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Christian Church Leaders: Please Serve the Church You Have Instead of the Church You Want
Here are some reasons why church leaders should accept the needs and culture of their church instead of striving to create the church they want.
Over the last few years, some churches have been struggling to survive. In desperation, some are trying to change their church’s worship and culture to attract new people, especially millennials and Gen Xers.
These attempts are often well-meaning and motivated by a genuine desire to reach out. Much as I appreciate the leadership’s hard work and dedication, I also think that some of these efforts are misguided.
Ways forcing change in church culture can be harmful
Focusing on one group excludes others
I have seen church leaders drop volunteers over the age of 40 in various ministries to “make space for young people.” Their sermons are often aimed at new people, even when most of the church are mature Christians looking for sermons that are meat instead of milk (Hebrews 5:12–14).
Years ago, I visited services in a church that focused most of its energy on families with small children. At the time, I was an older adult. (Now I am a much older adult). Believe me, I did not…
