by Steve Hale
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" ( 2 Corinthians 4:7, NKJV).
"Good morning, Mr. Phelps. The man you're looking at is...should any of your I.M.F. force be caught or killed, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your action. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Jim."
Do you remember that? This is from the old show, Mission Impossible. The I.M.F. force, through brilliant strategy, cutting-edge technology, and precision timing perform seemingly impossible missions.
Churches of Christ, throughout the brotherhood, are not evangelizing. It's as if it is another episode of Mission Impossible.
According to the latest statistics, gleaned from brothers Flavil Yeakley and Mac Lynn, the average church among us has about 50 members. That church is baptizing about eight people a year. Of those eight, six come from the local church (children, family members). Only two are coming from outsiders, and one of those fall away!
Other religious groups, over the last ten years have enjoyed growth of: 24%,21%,18%,16%. But, among churches of Christ that growth has been at an astonishing clip of...3.5%. And, about half of that has been gleaned from churches associated with the Boston church. Among "mainline" churches of Christ, our growth is about 1.75% over the last ten years.
Why? One reason is we are busy doing everything else but evangelizing! What do you think of when you hear the words "active church" or "busy church?" How about the youth program? And, that's great! The church needs to anchor young people in the Lord (this also needs to happen at home).
How about fellowship? We need fellowship! We need more fellowship, not less! We need to share one another's lives! We need to have the right kind of friends, found in the Family of God!
But, how about evangelism? Are we so focused on programs, as good and wonderful as they are, and have lost sight of our mission? That mission is personal as well as collective ( Matthew 28:18-20).
Renounce the hidden things of shame, and what hinders you evangelistically ( 2 Corinthians 4:1-4). Rely on the Lord who has given to earthen vessels His mission ( 2 Corinthians 4:5-12). Look forward to the reward He promises to those who are about His business, and saved by his grace ( 2 Corinthians 4:13-18). All you love need Jesus and His gospel! Share the good news of Jesus with your friends!