I've noticed a great lacking in our church, and in many churches in the area. Not in just offerings or attendance, but in mission. For that is truly how the first Church was started, by mission. It was the mission of the apostles to spread the word of God and of Christ throughout all humanity. And it was accomplished simply by going out among the people, having a mission, going to help those who needed help.
Why has this seemed to disappear in today's society? People still need help around the world, and while sending money for relief efforts in Japan is a great mission, is some pocket change the only way to help anyone nowadays? Throw enough money at something and it will go away?
There are those that are helping, churches in the south are the first ones to step forward to offer shelter for families during the flooding that still continues it's way south along the Mississippi. And in our local area, many churches have tried to shelter the homeless, but area residents and businesses do not want that kind of people in their area. So much for mission.
In some unfortunate situations, churches have an endowment that they can draw money from to help pay the bills. Why unfortunate, because most times when there is an endowment, the church members know about it, and usually there giving is reduced because they know that there will "always" be money to keep the church open. It's an unfortunate state of affairs, when the only reason to keep a church's doors open, is to keep the doors open.
Mission is the only way to conquer stale air in a church. keep your feet moving and the ground will constantly be clear around you. Follow your path, and you will always be moving.
If you have any ideas of where the world might need some help, or even just some help in your neighborhood...stop into your local church, maybe they are just waiting around for some great idea to walk through the door.
All the best,
Will
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