Ponder this: We’re starting with a false premise, that the church is supposed to “bring in” non-believers. The foremost purpose of the church is not evangelism as we have led ourselves to believe. The function of the church is to exhort, admonish, and serve fellow believers. Evangelism was never meant to be a mission of any institution or any organization. To “call out” or “call forth” is for each and every individual believer. What a different spin Sunday morning would be for many a church-goer if we actually believed that the church building should more closely resemble a M.A.S.H. unit for those struggling through a war rather than a walk-in clinic. I dare say, the first century church would be horrified at the number of non-believers assembling, mixing, and intermingling with those who follow “The Way.”

As a fellow preacher, the pressure from both sides is real–conservative or liberal, traditionally based or culturally relevant methodology, old or new, their generation or ours. It’s hard to know what direction to take in ministry. Just for thought — Thousands of people are converting to the fastest growing religion in the world–Islam. Do numbers mean that God is blessing??

The load of leadership isn’t always pleasant. At the end of the day, we answer to One–Jesus Christ. Each shepherd will give an account to the Chief Shepherd. I believe that Christ is relevant to every person of every status, race, profession, etc., and it’s my job to take His message to them in a way they will understand. Paul said, “I am all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” To the Greek, a Greek; to the Romans, a Roman. I must be fully persuaded in my own mind and do what I do in good faith or not do it. Separation, holiness, a set-apart people to the glory of God; simultaneously, love and the fruit of the Spirit. I love the Bible because of its balance and boundaries. It never allows us to go to extremes.