The mission of the body of Christ is not to provide its own members a comfortable listening experience, but rather to equip them for the work of service, to enable and encourage them to win souls (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 13:1-3, Eph. 4:11-12, 2 Tim. 2:2).
The Apostle Paul gives churches direction, by the word of the Lord, on the importance of getting their inner workings right, so that they can reach outward to the lost. I am so thankful that this congregation has its house in order, but there’s never a bad time for a good reminder.
A lack of peace will crush a church
A local church is a family. When it is not, when people are angry at each other, when people dislike each other’s company, it creates an environment that disturbs the worship, activities, and outreach of the congregation.
Paul speaks of the need for harmony and love in every letter. An extreme example is in 1 Cor. 6, where Paul scolds the Corinthians for taking their brethren to court. “I say this to your shame … it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?” (6:5-8).
No matter the merits of the case, two Christians facing off in court is a defeat for the Lord and his church. Congregational strife suggests to the world that the message of Christ is being ignored by those who claim to follow Him. Better to lose money than to drag Jesus’ name through the dirt!
Do churches who are squabbling and dividing realize there are bigger concerns: damage to the kingdom, and lost souls who now will not hear the gospel? The reputation for harmony is an essential part of evangelism. “Love one another, even as I have loved you… By this all men will know that you are My disciples” (John 13:34-35). Brethren should be generous to a fault (Matt. 5:42), involved in acts of kindness (Matt. 25:34-40), and able to forgive limitlessly (Matt. 18:22). Lingering rancor and pride destroy a church’s influence (2 Cor. 12:20, Eph. 4:31-32, Col. 3:5-25).
A lack of participation will cripple a church
Choosing to miss isn’t just disobedient, it withholds something vital to the body. “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Heb. 10:24-25).
There’s nothing more encouraging than a full worship house, with every voice lifted in praise. But when Sunday morning services start with 40% of the congregation, it indicates disregard for the Lord, who is meeting us there. When Wednesday night classes average a small fraction of membership, the teachers wonder if they have wasted their time. Bible knowledge and spiritual strength of the whole group steadily wanes. A dangerous pattern is set, which soon serves as a precedent for the new generation.
Also important are the extra studies, the uplifting meals and activities, and opportunities to serve. No one can make every event. But when only a handful are regularly involved, a general malaise settles over the congregation.
A lack of leadership will confuse a church
God provides leadership for His church in the form of shepherds. Congregations without functioning elders are lacking something important (Titus 1:5). “Shepherd the church of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion … proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-4).
A church without leadership is usually disoriented, malnourished, and vulnerable to attack. It is comforting and inspiring to the members of a congregation to know that the responsibility for major decisions has been entrusted to experienced men who are qualified, and who have their eternal salvation at heart. And to know that someone is personally responsible for rescuing straggling sheep.
For shepherds to be overseers, they must exercise oversight. To be leaders, they must lead. They must plan the direction of the congregation, discuss and deal with problems, and get involved in the everyday lives of the people (1 Tim. 3:2). They must meet as a board frequently, be in direct contact with the sheep allotted to their charge, and have their names on their lips in prayer (John 10:3, James 5:14). They have to get along. They have to provide an example. They have to be affectionate, available, responsive, and proactive.
It’s a great responsibility (Heb. 13:17), but it carries great honor (1 Thess. 5:12, 1 Tim. 5:17). The long nights, the fervent prayers, the difficult decisions, the painful confrontations, are balanced by the promise of an eternal reward (1 Peter 5:4).
—John Guzzetta