Last month I began a series of articles on worldly alternatives to a gospel focus. Remember, these approaches can be deceptively attractive as they shift the church’s focus from the supernatural work that only God provides to more practical options. Let us consider a second common alternative.
Alternative #2 – The Silver Bullet Solution
The silver bullet solution assumes one key ingredient will solve a church’s problems, especially in the areas of growth and vitality. It is typically stated something like this: “If we just had _______ things would be good.” A few years ago, small struggling churches would often cite needed “young people” as the key to their struggles. Unfortunately, many of them discovered that youth and children often lack staying power because they are not the decision makers at home and most of them do not drive themselves to church. Consequently, the most common silver bullet has now changed to “a few young families.” While every church that is seeking the Lord would welcome new young families, this answer is usually the result of flawed thinking. Here are three examples:
Implied Approval
When church members quickly point to silver bullet solutions they assume their preferred future is God’s will. If they said, “What we really need to do is reach people with the gospel,” they would be right. Sadly, silver bullets are not usually tied to the Great Commission. They are typically people (to fill seats, relive the glory days, or justify programs) or material things (gym, fellowship hall, larger worship space, etc.). Remember, before the modern era churches started with nothing but people. Buildings and ministries were the results of reaching people for Christ. Today, buildings, multiple staff members, programs, and more are put in place often before the first person is reached. Instead of trying to be the “model” congregation, discern who God wants you to be. Maybe He wants you to reach senior adults, single adults, or become a foster grandparent. What if God wants you to go plant other churches instead of expanding your current facilities?
Assumed Acceptance
There may be a good reason your church does not have the silver bullet you desire. For example, if young families are your silver bullet you need to ask why they are not in your church. Do you strive to make them welcome? Did you run them off? Are you willing to deal with them? Young families take up space, make noise, draw on the wall, and eat lots of food at your fellowship meals. If they show up, will you understand that rambunctious kids and the smell of dirty diapers are signs of life? Or will you determine that you did not want them as much as you thought?
Dismissal of Duty
Silver bullet solutions may also be the result of an “I can’t fix it” mentality. Personal obedience in disciple making is often neglected in exchange for dreams that may never be realized. Church members must regularly ask, “What am I doing to fulfill my role as a part of this body of believers?” When each member owns his or her part in the body, fruit will come as God desires. If you are dreaming of silver bullets, you probably need to take a fresh look at the “bullets” God has already placed in your church and how He desires to use them.
The silver bullet was a fictional idea for killing vampires, werewolves and other creatures. We are called to do ministry in this real, fallen world where only God’s supernatural weapons bring victory (2 Cor 10:4). Let us take up His weapons and never trade them for the spiritually impotent weapons of this world!
With hands to the plow,
Troy Rust