Not a Speedboat

When do you know?

When do you decide?

The last time you rearrange your furniture and never move it again?
The last time you paint or wallpaper?
The last time you buy new clothes?

You know your grandparents have had the same furniture arrangement for 20 or more years.  They refuse to buy new clothes when the old ones will do.  When food is brought, it is just enough.

Our current church population is made up of mostly World War II retirees.  Some also experienced the Great Depression.  Those periods of their lives shaped who they are as older adults.  And how they spend.  And how they think. 

Use it up,
wear it out,
make it do
or do without.

My husband and I were discussing recently how some members of the church have been concerned about spending and the church's budget.  Sometimes, to renew a place, you have to put some money into it.  For 25 years, they have been coasting.  Carpet is over 40 years old, all the interior walls are white, no new furniture or decor.  Reading the same dialogues in the same order every Sunday...

They desperately want new life in their church,
but without too much change.


They are comfortable.

Now, none of the "new people" want to make them feel uncomfortable, exactly...but we know some change is needed in order to sustain and grow the church.

We are learning from a program called "24 to Double," a video series that teaches a church discipleship.  Once people are trained to be disciples, the church should start growing.  My two favorite quotes from this series so far are:

 

 "This church is a cruise ship, not a speed boat." 

It's going to take time to make a course correction.  Be patient, and stay the course.

I needed this statement, this mindset, from the moment I stepped foot in the church.  I wanted to change and update things so people from my generation and younger would feel comfortable in the building.  Immediately.

The church has been treated like their home for many years - nothing new.  Everything in its' place.  Comfortable.  Safe.  Same people week after week.  A social club.  A museum.  And the church has been declining in population for the same number of years it has been coasting.


The other notable and extremely useful quote I've adopted from 24-to-Double is:

"You can't get more saved than Billy Graham!"

If you have been sitting in the pews for 20 years or more, you have heard all the sermons.  You have been to all the Bible studies.  Me too.

I went to Christian college and earned a Bible minor.  I was brought up going to Sunday school, children's church, Pioneer Clubs, youth group, youth ministries, and youth retreats. As a college student, I took part in devotional groups, missions trips, chapel and church.  As an adult, I have enjoyed Bible studies, MOPS, and small groups. 

If I haven't learned something about the Bible by now, enough to share with unbelievers, what a sorry person I am!

I have been poured into my entire life.  It is time to get out of the pew!

I have to say, I am glad to get out of the pew and into service.


The changes may be small and our course slow going, but God has a goal in mind, and we're trying to steer toward it.  Only He knows the final goal.  Until we reach that, we will press on toward that goal with all our hearts, strength, and minds.