Is it ok to change your mind ?
I was drawn to re read a few of my old blog posts here today, and it gave me some interesting thoughts. Some of the things I have said in the past, are not exactly what I hold to any longer.
I think as we go through life we all change our minds on things from time to time. Things we once held true and firm, are challenged by varying circumstances that might cause us to re evaluate our stand on certain things.
That is not always bad…. And it is not always good either.
The things I have written in my blog over the years were true for me at those times, and I stand by them for those times…but my life and view of life has changed and so now, I see things quite differently.
I don't want to be a critic of my past, for my past was what it was, and it cant be changed. It’s the future that can be changed, by the choices we each make in the present.
Many churches, and organisations have an end date. It is governed by the age of the demographic of those attending.
I want you to seriously think about this, if you are a reader of my blog and think I may have lost my way.
Take this pretend (?) scenario....
There is a little church in the suburbs of Melbourne, it doesn't matter what denomination it is. It has sat there for 50 +years. It once was a thriving church, with a lot of families and it was vibrant and alive in its tradition. However over time, with some church politics, and families growing up and moving away the church started to diminish in attendance. Nothing was really ever done about it, because they all felt that the church would regain its strength over time. It kept going through the motions, every weekend…and sadly those who attend there today are all over the age of 65.
A small faithful group of people around 25 of them, who turn up each week to worship God with their every breath. While that is fine, and those older people need that ….as we all do, the church will only grow if new people start attending.
If those older people invite their friends, then it could potentially grow with new 65 year olds attending.
Younger family’s wont come to this church as the church cant provide anything for their children. The worship style of this church is just a bit dated because it has been geared around suiting the 65 year olds. (Nothing wrong with that ) however it doesn't appeal to the younger generation. So they simply dont come.
Now track forwards with me, 15 years from now and everyone who is left in this church is in their 80’s.
Slowly they pass away and leave for heaven. And the church slowly passes away also.
It has an end date, based on its age….and inability to attract new generations into the life of the church. Churches have a life cycle, just like humans do…. If we dont re-invent ourselves in the church, and reach the current generation in relevant ways, with a truth and foundation that is centuries old, we simply will lose opportunity to grow the church.
And your church, any church going for that matter, will simply pass away as everyone gets old.
If you think I may be off my tree, take a drive through a little regional country town and see the closed churches , take a look through the suburbs, take a look through your denomination and think about those once thriving places of worship that are no longer active. And its all because of an end date, and the lack of vision to see a need to start a new lifecycle in the life of that church.
And all the while we are critical of those churches that are growing through the roof. Because of their style ....the lights, the media, the songs.
Yes I did change my mind on a few things, because I had to. For self preservation in my own personal faith and keeping that faith vibrant and alive … only those very close to me would be super aware of all the stuff behind that.
I am not trying to be critical, but rather to open our eyes. We have a tremendous opportunity to lead people to Jesus, it is our responsibility. It is our privilege.
Yet very often we are self serving.
Making ourselves happy with what we do …. Living it all out for our own benefit and not for those who don't yet know who Jesus is, other than a curse word.
Have I changed my mind about God ? Not a chance. He is my God, Jesus is My Saviour. the Holy Spirit my supernatural strength and helper.
Have I changed my mind about how we worship God and what needs to be done in the church ?
I absolutely have.
When I see people getting saved in church, when I see people taking the next step in discipleship by being baptised etc…when I see hundreds of youth and children in church, You betcha I have changed my mind.
When I see a church with multi generations and different race's and cultures, and the church is firm in its biblical view and teaching, a church that doesn't pander to the world’s views, but stands true….
Well you can be sure that Gary Grant would align myself with that kind of church and most likely change my mind about a few things I once held as true and absolute.
There certainly was a place for that in my life and I will never forget it as part of my formative years as a Christian, it was super important and I used to love it. AND I loved the people who helped me form my spiritual life along the way…..and I still do love them.
But for me, I see the world differently these days and it was time for me to start a new lifecycle in my own spiritual life.
Churches need to build a new lifecycle from time to time before they start to rapidly move to towards the end date of the cycle of life.
We each need to find our place in the Christian journey where we can gain maximum spiritual growth and life. Now, if that is where you are positioned right now , all well and good…go for it. AND Go hard at it.
However….
If we just hang onto the things that once were, and will most likely never be again, we simply will die a slow painful death in the church.
If what we are doing in the church is all about “us”, “me and my thing” and not about being a church reaching those who don't yet know who Jesus is, and finding ways to reinvent itself so that it is reaching this new generation arising, well then, it has an END Date. (Sorry)
*just my thoughts, friends.
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*** Also, take a look and study of how your church is doing... are people being saved and added in ? regularly ? frequently ? if not... why not ? be brave and sincere in answering that question.
Are people growing in discipleship for Jesus ? Or are we more concerned in form vs function ?
Form = what it looks like !! Function = what it is and does !!
I am not suggesting that everyone leaves their church, I am hinting though, that we all need to find new ways of reaching others with the Love of Jesus, and re invent ourselves so that we can reach a generation that still needs reaching. ***
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