What AOL Does Better Than Churches
I came across this a few days ago.
I haven’t gotten an invite, so I’m not exactly sure what it’s going to look like or what it’s going to offer.
I do know, though, that it looks like AOL is making an effort to re-emerge as a relevant tool.
I think a lot of churches could learn from this.
While our message can NEVER change, we must continually make changes and adaptations to our method to stay relative.
For too long, churches have refused to change.
They’ve refused to change their ways at risk of making a “few church people” mad.
Meanwhile, they’ve forgotten about their target market… the lost.
So, they’ve sacrificed advancing the Kingdom on the altar of self happiness.
While only time will tell if AOL’s new email feature and system will truly change anything,
at least they’re trying.
Unfortunately, many churches can’t say the same…
Your thoughts?
Using People or Loving People
No matter what we’re leading…
A church
A family
An organization
A business
A classroom
An office
Loving people is always more effective long term than using people.
Sure, it’s easy to manipulate and convince people to move in a certain direction or do a certain thing the way you want it done… for a while.
But eventually, the motivation used by manipulation runs it’s course.
In other words, a leader can only manipulate someone to do something (do it well) for so long.
Love on the other hand,
When flowing from a genuine care for the people you’re leading,
Never runs it’s course.
People will always be motivated and will always feel more appreciated if they feel our genuine love.
Sure, there may be bumps in the road,
You still may have to have the tough conversations.
BUT,
When they’re done in and through love, they will lead to a renewed motivation for the follower.
No matter what you’re leading today, use love as the motivator, not manipulation.
After all, if you’re manipulating, you’re really not leading, you’re dragging.
People eventually figure out you’re dragging them and will abandon you.
Love leads, manipulation drags.
Choose to love, not use.
4 Reasons the Church is Still Alive
1. Her groom.
The Church was the one organization that Jesus founded during His 33 years on earth. He set it up to triumph. He set it up to be effective until His Father returned to take us home. The bride will always be alive because Her groom will sustain Her!
2. Her purpose.
The Church’s purpose is to reach the world. That’s it! Our purpose isn’t to stay inside our walls and make each other feel better about doing nothing. Our purpose is GROWTH. The more we accomplish this purpose (through Christ), the healthier the church will get.
3. Her promise.
We are promised that the gates of Hell will NOT prevail. No matter how much of a black eye the Church gets, she will continue to live and thrive. What Jesus has birthed, nothing can destroy!
4. Her priority.
We are the lone instrument in promoting and proclaiming the Word of God. It is a priority that we be busy doing what He created us to do. All of our local churches always say we believe in the Great Commission, but do we operate by the Great Commission or by bylaws or committees? Our priority is reaching the world. Our mission is simple. God has no plan b, the church is His plan for reaching the world. We must make it our priority because we are His.
Ultimately, no matter how many punches are thrown at the Church or how many people that are self proclaimed “members” seek to destroy her, the Church is still the HOPE OF THE WORLD!
Why Don’t We Do Something?
Stories like this one from Time Magazine trouble me.
Not just because someone committed suicide over the actions of others,
but because no one seems to do anything about it.
Instead, we choose to picket abortion clinics and boycott Disney.
I wonder….
What would have happened had this child realized his value in Christ?
What would have happened had a Christian friend at his school stood up for Him?
What would have happened had someone loved the bullies enough to tackle their issue head on?
Situations like this make me wonder….
What difference are we really making in the world?
If the church is called to be the light, why do we often hide from the darkness?
Why do we so often do absolutely nothing relevant to these situations?
Are we really teaching people to live out their faith in their world?
Just some questions….
Your thoughts??
