Church relationships
significant, but few helping others grow
According
to a recent LifeWay Research survey three out of four people who regularly
attend church services state that they have significant relationships with
people at church, but less than half of the respondents are intentionally
involved in helping other believers grow in their faith.
The
question, “I intentionally spend time with other believers in order to help
them grow in their faith” was asked and only 42% of those surveyed answered in
the affirmative. This is a very revealing survey of so called “Protestant”
churches.
It
seems that there is a resounding apathy towards the number one marching order
of the church. The Great Commission has become for the most part The Great Omission.
In order to “teach” disciples all that Christ taught it seems that one must be
committed to helping fellow believers grow in their Christian faith.
Furthermore
the New Testament is replete with admonitions, counsel, imperatives, and
directives regarding the care and development of fellow believers. (Gal 6:1-2; Mk
9:50; Jn 13:14, 13:34,
15:12, 15:17; Ro 12:10;12:16 ;13:8 ;14:13 ;15:7,16;16:16, 1
Cor. 1:10 ,11:33 ,12:24-25 ,16:20; Gal. 5:13, 5:26, 6:2; Eph. 4:2 4:32, 5:19, 5:21
; Col. 3:9, 3:13, 3:16 ; 1 Thess. 4:9, 4:18, 5:11, 13, 5:15; Heb. 3:13, 10:24-25,
13:1; Jam. 4:11 ,5:9 , 16; 1 Jn. 3:11, 3:23, 4:7, 4:11; 2 Jn. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:22,
3:8, 4:8, 4:9, 5:14)
Scott
McConnell, director of LifeWay Research stated, “The bible frames relationships among believers as a proactive investment
in other Christians. In fact, Hebrews 10:24 refers to the need to exhibit concern
for other Christians in ways that encourage love and good works.”
He
also said, “Most attendees have friends at
church, but only a minority invest time to help other believers develop their
faith. It is as if churchgoers arrive to sit together as spectators for a game rather
than arriving as player-coaches who work together and develop each other’s
game.”
This
seems to be a rather sad commentary on the average church. Thank God there are
exceptions to the rule or discipleship would truly be extinct. A major prayer
concern of mine is that the great commission would be restored to its rightful
place in the local churches. Any legitimate activity that takes place in the
local church is subservient to the making of disciples and the training of
disciples in order to help them grow in their faith.
2 comments:
Good day Gregg this looks a wee bit complex so will read it later when I have more time.
Have come off facebook. thought I'd let you know.
Yvonne.
I love my church, but sometimes I feel like it's more about socialization than growth. The members seem more interested in being entertained or a "feel good" message. I get frustrated at times. I still attend, though, since obedience is a part of discipleship.
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