It takes time for anything you plant to take root and grow. The truth revealed in Scripture is relevant to us today in that not all seed you sow will take root and grow. Those seeds that do root and grow produce an abundant harvest far beyond the individual seeds potential. But in order to have a harvest, lots and lots of seeds have to be sown. If your congregation hasn't been sowing seeds for years, no matter how hard you pray, you won't reap a harvest.
During seminary I served a congregation that at one time had 450 members and had dwindled down to just 32 elderly people. They lamented the decline of their congregation. Many of the elderly had raised kids and grandkids in that church. As the kids and grandkids moved away, the congregation began its long decline down to 32 elderly souls. This congregation had been planted 60 years earlier down the street from their current location in a small converted house that had a maximum capacity of 65. As they grew they moved up to the middle of the block and built a small building that could seat 120, then finally they moved up to the corner and built a lovely sanctuary that seats 200 with a large two story education wing and a large fellowship hall. Their first church building was purchased by another church and is bursting out the seams. The sanctuary that seats 65 is packed with people having to stand in the narthex. The church in the middle of the block was purchased by another congregation and it too is bursting at the seams. The once large Lutheran church with its large sanctuary, education wing and fellowship hall sits almost empty. Why? The answer is, they stopped sowing seed in their community years ago. Though they lament their decline, and pray regularly for God to revive their once lively congregation, they continue to long slow decline toward death because they refuse to engage their community and sow seed.
I talk to pastors and leaders of congregations who question God's faithfulness because instead of growing they are declining and dying. Often I hear pastors say that they are faithful to the Word and sacraments, then ask why isn't God blessing their congregation with growth. The truth of the matter is, if you are not out in the community sowing seeds you will not, you cannot, expect a harvest. Being faithful to Word and sacraments inside your church on Sunday is only one part of faithfulness. The other part of faithfulness is faithfully following Jesus out of your church building and into the community where He is actively seeking and saving what was lost.
Pastors have to follow Jesus out of the church building and into their community first before they can lead God's people to follow. St. Paul said, "Follow me as I follow Christ." This would be a good thing for pastors to learn. Get out of your office, get into the community. Volunteer one day a week with a local organization that is serving your community. Rub elbows with people in your community, get to know people who don't go to church. You will be amazed at how easy it is to get out of your church building and into your community. Then, after you have learned how its done, you can begin to lead God's people in your flock out of the building and into the community.
The best time for you to have done this is 10 years ago, the next best time is right now.
If you need suggestions on how to get out into your community, I'd be glad to help with some practical suggestions.
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