Ask a Pastor Column

Q: With everything going on in the world today, why aren’t there more people going to church?

A: It might be a good idea to put this question to those who aren’t coming! I for one would be interested to hear the answers. I know many avoid church because they have never been taught the need for church. Others are turned off by hypocrisy or double standards. Still others may never have been invited or are nervous about going since they are not familiar with how church works. It is also possible for a church to disqualify itself from growth and ministry if it’s members are guilty of unfaithfulness or hypocrisy. Such a church will either be closed by God or die out naturally (Revelation 2:5). The body of Christ must make sure that we are shining the Light of Christ by living out our faith and loving our community. If we aren’t being faithful then we have no right to complain that people aren’t coming; fishing without bait is doomed to failure!

However, it is also important to understand that a church can be doing everything right and still experience long periods of fruitless labor. There are several reasons for this: one is that Satan is actively blinding the eyes of the world to prevent them from seeing the truth (II Corinthians 4:3-5). As a church we can shine the light of Christ clearly (Matthew 5:16), but only God can open eyes that are blind so that they may respond to it (John 6:36-37, 44; 9:39). We must ask Him to do so. Another reason for delay is that God may be refining our character by teaching us perseverance. Most Christians are expected to develop the habit of consistent, godly behavior for a significant time before God begins blessing the work (James 1:2-4). Those who have faithfully aligned their lives with God’s word are exhorted to continue doing so; it takes time for seeds planted to produce a harvest. So, in the words of Paul; “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)!

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