It’s About Challenge

2
1931
steep cliff

I’m taking a break from my book for today.

I was talking with a pastor friend this week about the changing face of commitment. The new reality is most of the USA is this: those who consider themselves committed to a local church will only attend once every two to three weeks. (When they aren’t present they aren’t out doing outreach!) Keep in mind, these are the committed ones. A small percentage of the highly committed will be present (and participate) on a weekly basis, but those are the rare birds. Realities like these can cause leaders to go a little crazy. My friend asked me what I made of it all. Here is a thought…

By and large, the Christian church in the US has been fearful of calling people to make commitments. I think this is because we fear being accused of not walking in grace. If we hope to make forward progress we need to get over this reluctance of defining as normal that people will be committed to their actions. The local church provides the impetus for vision in the Christian life. Until people buy into the vision of what God is doing in your church little will be compelling in their Christian lives.
Stop apologizing. Make a commitment to the norm. Ask for a big commitment and you will receive a big response.

Get over your shyness. Model commitment, walk it out, teach it, see what God does.

Steve has spoken, mentored and modeled to churches and leaders around the world with the simple message that anyone – regardless of their gifting or experience – can be involved in bringing God’s loving kindness to others. His first book, Conspiracy of Kindness has been translated into several languages with more in the works. His first book has sold over 300,000 copies. Altogether his books have sold over 500,000 copies.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Excellent Excellent Excellent.

    It’s a way that you lose people without a doubt sometimes… but who cares really? If you’re called to do something… do it unabashedly.

    Changin’ cities man
    Dave

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