“A Lot” of Church Things to Think About

Just some random thoughts today about “a lot” of stuff in the church: 

1. Good preaching trumps a lot. I’ve seen people attend services they otherwise don’t enjoy, but they love the preaching of the Word. People will come a long way to hear good preaching.
2. Loving pastoral care helps families overlook a lot. If a family feels loved, they’ll be less likely to let little things in the church frustrate them. People who feel unloved often magnify the issues.
3. Some surprising people give a lot to the church. My anecdotal experience is that sometimes the wealthiest people give the smallest percentages, while the less wealthy give sacrificially.
4. Preferences still matter a lot. Few of us are immune from this reality. We have our preferences in music, preaching, and small group styles. We can push beyond those preferences for the good of the church, but it’s not easy for any of us.
5. A lot of people in the church sit because they’ve never been discipled. It’s not that they don’t care about God’s work; it’s that they’re still babies in Christ trying to figure out how to grow.
6. Every church has a lot of stories we’ve never heard. Think about how many people in your church have a Christian testimony, but you’ve never heard it. It’s no wonder we don’t tell our stories to non-believers – we don’t even tell them to each other!
7. Prayer isn’t much in a lot of churches. I know that because they confess that truth when they complete our consultation Church Health Survey. A lot of churches are doing church without the power of God.
8. A lot of unreached people groups around the world remain. In fact, more than 6900 groups are still out there – and a lot of church members have never been challenged to do anything about it.
9. Still, a lot of strong, gospel-centered leaders and churches serve God faithfully, but without recognition or fame. They’re living the gospel every day, and God is honoring their efforts. I thank God for them today. 

What “a lot” would you add to this list?