One of the principles I have discovered that help me understand the world we live in is the Stockdale Paradox. Lutherans love paradox's, or is that paradoxy? Admiral James Stockdale was the highest ranking POW during the Vietnam War. Seeing men lose hope and break due to a faith in false optimism, Admiral Stockdale developed his paradox that has direct correlation to our struggles in missional outreach today.
The Stockdale Paradox says:
"You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the present difficulties.
AND at the same time…
You must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."
Let's break that down in our context as people following Jesus in his mission to seek and save what was lost.
1. "You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the present difficulties."
We have faith in Christ. We have faith that the Holy Trinity is engaged in mission to reach people with the message of salvation, restoration, resurrection and eternal life. that the work of outreach, evangelism, reaching the lost, We have faith that no matter the struggles we encounter the Way of The Cross will prevail in the end and God the Father will be glorified in Christ and His Church at the end. We have faith that the church, your church, our church, is Christ's church and he will lead His Church in her mission through us. We have faith that the work of Christ will prevail, regardless of the present difficulties.
And at the same time...
2. "You must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."
What are the most brutal facts of your current reality? Lets ask some brutal reality questions to find out:
When was the last time your congregation saw an adult come to faith through your ministry?
What was the last year your congregation saw numerical growth in membership?
How long before your congregation can no longer afford financially to continue ministry?
If nothing changes, where will your congregation be in 10 or 15 years?
What is the average age of your congregation?
Where are the young people?
What other brutal facts must you confront in your current reality?
Once you have completed #2, you are ready to take action, trusting that you will prevail in the end, regardless of your present difficulties.
Good News! Despite your current difficulties, there is good news. God is on your side. Jesus wants to use you to lead your people out of the church building and into your community. God is at work in the lives of people in your community who he wants you to engage and connect them with Christ and your church! God is already doing his work in the lives of people all around you, and he is preparing you and your people to connect with your lost family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
So go ahead and put the Stockdale Paradox into practice. Have an unshakable faith that Jesus wants to use you and your congregation to reach people. He wants to revitalize, to resurrect your congregationa to once again live a lively and vibrant life of faith in your community. Christ wants to help you prevail in the end, no matter the present difficulties. Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, then in faith begin to do something about it. God is on your side, he wants you to succeed in reaching people and bringing them to faith, baptism and discipleship in your congregation!
The Stockdale Paradox says:
"You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the present difficulties.
AND at the same time…
You must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."
Let's break that down in our context as people following Jesus in his mission to seek and save what was lost.
1. "You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the present difficulties."
We have faith in Christ. We have faith that the Holy Trinity is engaged in mission to reach people with the message of salvation, restoration, resurrection and eternal life. that the work of outreach, evangelism, reaching the lost, We have faith that no matter the struggles we encounter the Way of The Cross will prevail in the end and God the Father will be glorified in Christ and His Church at the end. We have faith that the church, your church, our church, is Christ's church and he will lead His Church in her mission through us. We have faith that the work of Christ will prevail, regardless of the present difficulties.
And at the same time...
2. "You must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."
What are the most brutal facts of your current reality? Lets ask some brutal reality questions to find out:
When was the last time your congregation saw an adult come to faith through your ministry?
What was the last year your congregation saw numerical growth in membership?
How long before your congregation can no longer afford financially to continue ministry?
If nothing changes, where will your congregation be in 10 or 15 years?
What is the average age of your congregation?
Where are the young people?
What other brutal facts must you confront in your current reality?
Once you have completed #2, you are ready to take action, trusting that you will prevail in the end, regardless of your present difficulties.
Good News! Despite your current difficulties, there is good news. God is on your side. Jesus wants to use you to lead your people out of the church building and into your community. God is at work in the lives of people in your community who he wants you to engage and connect them with Christ and your church! God is already doing his work in the lives of people all around you, and he is preparing you and your people to connect with your lost family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
So go ahead and put the Stockdale Paradox into practice. Have an unshakable faith that Jesus wants to use you and your congregation to reach people. He wants to revitalize, to resurrect your congregationa to once again live a lively and vibrant life of faith in your community. Christ wants to help you prevail in the end, no matter the present difficulties. Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, then in faith begin to do something about it. God is on your side, he wants you to succeed in reaching people and bringing them to faith, baptism and discipleship in your congregation!
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