The American Church Magazine - September/October by Now - Ministry Tech Magazine

Dedicated to helping the church in America find their purpose, define their mission and reach their community. Vol. 4

September/October 2015

Editorial How to encourage the non-Christian to attend your church!

Reviving the Small Church Overcoming Inadequacy in the Bi-Vocational Pastor

No. 5

By Steve Hewitt

By Michael Henderson

Cover Story The Big Unrealized Hope for a Crumbling Culture By Thom Shultz

Editor-in-Chief

9 10

Steve Hewitt - shewitt@outreach.com

Article They’re Almost Done with Church - and More Conservative By Thom Schultz

No Longer Church As Usual So How Do We Build? By Tim Kurtz

Contributing Editors Thom Schultz Tim Kurtz Michael Henderson

Copy Editor

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The American Church Magazine®

September/October 2015

Editorial

How to encourage the non-Christian to attend your church! Last month I asked The American Church readers who they would like to see show up next Sunday to worship. By far, 98%, said if they had their choice, they would love to see the nonbeliever attend. I agree. However, that leads to another question. What are you doing to help that to happen? Many pastors believe for their congregations to reach the non-believers, they need to be trained in how to share their faith to their family, friends and co-workers. I would certainly agree. However, there is much you can do to help them make those connections! First, I am a big fan of program evangelism. Develop programs, events, and happenings, that make your church fun, entertaining, or informative, allowing your members the opportunity to invite their non-believer friends to attend these events. Have an outdoor event on your grounds. Include great food and fun. You can always invite the local fire department to bring up their fire engine for the children to check out. Have turtle races, a bouncy house, etc., and use it as an opportunity for your church members to invite their non-church friends to attend. As a church staff, use this opportunity to connect with those that attend. Second, be missional. Find ways for your church to help others in need within your community. As a result, you will become introduced to those without a church, or without a Savior. It also involves your members in helping those around their neighborhood, and opens the door for everyone to show and share their faith. Third, use social media. You don’t need to have a great church Facebook site, but it would be very helpful if you created a Wordpress or Website to highlight new ministry opportunities, events, etc. Once you do, then you can provide the link for your members to share on their social media sites! Help them to be able to promote these great opportunities. I remember a comment one of my members made to me over 25 years ago. The church had been dying before I became their pastor. They basically just showed up for Sunday services and had business as usual. I instituted events, movies, church softball leagues, etc. The church began to grow and we began to see non-believers come to Christ. One of my members shared something I never forgot. She said, “Pastor, for years I never invited my non-church friends and family to church, because I was ashamed. Thanks for making church exciting again!” Make your church exciting. I am not talking about changing your worship service format, but am encouraging you to add something extra to excite your members and encourage them to invite others! Together We Serve Him,

Steve Hewitt, shewitt@outreach.com

The American Church Magazine®

September/October 2015

Cover Story

By Thom Schultz

hese days, what is the American church known for? Is it known more for what it stands FOR, or for what it stands AGAINST? We’ve posed that question to audiences across the country. Overwhelmingly, they say the church today is most known for what it opposes. Research shows that the church’s finger-wagging reputation is a leading cause for its decline in our culture today.

But when it comes to decline and decay, the church is not alone. Many institutions have seen significant decline in recent years. And many would say the culture as a whole seems to be experiencing a period of decline. Check out this opening line in a recent news story: “The American Dream picked a funny place to die this week, in Aspen.” That was the site for the annual Aspen Ideas Festival, where high-profile leaders, writers and academics gather to assess the country’s health. Real wages have not increased for most Americans. African-American males who do not finish high school have a 68 percent chance of ending up in prison by age 35. The education system is failing. Harvard professor and author Robert Putnam said The American Church Magazine®

cultural breakdowns are creating a knowledge gap between rich and poor kids, leading to class segregation. A reporter on the scene wrote: “There wasn’t just an aura of gloom, but a recognition that no one has the answer.” One speaker proclaimed that his federal program would change the lives of thousands of disadvantaged youth. But even if he’s successful the effort would reach only 1 percent of the affected demographic. Standing For Love Are America’s problems so big that no one can make a dent? Is there any large collection of caring people in the society who could come together to September/October 2015

make a real difference? I can think of just one. It is the church. Even after recently reported declines, 70 percent of the American population identifies itself as Christian. Across the land we have over 300,000 local Christian congregations, plus thousands of house churches, plus countless parachurch organizations, not to mention the millions of Dones–those Christfollowers who no longer attach to a congregation but they still desire to live out their faith. What if these multitudes would join a unified cause to love their neighbors? What if they seriously considered Matthew 5: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” What if this legion of love would tackle a big, far-reaching societal problem, such as education? A model already exists to send caring Christians into local public schools to mentor at-risk kids. Kids Hope USA matches schools with churches in a simple but highly effective weekly program. The only problem? There are way more schools desiring a church partnership than churches currently willing to cooperate. Could the nation’s 300,000 churches shine a life-changing light of love on the nation’s 100,000 public schools? The church is, by far, the largest volunteer organization in the country. What if these millions would be focused on a mission of love in every community? Jesus provided some ideas of where to volunteer: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and The American Church Magazine®

you came to visit me.” This summer 20,000 Christian teenagers and their leaders are setting a good example of this kind of serving through Group Cares’ community mission projects. And the church controls one of the largest financial treasure chests in the country–over $100 billion a year. What if churches would make even a marginal increase of dollars flowing outside their walls? What would happen if God’s people, all across the land, actually came together to be FOR something?

September/October 2015

Reviving the Small Church

Overcoming Inadequacy in the Bi-Vocational Pastor By Michael Henderson

or though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. —2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Deceits of the Heart Inadequacy or insufficiency are darts that all who are in ministry have to combat from time-to-time. But it seems these feelings can become more pronounced for small church ministers when they start down the path of comparing their church with the much larger, maybe even newer, church down the street. Intrinsically the pastor will reason that his small flock is not as numerically productive, cutting edge popular, or consumer friendly as his larger counterparts; and to add to these depressive thoughts, and for “woe intensification” purposes only, is the ugly word in pastoral meetings, “bi-vocational.” I wonder how many pastors who have met for training or fellowship with other pastors avoid the word altogether? As with any dart of the devil, these feelings usually come about over time and are not so much felt by the more spiritually mature pastors (who have learned to combat them) or the brand new pastors (who have not yet The American Church Magazine®

experienced them), but by the ones who over a period of time have experienced isolation of some sort. A Compelling Example A gathering of pastors is scheduled for a luncheon, conference, or fellowship of some sort. You’re new in the ministry and you got an invite. You get excited and are maybe a little nervous as the day approaches. The time comes, and you have prayed up and spiffed up to meet with these other pastors. Soon you find yourself in a place where the other pastors have gathered. You’re new, so other pastors come and shake your hand and ask where you’re from and you tell them your church name and they give you the, “Oh,” and, “Where is your church located?” and the usual, “How many are you running in attendance over there?”. They may follow with, “So you must be bi-vocational.” You tell them it is small but you have a strong vision for growth. They say that’s awesome September/October 2015

They’re “spiritual but not religious.” They’re eager to talk about God, but done sitting through sermons. Want to reach young adults? Start a conversation. They’re looking to participate, not to be an audience. So let them ask hard questions. Grapple with tough stuff. Discover how God is reaching out to them. And Lifetree Café is all about conversation. Relaxing around tables, Lifetree participants hear inspiring stories, tell their own stories…and draw closer to God and each other. On college campuses, at coffee shops, and even in churches, life-changing conversations are underway. When you’re ready to connect, connect with us. We’ll help you provide tested, ready-to-go, hour-long guided conversations that let young adults experience God in a fresh, new way. Call 877-476-8703 or visit Discover.LifetreeCafe.com to learn more. “ D o i n g l i f e . D o i n g g o o d .”

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The American Church Magazine®

September/October 2015

and move on. Big deal. Right? ly colander and begin to look at your ministry in Soon the meeting starts and the hour quickGod’s light not others. ly passes with stories of how God is moving in this 4. It is always unwise to compare yourself and or church or that and as the end nears, the speakers, loyour church with larger churches that have fullcations, and time for the next meeting is planned. As time pastors. In almost all cases those churches you’re driving home you realize, the speakers looked were once where you are now. These pastors normally set meetings during the day because that is nice and were from larger full-time churches. Maybe when they are at work. They also often use large you noticed they had impressive pedigrees and were facilities because they know they have the proper from well-respected seminaries. You also notice the accommodations. Also, realize they do not always future planning centered on location options of the call on other fulltime pastors to pray. Once they larger churches—even the date and time of the next know you they will quickly find a place to bring gathering is on a week day during the afternoon. Even you in. Yes, they could plan with more considerthough you would like to get to know these peers better you can’t because…you’re bi-vocational! What you ation for the small church bi-vocational pastor, just found out is the little guy, the pastor who must but that can be difficult at times. Meetings could work to pay the bills, has been left out. Even during be rotated and times could be alternated to day prayer time the one who prayed is, you guessed it, and evening hours if feasible. It has been my experience that most try to do this already if they the well-respected pastor. know bi-vocational pastors are to be involved. Be honest, does that fictional account seem not so “fictional?” Does it strike a chord? Final Exhortation – Forget what does not matter and press on in God’s call Combat Time Let’s make a point to try and follow the words of As a bi-vocational minister myself, I can relate. But I have also found there are ways to combat this and it the Holy Spirit through Paul who said: Not that I have begins in the heart with adjustments to our thoughts. already attained, or am already perfected; but I press The Bible tells us that there is a war of the mind going on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myon. Here’s how we can make adjustments. self to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forget1. Do not allow the flesh to take hold. “For though ting those things which are behind and reaching forwe walk in the flesh, we do not war according to ward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the flesh.” We need to take a spiritual approach to the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in handling our inadequacies by finding out where Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherthey are coming from and squashing them. 2. Thinking spiritually will bring all things into sub- wise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, jection to Christ. “For the weapons of our warfare to the degree that we have already attained, let us are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. strongholds, casting down arguments and every –Philippians 3:12-16 high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge We learn from Paul to follow His example. He left of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” Do the thoughts of in- all of his worldly privileges lying in the dust as he puradequacy you feel cast forth arguments that are sued the one thing that was truly worthwhile—an opposite to what God’s word teaches? If you fol- eternal inheritance. He knew that to get to the place lowed God’s direction to place you in your current of perfection one needs to press onward in God’s call. ministry then why would you seek the applause To do this we must deal with the deceptions of the of men and not God? You see, our job is to bring heart. A passage that comes to mind is: “Therefore every thought through the filter of God’s word. judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, We are to be content where He has placed us be- who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkcause it is precisely there where He wants to grow ness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each us up. one’s praise will come from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). 3. Cast away any thought or emotion that tries to rob your joy. Bring all things through the heavenThe American Church Magazine®

September/October 2015

Article

They’re Almost Done with Church - And MoreConservative By Thom Schultz

oon-to-be defectors are sitting in the pews of America’s churches. Unless something changes, they’re going to join the Dones.

While conducting research on the phenomenon of the Dones—those formerly faithful churchgoers who have given up on the organized church—sociologist Josh Packard uncovered another sizable group—the Almost Dones. Packard’s book Church Refugees describes the large group (31 percent of the U.S. population) that has stopped attending church altogether. But his newest study, Exodus of the Religious Dones, also found that about 10 percent of existing regular churchgoers are currently planning to join the Dones. The Almost Dones cite some of the same reasons as the Dones for their disaffection with institutional churches—judgmentalism and stifling bureaucracy. But the research revealed some differences too. Packard said, “The Almost Dones are more likely to report being turned off by strong social and political stances taken by churches. Additionally, the Almost Dones are concerned that churches are not involved enough in their local communities.” Another distinctive of the Almost Dones may surprise those who have speculated—wrongly— The American Church Magazine®

that church decline is only an issue among liberal-leaning churches. The research shows that the Almost Dones are much more theologically conservative than those who have already decided to leave. For example, Almost Dones are twice as likely to say the Bible should be taken literally, word for word. Packard said, “In the coming years, the phenomenon of the Dones will affect evangelical and conservative churches more heavily than it will the mainline Protestant denominations or Catholic and Orthodox churches.” The Almost Dones don’t want to leave. They’re not slackers. In fact, many of them say they’d commit to stay if their churches would become less spectator oriented and more action oriented. One of the Almost Dones told Packard her church just asks people to “listen passively and build up the kingdom of this church, not the kingdom of God.” For the Dones, they’re not likely to return to any institutional church. For the Almost Dones, it’s not too late.

September/October 2015

No Longer Church As Usual

So How Do We Build? By Tim Kurtz

he church is in transition. I believe what we know as church today will be drastically different in the next ten to fifteen years. The external attacks on the church and internal confusion within the church are paving the way for a dramatic shift in the way we do church. No, the church will not disappear; it will simply function much differently from the way it does today. This will require a total change in the hearts and minds of believers.

I believe the coming changes will produce a stronger and more powerful church. I also believe these changes will create a line of demarcation between those who follow God and those who placate the world systems and ideologies (Malachi 3:16-18). Ultimately, the purposes of God will be fulfilled in the earth. The core values and structure exhibited in the first century church will be restored. There will be a clear restoration of the biblical mandate to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, and subdue the earth. This will result in a church that will release millions of believers into the earth to make disciples of nations. There are a growing number of believers who are embracing this transition now. I am one of them. It’s no secret that I am a proponent of gathering from house to house in lieu of a dedicated building. I have been sharing this since 2006. The fellowship my wife and I founded over 23 years ago is in the early stages of transitioning from the traditional model into a network of interdependent house churches. The American Church Magazine®

As we do this, I constantly make it clear that I am not angry or upset with the traditional churches or the way the church has met for nearly 1,700 years. Like most people reading this, we are all a product of the 11 a.m. church system. This excerpt from my book, No Longer Church As Usual: Second Edition will show you what I mean. If you went to ‘church’ last Sunday, you probably experienced some variation of the same event that took place millions of times in other churches throughout this country. Most churches began their worship service around 11 a.m. following some form of Christian education or Sunday school. Choirs or Praise Teams heralded the beginning of the worship experience. You may have read through responsive readings found in the back of a hymnal or you may have quoted some responsive spiritual chants. “Oh Lord, open thou our lips,” one would say, “And our mouths shall show forth thy praise,” the September/October 2015

congregation responds. In another church the Pastor or one of his assistance would say, “The Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Ironically, instead of silence, a choir or some variation of an organ (pipe or Hammond B3), would break the silence to usher you into your weekly worship experience. The highlight of the worship was either a solemn reception of the Eucharist or a message by the Pastor. Peppered in between there was an offering, a special performance by the choir, dance troop, or soloist. Depending on your religious ‘flavor’, you either sat quietly throughout these events or you were on your feet, clapping your hands, shouting the praises of God, and oh yes, speaking in tongues. The variation of your worship regardless of denominational affiliation has been taught to you explicitly or implicitly by tradition and reinforced by your pastor. Your pastor was taught the same thing either by church tradition, seminary, or both. In 2010, the Lord gave me a ministry work, The Center for New Testament Church Development. Its purpose is to plant churches that reflect both the values and the structure of the first century church. Our focus is to establish, develop, and release regional house church networks that follow five basic values: the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the priesthood of all believers, the present day work of the Holy Spirit, the desire to grow spiritually and numerically through covenant relationships, and the commitment that no one among us shall lack the resources they need to fulfill their calling, purpose, and/or ministry. This is the framework from which we will build. It is important that I make this mission clear as some have assumed that what we are doing is ‘against’ the traditional church. That is far from the truth. Whatever we do in the Kingdom must be built on the foundation of Jesus Christ alone (1Corinthians 3:10-11). To attempt to build based on being ‘against’ something leads to disaster. I have watched some of my peers in the ‘house church’ world spend an inordinate amount of energy pointing out the ‘errors’ of the traditional church. They mock and ridicule those who attend traditional worship services. They imply a false level of superiority because they now meet in a living room. Yes, they have received a glimpse of something different, but have erroneously assumed that those who don’t see it are ignorant and evil. Their horrible antithesis thinking and actions cause people to construct walls of defense against them. They in turn begin to see The American Church Magazine®

themselves as spiritual martyrs, who are the only ones obeying God. It becomes a vicious cycle that leads to nowhere. So how do we build? We build by revelation. Noah built the ark from the revelation he received from God (Genesis 6:1416). Moses built the tabernacle from the revelation he received from God (Hebrews 8:5). In both cases, they saw something from God that they constructed in the earth. Many people only saw ‘what’ they were doing, but both Noah and Moses understood ‘why’ they were doing it (Psalms 103:7). Jesus is still building His Church – His way in the 21st Century. He made it clear that His church is being built upon the revelation that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:17- 20). The church He is building has less to do with ‘where’ we meet, but everything to do with ‘why’ we meet. Yes, I believe gathering from house to house was the pattern seen in the New Testament. However, worshipping in the house was not a doctrine, but rather a methodology and tool that helped to build covenant relationships and expand the Kingdom of God in the earth. The inability of the gates of hell to prevail against the church emanates the revelation each of has of who Jesus Christ is. Let’s not kid ourselves. There are forces mounting in the earth that will greatly impact the church. That is one reason, I believe, that restoring first century structure will prove to be vital for the church in the coming years. I believe that understanding the values the believers embraced in the first century will strengthen the Body of Christ. Therefore, we must commit ourselves to reaching the ‘unity of the faith’. We must pursue the knowledge (full discernment) of the Son of God in order to become a mature and complete man in the fullness and stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). Tim Kurtz is the author of No Longer Curch as Usual Second Edition: Restoring First Century Values and Structure to the 21st Century Church. He is the founder of The Center for New Testament ChurchDevelopment (www.ntcdonline.org) Like us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/newtestamentchurchdevelopment Website: www.ntcdonline.org September/October 2015