How do we quickly analyze the weather? We use instruments that measure the temperature and the air pressure. This analysis helps us know what to adjust in our homes, (the temperature helps us know how to adjust the thermostat), and what to forecast, (the barometric pressure rising or falling helps us understand what to expect in the future.) These two simple readings allow us to make one adjustment and one prediction.
There are many more sophisticated instruments that have become available to laypeople, such as weather radar, wind velocity information, and a multitude of tracking outlooks for storms. These help us comprehend what may or may not be headed our way. They give us time to prepare or adjust. They may even give us enough information to avoid trouble. They can save our lives.
In church life, there are tools that help us analyze issues and make adjustments. Some things are easily understood, like thermometers, and give us information to make quick adjustments. The temperature of a church may be something like the overall attitude or expectations. It may be described by the church’s willingness to adjust or their level of hope in the future.
Other tools, which are somewhat like barometers, help us understand trends and expected outcomes based on previous situations in countless other churches. We compare a church’s statistical trend lines to those of other churches. Basically, we can understand that if a certain trend continues, there is a corollary likely outcome based upon the outcomes of other churches who have experienced similar trends.
More complex tools exist, but by understanding a church’s temperament and statistical trend lines we can begin to see a snapshot of the past and present, and a common-sense prediction of the probable future. Oftentimes there is a need for deeper examination and appropriate adjustments.
If we ignore negative findings, choosing to hope for a better future without any attention to adjustment, we live in denial similar to that of a person consistently operating their home budget with negative cash flow. Denial will lead to detrimental results. This saddens me greatly. I love the church, but God loves her even more. We, the church, are commissioned to go and make disciples. I believe we must do all we can to fulfill our commission. I am thrilled when we do our best.
Another thing that thrills me is when I am able to help a church analyze, adjust, and advance. I love seeing churches regain vision and purpose. I am overjoyed when God’s children are once again able to embrace their values and mission, develop a strategy, set goals, and move forward. Although this involves more than just a thermometer and a barometer, a revitalized church can be stronger than ever, knowing God has a plan for them that is greater than they realized.
Denial is detrimental. Pray for churches to awaken to the need to seek God’s vision for their brighter future.
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