A Question About Church Attendance
Are you at all worried about the future of the church by current trends of declining attendance?
No. I think I can answer this with four points.
Number one. I believe worrying is a sin (it's at least an act of disobedience) and a waste of whatever time I have left in this life (Matthew 6:25-34). As an anxious person, I’ve surrendered far too much of my life to worry. So, no, I try not worry about dips in attendance. Am I thoughtful about such matters? Yes. But, only in the sense of what can I do to help my brothers and sisters rekindle their longing to be back with their Christian families? How can I contribute to the solution? Worry, fear-mongering, blame. None of these are part of the solution. I see and hear of preachers and pastors berating their church members about their lack of faithfulness and I fear they're shutting the door completely to any sort of revival. Guilt tripping people into the kingdom is not biblical, nor will it produce lasting commitments. The biblical motivation for a life in service to God comes from a responce to His mercy (Romans 12:1).
Number Two. Another reason I'm not worrying about current church trends is that not all of them are bad. For instance, in some ways Lake Harbour has actually benefited from COVID-19. That’s strange to say (and of course doesn't include any direct impact the virus has had on people), but it’s true nonetheless. Being the size church that we were prior to COVID, our path forward was to offer multiple services each Sunday morning. What started as a safety measure has turned into an amazing opportunity for growth. Over the last year and half, we have seen a steady influx of new families and for the first time in many years, we have room for them. Do we miss all being under one roof? Yes! Is the sacrifice of this creature comfort worth it in order to grow the kingdom? I suppose it depends on who you ask, but for me it's a resounding yes.
Another good trend I’m seeing is that many churches are utilizing micro assemblies (aka, small groups) as a way to rekindle fellowship within their church. This thrills my soul because it is much closer to the heart of the Christian movement we read about in the New Testament. For instance, last Sunday evening my family gathered with a few other Lake Harbour families in one of their homes. There we shared our struggles with each other, looked to Scripture for guidance, cried with each other as we discussed life’s hardships and covered one another in prayer. It was an Acts 2 moment of true, biblical fellowship. I’m certainly not advocating that we replace our corporate assemblies with micro assemblies. I’m simply highlighting that not all current trends are bad. Our small group ministry helps my faith immensely and strengthens my commitment to worship corporately.
Number Three. We shouldn’t be surprised when God does exactly what He says He will do. There have been some over the last 2 years who have moved on with their lives without God and His bride. I do not refer to those who worship remotely because of health risks. I refer to those who have a new normal in every aspect of life except church. Haggai 1:2-9 paints a picture of this possibility and the consequences that will follow. I love and miss those who fall into this category. My hope is that they might renew their commitment to God and seek first His kingdom again (Matthew 6:33).
However, Jesus tells us quite plainly that there will be times when He removes those who are not really with Him (John 15:6). I say this often when I’m preaching and teaching, but sitting in a pew on Sunday doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in your garage makes you an automobile. It’s possible that prior to the pandemic many church attendees had withered and died. It’s also possible that God has used COVID to remove dead branches and prune His church. I realize that’s a harsh thing for me to say, but I’m not going to ignore the fact that Jesus said He would remove from the true vine those who aren’t really with him. I believe Jesus will do exactly what He says He will do. Let that be a strong warning to us as well.
Number Four. I’m not worried about the future of the church, period. The future of the church belongs to Jesus and is victorious for all those who remain faithful.
57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthains 15:57-58, NIV
What encouragement would you give the minister, elder or church member who hasn't seen some of the positive things Lake Harbour has in the last two years?
Good question. I certainly don't want to discrouage anyone by painting an overly positive picture of what's happened here the last two years. We've struggled. I've struggled. I've worked myself to the point of exhaustion many times over trying to maintain a fruitful ministry during this pandemic. So please don't mishear my positive takes on why I don't worry about church attendance.
I think I'd want all ministers, elders and church members to know that God is still with you no matter the size of the gathering or level of enthusiasm in your congregation. This was God's encouragement to the people of Judah when their enthusiasm was low for rebuilding the temple (Haggai 2:3-5). "I am with you." Let that sink in. That's not a small matter. Jesus says the same in Matthew 18:20. Even if its only 2-3 gathered in His name, He's there. We would all do well to remember that the metric of a church's vitality is not a building full of people. It's lives full of obedience. We assume that this translates to church attendance, but it doesn't always. For instance, the church's attendance in Jerusalem surely took a major hit when the great persecution broke out and scattered Christians to other regions (Acts 8). Bear in mind that our current global disruption is as unusal for us as that great persecution was for the early church. Even so, God remained with His people - no matter how big or small the gathering - and He remains with us, too.