July 14

Day 122: When the Parents or In-Laws are in Town

I suppose it's gone on forever, but I'm strangely more aware these days. I see younger adults attending a church service...

When their parents or in-laws are in town.

In this present season, when parents or in-laws aren't traveling much, there are, therefore, some people we just don't see anymore. Online or otherwise.

Of course, there has always been the demographic that believes being a committed member of a local church is anathema. "Anathema" = something or someone that is vehemently disliked.

Usually the ones we don't see often (or never) are the same who will say, "But I do pray a lot." That's nice, I guess.

Of course, these same folks will not be shy about asking for help or encouragement or even one-on-one time when it's needed. This phenomena is covered in Pastoral Ministry 101.

Our church received a generous gift from way out of town. Today, I will write a thank you note. This couple felt the Lord calling them to use their stimulus checks to bless smaller churches. They appreciated our being a church home for their children. Except that we're not. We don't see them often. Like almost never.

Maybe if the parents or in-laws do visit Juneau again, we will see their adult children too.

For perhaps many Christians, even some in our church, the notion of "church membership" is anathema. It runs contrary to our human nature to commit, to be obligated, to be under Biblical authority. None of us naturally run toward expectations we did not ordain ourselves.

So some will content themselves with being a member of the "universal church." Because their version of the "universal church" doesn't ask anything of them.

But, they will continue to avail themselves to the benefits of resource and relationships within the local church. It's just how it is.

Our sin nature convinces us that we can be the lord over our own church.

Prediction: churches across America are changing. The unbelievers (the new "nones") are becoming more vocal in their unbelief. The committed will become even more committed. And the middle percentages (the consumers) will just drift off.

In the end, churches across America will be smaller. And more fervent in their faith in Jesus. And more committed to life with the redeemed on mission.

It's the fault of the Church, actually. Instead of feeding the sheep, we've grown accustomed to entertaining the goats. And now, the sheep are being fed and are growing. While the goats are bored with it all. Goats don't like sheep food.

Jesus said He will be the One to "separate the sheep from the goats." He was talking about church people.

He also said to "let the weeds grow up amongst the wheat." In time, He will be the One to "separate the wheat from the weeds." He was especially talking about church people.

It's not our job to separate anything. We will continue to try to be more faithful, more committed. We will continue to pray for and endeavor toward all people having opportunity to respond to the good news of Jesus.

Even the ones we might only see when their parents or in-laws are in town.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau