Almost every morning when I’m in town, I work out at a gym that offers high intensity interval training. It’s been good for me, especially as a 62-year-old with a family history of heart disease. Honestly, I think many churches could learn some stuff from my gym, like . . .
- The gym leaders intentionally plan. They know exactly what they want to accomplish each day because they’ve planned ahead. They have goals in mind, and you know they have direction and purpose. Too many churches, on the other hand, operate from Sunday to Sunday, with little planning.
- They emphasize community. They want gym members to think of themselves as a team, helping each other, encouraging each other, pushing each other. No one has to feel alone in the heavy-duty workouts. In many churches, though, community is more a buzzword than a reality.
- The leaders know each of us by name. I was surprised by how quickly they learned my name and by how often they use it when they see me. I feel like they know me. They recognize me. They don’t let me come and go without addressing me—which is what I’ve experienced in many churches.
- They genuinely coach each of the participants. They watch us working out. They evaluate our form. The coaches gently but firmly correct us when necessary. They want us to get the most out of the experience, so they drive us in that direction. Churches, though, sometimes let members just come and sit.
- They assume we have a desire to grow. Granted, members pay a fee to be a part of the gym, and the leaders understand that commitment. They assume we come because we want to increase in strength and endurance–so they push us, sometimes beyond our perceived limits, to help us grow. On the other hand, I’ve talked to some discouraged pastors who are convinced their members are comfortable just like they are.
- They honor faithful “stick-to-it-ness.” They welcome new members with excitement, but they also celebrate, long-term members who reach their goals. They recognize those members and honor them for their persistent work. Churches, though, sometimes forget to thank and bless those members who serve faithfully week after week, usually without recognition.
- They view the work as both individual and corporate. They start with us individually where we are, and each of us gets attention from the coaches. At the same time, they want us to get to know each other. They want us to see each other as a team because they know we will accomplish more together than alone. Churches need this kind of balance, too.
Which of these characteristics of my gym reflect your church, too?
