The Conversion Investment – the problem with Church economics (Part 1)
Over the next several posts I hope to create some discussion about what churches do when it comes to involving ourselves in the conversion of others. I am convinced that because there was an ignorance on the part of many my confession and baptism at the age of 8, which I think was legitimate at the time, turned into a farce because once I was dunked I was done in most everybody’s eyes…but my own. This in turn led to a downward spiral and a destructive dualism of thought that could have me claim the truths of God and then turn around and sin obsessively that lasted until I was 24.
When we evangelize, or when someone walks down an aisle during an invitation, or when we strike up a conversation with a stranger what are we expecting to happen?
Is a five minute conversation followed by a “Pray this after me…” the best we can do?
I believe, whether we want to admit it or not, that if most pastors were honest they would admit that “quick” conversions are more about the pastor than the convert. Giving more time just doesn’t make economic sense.
After all there are hundreds of people, maybe even thousands, whose attention we pastors want and if they quit giving us their attention then what?
Attendance falls, offerings decline, and we get replaced.
As long as attendance grows, emotions flow, people are energized, and we dunk a few each week it is difficult to pay attention to the fact that 9 out of 10 of those “quick” conversions aren’t conversions at all. Instead, they are a McDonalds Drive Thru God Appeasement Attempt that goes something like this, “Surely if I do this, then God will__________.”
We Church leaders then excuse our part in the fiasco –
“It’s not really my fault.”
“God is sovereign!”
“I gave them a chance!”
Right?
How I Wish “church” People Got It…
Once upon a time the very first pipe organ was installed in a church, surely somewhere in Europe.
I wonder if there was someone who was raised in the church, came every time the doors were opened, who just seriously threw a fit over that modern piece of machinery being installed in her church. “Only pagans use that! It’s a distraction, I just can’t worship.” she would argue.
There once was a time when the hymnal was introduced to the church pew.
I wonder if there was someone who was raised in the church, came every time the doors were opened, who just seriously threw a fit over the fact that, “It shows a lack of discipline if people can’t memorize songs. Plus, we have enough songs already why do people need to keep writing new ones? It’s a distraction, I just can’t worship with people reading books the whole time.”
Once upon a time praise choruses moved from fireside youth retreats to Sunday mornings and were first projected using overhead projectors and then video projectors.
I wonder if there was someone who was raised in the church, who came every time the doors were opened, who just seriously threw a fit over the fact that, “You mean the screen is going to cover up the stained glass window! My grandfather paid for that stained glass window! It’s a distraction, I just can’t worship knowing how much sacrifice went into that window and you’re going to cover it up with a screen.”
So, I walk into a local place of business of people who attend church, who confess to be in one every time the doors are opened, who asked what I thought of the band last weekend. I said, “I thought they were great. ” She said, “Why did that guy in the back have a hat on? It wasn’t respectful. It was a distraction.”
Whenever tradition or cultural norms dictate our ability to focus on what Jesus did for us and does to us we’ll never be able to profess that our church is full of people like this…
I HATE DRUGS…BUT…
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I’m not sure if the stats Mike quotes below include those under the influence of drugs in the drunk driving stats, because DUI can include anything from pain killers to alcohol, but I think he has a point that either DUI penalties need to be stiffer or a different form of punishment needs to be employed for non-violent drug offenders. I don’t think that legalization is the answer, but somebody should be thinking creatively about it.
Maybe one of you have an idea. I’d love to see your comments.
I HATE DRUGS…BUT…
Comments | May 6th, 2010 7:44:54 ambrainondrugs
Posted by Mike Foster: Follow Mike On Twitter
I think it is time to rethink our strategies and attitudes about the “War on Drugs.”
Stats show that close to 60% of inmates in state prison are convicted non-violent drug offenders.
Many of these offenders are locked up in privatized prisons and can cost states up to $30,000 per prisoner/per year.
Studies verify the “War On Drugs” unfairly impacts black people (especially black men) in sentencing and arrests. The facts are scary. So is the injustice.
Drunk drivers kill more people each year then drugs. Drunk driving is typically a misdemeanor but if you’re caught with drugs you’re doing 5 years.
Time to rethink all of our ideas and beliefs about this?
I’m curious on your thoughts?
