“Used to be,” the church was at the center of the calendar. We had activities of the church penned on the calendar before any other activities. Now, churches of all denominations “compete” for church membership to be involved in church functions.
I often find myself asking, why do we have a fascination with needing to be entertained? Many people at church feel they have received nothing if they have not been entertained. Church is not to be entertaining, but a place to renew our spirit and to commune (as a family) with God.
Church is so much more than sitting in a pew on Sunday, Saturday … well, any day. Being “at” church listening to Bible lessons, music and sermons is only one facet of our Christian faith and walk. We are to take what we hear and apply it to our lives, right? How can we get the needed spiritual nourishment if we are not involved with church?
Part of the church experience is fellowship. We can’t have true fellowship when we look at a television or a computer. It just can’t be done.
I am aware more than ever, that for some, the church is merely a place to go or a filler. It is not a true worship experience. It is not a time of refocusing one’s life. Working in churches, I have found there are so many elderly and disabled members of churches that would love to attend church services and be involved, but they cannot.
I am not disagreeing that the church needs to re-evaluate schedules, programs, times, etc. but there needs to be some movement from the other side as well. We are living in the 21st century; the technology is unbelievable compared to 20 years ago. We (the church) have to change to be a part of this 21st century. That might mean, for example, changing the schedule.
Changing the schedule doesn’t mean that the message is different — the message (Jesus’ salvation for us) is still the same! When all is said and done, people need to be more committed to God. If there is a true commitment to God, then there is a desire to 1) be at church, 2) be involved in church activities, and 3) wanting to disciple those that become believers. I believe, in our current society, that we need commitment to God more than ever!
I ask this question: "What are you committed to?" Make a list of commitments and put them in order by priority. Where is God in that list? Be truthful — where is God in your commitments?
Aaron Kindley, Danville