. I have and continue to receive prayer requests and prayer request updates through e-mail, but that’s been it for communication from my home church. My parents get a weekly e-mail I think; I’m not sure though they used to. That’s it for communication from their church.

The church has failed and is continuing to fail. Communication needs to happen. People need to fellowship. People need to follow up on their church family members. A video isn’t going to do that.

I read an article where it I expected that more than 20% of church members won’t return after things calm down. Actually, I believe the number was higher but I know it said at least 20%. I don’t blame people for not going back. The less mature Christians have to be feeling unloved, unwanted and not not very valuable. They have to be thinking that if people did care they would be contacting them. They have to be thinking why would tey go back to that, it’ll just happen the same when the next crisis hits. And I can’t blame them.

Kudos to the Jehovah's Witnesses. However, I hope they don’t recruit anyone as they don’t have the way to Everlasting life with God. The Church, through Christ does, and the Christians are supposed to spreading the word, not holing up. People, we have to show the world Christs love, but how can we if we can’t even show each other? If we can’t communicate with, support, educate and build up those that are already in the Church, how can we expect to be able to do so if/when a new person comes to the church?

The church is failing and not living up to what Christ wants the Church to be. Let’s get it together folks. Lives are at stake. Let’s at least keep those we have and God help us, maybe we ca make a difference to those who don’t know Him yet.