I was thinking this morning about large and small churches – churches that seem to have near limitless funding and people to provide great services and ministry – churches like Lakewood (Joel Osteen), Willow Creek (Bill Hybels), Saddleback (Rick Warren), and McLean Bible Church (Lon Solomon). Regardless of what issues or concerns we have with any of the congregations, it is worth taking a look. I don’t believe all churches are called to be “mega churches”, but I do believe all churches are called to trust.
In the case of Lakewood and Joel Osteen, what was their process like moving from their previous building to a basketball arena that could hold 10’s of thousands of people? When Joel was talking with investors, leaders and church members, what were those conversations like? Did it include Joel saying “I believe God is calling us to …?” A leader may be able to say that about a lot of things, but about something as huge as moving the church to that kind of venue?!? How did it come to him? How did he have the confidence to move that conversation from private, inner musing to public initiative?
It seems as though many of the smaller churches (regardless of denomination), struggle to make ends meet and struggle to get volunteers to do stuff. So, what is God’s role in this and what is the church’s role?
I’ve come up with a few options (feel free to add):
- Does God talk to churches differently?
- Are leaders of larger churches listening to God or are they doing these great things on their own initiative?
- Is God speaking the same message, but some churches are not able to hear. Or, if they hear, what is preventing them from doing what they hear God saying?
Reflection:
Do you hear God nudging or encouraging you or your congregation in some way?
If so, pray about that. What obstacles are in the way?
If not, pray about that and open your ears, heart, mind and soul to listen.
Related topics for further exploration:
- Scarcity vs Abundance and God’s provision
- Fear. God’s directive to us is most certainly not: “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”
Epicurious Lutheran 