The People Won’t
Some church plants make it. Some don’t.
Some ministries grow and reach people for Christ. Some slowly die.Â
Some student ministries explode. Others implode.
I’ve often wondered why. What’s the difference? While only God can sort out the details, I’ve noticed one phrase that leaders of struggling ministries often repeat. If a leader says this phrase too many times, worse yet, believes it, the ministry or organization will likely struggle or fade away. I call it the “phrase of death.” What is this deadly combination of words?Â
“The people won’t…”Â
Here is what someone might say:Â
- “The people won’t bring their lost friends.”Â
- “The people won’t tithe?”Â
- “The people won’t get into small groups.”Â
- “The people won’t serve.”Â
- “The people don’t care about the poor.”Â
- “The people won’t come to the prayer meeting.”Â
- “The people won’t do what I want them to do.”Â
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There’s a fine line between asking someone to do something and leading them to do something. If we just ask a crowd of people to do something, they probably won’t. But if we lead them, chances are much better they will.   Â
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Perhaps we should concentrate of or better yet begin to state these words “I will…�
• I will go
• I will give
• I will create a small group
• I will serve that small group
• I will care about the poor
• I will pray for all
• I will do what others won’t do
Perhaps the answer lies in what each of us “Will Do� not so much in what we say … the scripture does teach that we are to let our light so shine that they see our “good works� and glorify our father which is in heaven.
Note: A few things I see in this passage… it says let them see my good works not hear my big mouth. The other is that since the bible teaches there is none good but the father I have to conclude that the statement is saying, “…that they see your God works…� And the works God asks of me is to Love God and to love my neighbor as myself. I find that I am able to practice this as I host my LifeGroups. I also find it is a great and effective way to fulfill His mandate to make disciples of all men.
May God Favor All that you do for the Love of Jesus Christ.
Best Regards,
E. Mason,
Community Developer,
LifeNBC.org, Inc.
http://www.lifenbc.org
Awesome stuff and so true. Reminds me of something Dave Ferguson said, “If followers are going where they are supposed to go and doing what they are supposed to do they wouldn’t need you!� (http://leadershipblog.blogspot.com/2006/12/leadership-blog-interview-dave.html)
Also, I think it was Andy Stanley who said something like, “Your followers are precisely where you have let them.”
Ouch!
Thanks for launching this blog guys!
So, I’m living here right now. Clearly I need to change my approach. Being involved in kids ministry, my focus can center around leading mom/dad to use the resources we offer for their child’s spiritual development. Maybe the focus should center around leading them to know the need for spriritual development. If they do not perceive the need then they’re not going to seek the resources to meet the need. I can’t state, “The parents won’t…”. Considering the lengths we go to give our kids the best of the best. How will my approach change in order to show parents what the best truly is?
Gina,
It sounds like your idea to lead parents to see the need for spiritual development is great. You asked how your approach should change… Great question! Maybe some of the readers have had success in similar areas and could offer some insight.
Gina,
I am blessed to witness your heart for the children and families. Forgive me if I am out of line giving my opinion, for it is based on personal experience and speculation but it seems to me that parents like all of us like to know when they are doing well. Perhaps, that is why we are told to let our communication be edifying. Encourage the parents concerning the great things you see in the children. It will bless them and you will win their ear.
As you live a transparent life before them, in the service of the Lord, they will ask what you do to let your light so shine. Then simply share with them what disciplines best help you experience God. Because they watch your life through your interaction with the children, they may be inclined to employ some of your actions, not just for the kids but themselves, as parents also.
Best Regards,
E. Mason.
Community Developer
LifeNBC.org,Inc.
Hello, my name is Alex, i’m a newbie here. I really do like your resource and really interested in things you discuss here, also would like to enter your community, hope it is possible:-) Cya around, best regards, Alex!
Alex, Welcome. We’re excited to have you join the conversation.