Though Out Of Ur is using her quote to entice new subscribers to Leadership, Sarah Cunningham voices the fear that most pastors face every week. We know deep down that the easy grace and undemanding faith that many in pews crave is not the discipleship that Jesus demands but we are also afraid of the impact of calling for radical life change among the congregation. Sarah gives this answer to the question “If you could say one thing to church leaders, what would you tell them?”
“I would say that faith systems that don’t compel transformation are empty. … But few people see Christianity as a shift of allegiance that prompts us to make personal changes in beliefs, habits, and lifestyles. We must continually examine our churches to make sure our message is one that requires transformation.” (Leadership, Winter 2007)
One of the defining characteristics of the missional church is a high membership requirement based upon a demanding discipleship. Is this going to be attractive to the majority of church consumers? Most likely not, but it is going to resonate with those who seek authenticity in their faith. Trying to move a settled congregation toward a higher order of discipleship has been the beginning of the end for some pastorates. Church plants that germinate with high lifestyle and discipleship demands often fail to blossom as they appear unfriendly compared to the seeker sensitive plant around the corner. Both, understandable fears for those called to shepherd God’s beloved.
Understandable but not fears to be clung to. As a pastor, responsible to God for the call He has issued to me, I must be accountable to the Bible’s clear demands for our pursuit of holiness. If this requires changes in beliefs, habits, and lifestyles then I must not blink when calling those I shepherd to follow. If the price to be paid is the failure of the plant then so be it, as it pales in comparison to sacrifice made on my behalf.
Technorati tags: Missional Church, Discipleship, Christianity, Faith
LOVE | ACCEPT | FORGIVE 