Has the need changed?

In the smallest of small worlds, when I was interviewing for my new job, the man who would become my new boss said the following:

"You worked for Old Church?  My Grandfather was the Pastor of that church in the 40's."

I was interviewing for the job over in the big city, miles away from Old Church.  Proof we are living in the smallest of small worlds.

Today my new boss will be coming into the office.  I have a church history book from Old Church that I am going to give to him.  I looked up his Grandfather and read the brief description of his service.  And then, just below that name was another name.  I read the description of that man's service and immediately knew that this was a Pastor I could have worked for.

Here is what is this Pastor is reported as to have said to his congregation in the 1940's.

"Since coming to (this congregation) I have felt a tremendous pressure from the Holy Spirit and the needs of the community to stress the ministry among our children and youth, not desiring to neglect those of our congregation who are older.  The youth of our valley need Jesus Christ, they need to know Him, the youth need to follow Him and this church, though small in size yet great in ministry and influence, is the soul-saving station."

Internet friends, the year may be 2012 and not 1940 something but the need has not changed.

A church of fear

"Creating a culture of fear in your ministry is not good news. It’s fools gold. It might draw some people but you’re drawing the wrong people. This is a major reason you can’t do anything in your church– you’ve drawn a crowd of scared people."--Adam McLane

I don't have much to add to that statement.  There are a number of churches out there, right now, that are creating a culture of fear.  Some are local, some are far away.  It ranges from fear of liberals or conservatives, to fear of gay people, to fear of God (as, in, breath wrong and God will strike you dead!) to fear of Muslims or Mormons or "those people who want to take away our Christian rights" or anyone who might be different than what your ideal of life or humanity or Christianity or church might be.  We are a fear-filled society and our churches and church leaders reflect that at times.  I lived it in my job for awhile...and then I got mad.  That's not a good combo.  It's sad when churches stop being effective because they are so afraid of "those people out there". 

I'm looking for a church that operates out of love, hope, compassion and grace.  I haven't found it yet.  At the moment I'm settling for a church where leaders are actually willing to tackle some big problems...and I'm hoping that the loud, angry voices don't squash the progress.