Stop Doing Church – Introduction

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Dec 28, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Here are some beginning thoughts on my upcoming sermon and Bible class series, “Stop Doing Church.” The focus of the lesson will be on “stop doing church” and “start being the church.” I will be sharing thoughts throughout the upcoming week as I preach through this series in January.

Take a moment, give it a read and let me know what you think.

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Stop Doing Church #1

Non-Christians are looking to you to make an eternal difference in their life; whether they believe it or not. Even though they act as if their minds are made up, the prosperity of their lives will fade and they will need someone to pull them out of the muck and mire of materialism. Take the recent turn in the economy for an example; since the economy has taken quite a downturn, many are changing their priorities regarding religion and family. Are the “called-out” (Christians) taking advantage of the recent change in people lives? Or are Christians settling back and waiting for the world to arrive at their door?

Taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself need to be a goal for every Christian. Remember, Christians do not retire! I once heard Frank Higginbotham say, “The church is a place of work and heaven is a place of rest.” There are times when Christians want the world to come to them, instead of the Christians going into the world. After all, isn’t that what Christ spoke to the chosen few?

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel…” (Mark 16.15; ESV)

The disciples were to “go” not stay. They were to take an active part in sharing the gospel with mankind beginning with the people in their own town. There are many churches that go into the entire world and forget there are helpless and struggling behind down the block from their church building. I bet there are even struggling people in their own assemblies, but we do not have the personal contact with them to reach out to them. It is difficult to help someone, when you do not sympathize or identify with their problems.

Jesus was able to conquer the world and leave Christians powerful opportunities because He went through the same struggles people face in everyday life. (See Hebrews 4.15) Jesus knew and still knows what it is like to live on this cruel dirt clod called “Earth.” In fact, He knows what it is like to live on this Earth, but better still, He knows what it is like to overcome the Earth. His life was not 33 years of walking and talking, but it was 33 years and changing the people around Him so He could see them one day. He provided opportunities and teaching to everyone with whom he came contact. He never avoided the homeless, the lame the wise or children, instead He embraced them with His life. It would be His innocent life which would be laid out as a sacrifice for them. He did it for you and he did it for me. He even did it for the person down the street and the person living in the gated community across town. He did it so we may share his life with those in the world!

I am a believer that Christ provided us the perfect example of all-time regarding the way we should conduct our lives. His focus was not Himself, but the will of the Father. Would our lives change if we took a few moments and made the Father’s will the goal of our life? Would we be transformed with a new hope and a refreshed spirit? If so, then what are we waiting on? The time is now to seek the power of the gospel in the lives of people around us!

Will you act today?

Stay tuned for more on “Stop Doing Church?”

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Just some thoughts,

Chris