During this pandemic, there have been many questions surrounding the church and how we should be reacting. There are so many arguments and thought processes being espoused daily concerning the response of churches towards the world as a whole. We now have people who know nothing of the word of God telling everyone to return to the buildings that house the church.
Whom should we be listening to? Where should we look to find the strength to come together and continue to get past some of the things that have become so consistent in the setting of our congregations? We still have people believing that the church is the building where we meet but, nothing could be farther from the truth. The church is the people and not the buildings where we meet. Therefore, the church has continued to meet in the absence of a physical connection with one another. As the pastor of a non-denominational church in this city, I am perplexed by the issue of our people and the lack of knowledge in the word of God. There is a problem in our Christian churches when our leaders do not know the word of God for themselves. I have wondered aloud and quietly if I, as a teacher and pastor have been responsible in some way for that lack of bible knowledge. In the New Living Translation of the Bible, the book of 2nd Timothy the 2nd chapter and the 15th verse states; for Christians to "work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."
I am persuaded that the responsibility for knowing the truth lies with each person who claims to be a Christian. It is my responsibility as a pastor to give the food but it is not the responsibility of the pastor to make someone eat and digest the food. Christian churches are experiencing a return to the beginning of worship, instruction, fellowship, and evangelism. This means that we should be mindful of what God has to say concerning the church and how he would like to see leadership perform in the church.
I have heard that strategy is the handmaiden to culture as it pertains to how churches, non-profits, and businesses should see the future. The future for churches must be a consistent look at the past and a reminder of the present. We do not have the luxury of leading people and hoping that they understand what is being asked of them. We as leaders must make the nest as uncomfortable as possible for people who will not be able to help lead the church into the future. I love people as much as I love myself and I care for the work that we are doing but we must have a clear directive that the church, as a people do not belong to us and we are merely handlers for The Almighty.
To have an employee handbook and never learn the expected culture of the organization is an anathema to the author and finisher of the culture. I hope that we, as leaders understand that we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. If I commit an error then it will be an error on the side of God. Know the word of God and live the word of God so that you will not forget it.
Dr. Lewis is the Pastor of Expanding Visions Ministries.
