The mission of the church at its best throughout the ages has been an outward mission focused on sharing the love Jesus has for the world with the world. That’s why the church and its progress matter so much to God because Jesus gave Himself for it and said that the "gates of hell would not prevail against it."
With that in mind, here’s some things that might be holding your church back from realizing the potential of its mission. We’re often the last people to see what so many others see, but once we see it, God gives us grace so we can deal with it.
(1) There's too much turmoil and confusion:
Have you ever felt uncomfortable in someone’s home as a guest only to have your hosts start to argue with each other? That is a bummer and you are ready to get out of there as quickly as possible. Why would church be any different? If there's constant bickering and arguing, why would any new people stay? It’s not that Christians don’t have conflict, but we should be the best in the world at handling it. The New Testament is a virtual manual of conflict resolution, but so many of us prefer gossip, non-confrontation, and dealing with anyone but the party involved. Growing churches handle conflict biblically, humbling, and healthily.
(2) Your history means more than your future.
Is your church buried in yesterdays? I pastored one church where all I heard was what they had done before. They couldn't see tomorrow, because they were focused on the past. Churches that are in love with their former efforts versus their efforts of today will face stunted growth, if any. When church members become more in love with their past than they are with their future, the end is near. If your church is a museum to 1950 or even 2018, the likelihood of reaching the next generation diminishes with every passing day. I'm not talking about compromise or changing the scriptures, but I'm talking about rejoicing over where you've been and where God is taking you now. It's the latter part that helps us realize our mission is still not over!
(3) You're not genuine.
Churches are often criticized by the unchurched because they see a discrepancy in what we say and then what we do. Fake, judgmental, hypocritical, angry, narrow-minded, and unkind are adjectives non-Christians use to describe Christians that preach one way and then live another. There are certain people who walk and talk the truth, but unfortunately, many "Christians" today have "a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof." The early church was known for compassion, generosity, and genuineness. If people truly don’t want to be around you, don’t let the reason be because you haven’t let Christ. The world wants us to be real and let our churches be real as well!
(4) You are too self-focused.
So many churches are only focused on their wants, preferences and perceived needs. They are self-focused organizations and self-focused people. It should be no surprise that outsiders never feel welcomed, valued or included. If you want to reach people, you can’t be self-focused. After all, a life devoted to self ultimately leaves you alone. Your church is there to serve your community. If all they care about are those inside the walls of your sanctuary, you need an old-fashioned revival of personal consecration.
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