I have seen two types of ministry in my limited experience in life with religion, with churches, and with Christians.
The first is really large, well run Christian organizations and churches. They usually have great websites, charismatic leaders, good design, professional worship, and normal people. I generally really like what I see. But I find myself skeptical about what is happening.
The second is really small, poorly run Christian organizations and churches. They usually have really terrible websites, poor leadership, bad singing, outdated buildings, and people who do not connect with the culture around them. I generally really dislike what I see. And I find myself skeptical about what is happening.
Of course, these are both extreme blanket statements which I assume do not apply to every church or organization. But for the purpose of this blog I think it holds true to a very large extent. This fact leads me to a major problem that borders on a crisis of faith. The problem is this: I can explain both of these situations using my business degree.
And I hate that.
If large churches are large because of good marketing and good leadership and little churches are little because of poor marketing and poor leadership, where is the room for God’s work and the Holy Spirit?
If large churches are large because of good marketing and good leadership and little churches are little because of poor marketing and poor leadership, where is the room for God’s work and the Holy Spirit?
Why can I explain something in human business principles and best practices that’s supposed to be mysterious? Why does the Bible talk about how God’s wisdom does not follow the wisdom of the world, but yet when I see God’s church it generally does follow the wisdom of the world? Why in the Bible does the church grow in spite of poor leadership, in the midst of persecution, and without any sort of significant organizational structure?
Where is the power today? That’s my question.
Maybe there’s a different way.
Maybe that way is praying more.
