Complete or Compete

I read an article this week that reminded me of a huge danger for churches in America. The article (you can read it here) was about an old affluent church in Dallas that wants to build a new worship facility so they can level the playing field and “compete” with the new suburban megachurches. I am absolutely shocked that they are more concerned with competing against other churches instead of realizing that they should be completing the other churches by working together to reach the lost.

I read the entire article several times and I tried not to read anything into the situation. But I cannot help but see a church that has lost their vision. People in my generation aren’t looking for a “cool” building. They are looking for something real, they are looking for true community. The reason Starbucks is effective is due only in part to their stores. What they are really selling is the experience of hanging out with friends. A new building does not solve the problems of young people leaving church. It’s a combination of messages that aren’t relevant, music that is outdated, and people that aren’t real. Most young people in the south have tried church, but they have left because they don’t see anything happening. They don’t see real life transformation.
If you want to really reach the lost, then stop worrying about competing with other churches and start focusing on making disciples of Christ.

We have to realize that our competition is not other churches, it is the world. I guess I am idealistic, but I think there are enough lost people in this world so that churches don’t have to compete. Let’s work together to complete each other and reach all segments of society.

Mike

I am a former design engineer who now pastors Cornerstone Community Church in Galax, Virginia. I'm passionate about following Jesus and I love technology. I've been married to Jennifer for 28 years, and we have three adult children.

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1 Response

  1. Jenni says:

    Great post!

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