Obstacles. I’ve worked with my fair share of churches and ministers. Most have made some sort of push on outreach. They spend weeks or sometimes even months outlining their vision. Only for a few to step up, if anyone at all. Clearly, there is some sort of personal obstacle in the way. Yet nobody ever wants to consider that, let alone identify these obstacles. They will double down on their vision, perhaps even triple. Yet they never want to take a step back and ask why. Let alone deal with these issues that keep people spiritually paralyzed. Maybe this stems from impatience. Perhaps they just don’t know how to address planks that they themselves have not dealt with. (Matt 7:3-5) At best, these ministers get frustrated and move on. At worst, they blame and accuse their church. What good is it to tell people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps if they have been cut off at the knees? Nothing good comes from this.
Body of Christ. As Paul says in 1st Corinthians 12:12 “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” Each part has its place and function. If a given minister is a hand in the body of Christ. He is naturally going to attract other hands. Teach them how to be better hands. Yet the body of Christ needs to be more than a hand. While some may recognize the wrists, arms, and elbows that assist them directly. They may not realize where the legs fit into their vision and neglect them. Yet at the same time, they wonder why the arm-centered church can't get into the right position. A clear sign they are using human wisdom, instead of following the Spirit.
In short, the universal church is suffering from tunnel vision. Making them blind to certain heartaches and the talents needed to address them. Consider this quote, which addresses a specific form of tunnel vision, to illustrate the ramifications of the problem.
‘When the Bible tells us that Christ came to “redeem mankind” it offers
a whole lot more than forgiveness. To simply forgive a broken man is like telling someone running a marathon, “It’s okay that you’ve broken your leg. I won’t hold that against you. Now finish the race.” That is cruel, to leave him disabled that way. No, there is much more to our redemption.’ -John Eldredge
About a year ago, I had the chance to guest speak at a church. One that has fallen on difficult times. So I made a point to meet them where they are, rather than where I am. I received such a positive response that I was invited back immediately. I eventually transferred my membership there. Not because I thought it would serve me and my vision. Rather, it was a place I could serve others with my actual talents, rather than someone else's. Not that I can save it all by myself. But if I can cast a few broken legs where needed, they will be one step closer to genuine redemption. Nobody needs a teacher who expects people to perform with broken hearts. So don't be that kind of disciple.
