25 Things I See When I Look At The American Church
November 29, 2012 
8 Comments
I recently read a book that stated the American church was failing. While things are certainly not perfect and improvements could be made, I could not disagree more. The following are things I see when look at the American church. See if you agree.
- I see many churches that are completely out of space.
- I see churches with hallways that need to be widened.
- I see churches that are creating more open doors, both literally in their facilities, and figuratively to their communities.
- I see churches that have incredibly creative communicative strategies that are connecting more and more people to the heart of God.
- I see churches made up of individuals who deeply desire to experience Jesus.
- I see churches who need more gathering space.
- I see churches who no longer blame the economy but are not moving forward to fund their future.
- I see churches who are proactively engaging business leaders in meaningful volunteer positions.
- I see churches courageously throwing out things that no longer work.
- I see churches embracing simplicity and streamlining their programming.
- I see churches getting serious.
- I see churches making disciples.
- I see pastors boldly proclaiming biblical truth.
- I see miraculous life change.
- I see churches developing young leaders.
- I see churches constructing vision and having healthy conflict because of a holy discomfort with the way things are.
- I see fathers praying with their children.
- I see churches that are multi-cultural and multi-generational exploding in attendance.
- I see record amounts of financial resources being leveraged to serve the poor and under-resourced. Click here for a specific story from North Point Community Church.
- I see great partnerships with the business and non-profit sector forming.
- I see people having hope despite incomprehensible grief and suffering.
- I see forgiveness and healing.
- I see heads bowed, hands raised, arms outstretched, and bibles open (iPads on).
- I see people whom I deeply admire, respect, and love living lives worth emulating.
- I see Jesus being modeled and lived out in more and more people every day.
When I look at the American church I do not see failure. But I am interested in what you see when you see the American church? I’m open to all opinions.
Subscribe here so future posts can be sent directly to your Inbox. As a gift for doing so, I will also send you a FREE copy of my brand new eBook 455 Leadership Quotes: Lessons From 2012′s Top Christian Conference Speakers.
I SEE:
* Wasting millions of dollars on unnecessary buildings, programs, events, staff, stage props and more, that could be used to help the flock and the communities.
* Compromise.
* Carnality in the church.
* Watered down gospel.
* No true love for one another.
* Unwillingness to stand firm and be bold for Truth.
* High divorce rate
* Women dressing like unsaved women.
* Stress
* Moving far away from what Jesus meant the real church to be!
Scott Couchenour@ServingStrong
“@BrianKDodd: If you wish to be encouraged click http://ow.ly/fFmV3 for 25 Things I See When I Look At The American Church #pastors”
J.mark johns@JMarkJohns
RT @BrianKDodd: http://ow.ly/fFmV3 25 Things I See When I Look At The American Church #pastors // I agree Brian, we are living it!!
Brian Stowe@brianstowe
“@BrianKDodd: If you wish to be encouraged click http://ow.ly/fFmV3 for 25 Things I See When I Look At The American Church #pastors”. Amen
Great blog! The true church is seeing wholistic positive Biblical results. It’s wonderful that one man (Jesus) can start a movement 2,000 years ago that is still successful today!
Right On Brian. Bout time we get someone off their soapbox and out of the trench to let those nay-sayers know what’s happening! Our church is a Gospel adorned, gleaming from His reflected presence, presented by Him without spot or blemish, fortified for the win church! We are winning if we believe His word on the subject. “The gates of hell will not prevail!”
I see a lot of spectators.
I see weary pastors with their dreams buried in a file called someday.
I see wounded leaders resorting to entertainment to avoid criticism.
I see isolated leaders running out of energy.
I see churches stuck in “survival” routines.
I see people looking board and insecure in their ability to make a significant contribution to God’s Kingdom project.
I also see new leaders with fresh hope who are unafraid to try new things.
I see leaders helping each other and teaming together.
I see hearts melted by the Comforter.
I see bodies healed and broken relationships restored.
I see Jesus rescuing His bride.
Brian,
I appreciate your blog. I enjoyed seeing what your wrote today about 25 Things. Yes, there are some negative things that are happening inside of the church and in the US. BUT, many positive things are happening also. Let’s make more positive things happen. Keep up the good work on this blog. You have helped me alot.