An article I read recently said that “Churches are
closing everyday”. While many denominations have a
goal to start or plant so many churches in the next
few years, it is a little disheartening to hear of
churches closing.
I know first hand the heart rending decision to
close a church. While pastor of six churches on the
Forsyth circuit, I was a part of one church closing
because of a conflict with members and the
denomination. It could have been avoided with a
little patience. Tempers flared and the church and a
few of the older members suffered. I ride past that
church when I am in the area forty years later and
still wonder “why?” On that same circuit are three
other churches that have closed their doors. I ride
by them and wonder “in an area of growing population
what has happened to the possibilities of reaching
the area for Christ?”
I know, again first hand, the stubborn nature of
some people, including pastors, who do not want to
grow and reach the community for Christ. In fact a
pastor told me years ago of his lack of desire to
reach his community for Christ. He said “Wallace,
every time I bring a person into the church I get
their problems and all their family’s problem and I
am tired of that process.” So he sat in a growing
area and did not reach out to that community. The
church and the people suffered. And I had a lay
person tell me, years ago again, “We are here. We
have the lights on. If they want to come they can
find us.” He showed no interest in outreach to his
community.
I have always wondered what Bible some of these
people read and if it was the same as mine were they
leaving out some of the main parts? For my Bible
tells me in the Great Commission, as we call it,
“…to go…and teach and baptize all nations.” That, to
me, has never been read as a suggestion and I have
endeavored to take reading it as a suggestion out of
every church I have ever served.
If you are reading this and want the church to come
(our going) to where you are, I am willing to “go”.
If you will read this as a way of our “going”
consider this a personal invitation to you and your
family and friends to come see what this church can
offer you in your faith walk.
