Are You a Nascar Church or a Jeep Church?

In this world, there are stock cars and there are jeeps.  Stock cars travel the same, smooth road over and over and over; round and round and round. They are very good at it. They go fast. They are flashy. They are loud.  Jeeps, on the other hand travel different roads...and they don't travel as quickly.  They take their time and pick the best route. They must go slow. Sometimes, they even stop to scout the way ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery around them. 

What about your church?  Are you more a like a stock car racer on the Nascar circuit or a back country Jeep on a quiet mountain trail? Here is a simple test to help you decide:

A) Does your church 1) need to be loud?  Or, 2) does your church seek that quiet place? If you answered "1", you might be a Nascar church.

"Early in the morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there." (Mark 1:35)

B) Does your church 1) need to drive on familiar ground, sing familiar songs, and do things the same way again, and again, and again...year, after year, after year? Or, 2) is your church willing to take that road less traveled and step out in faith even if you have never done it that way before? If you answered "1", you just might be a Nascar church.

"And He said to them, 'Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch.'" (John 21:6a)

C) Does your church 1) need to be fast; to move at incredible speed from one event to another with no time for rest? Does it feel like there is always something going on, or at least a need for something to always be going on? Or, 2) Is your church an unhurried place where there is assurance that God is in control and the victory has already been won? If you answered "1", that's right. You just might be a Nascar church.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." (Psalm 23:2)

D) Does your church 1) need to be flashy to be seen? Are you concerned about advertising and curb appeal? Does your sanctuary need to be ancient and awe-inspiring or contemporary and tech-savvy? Is your survival based on being seen? Or, 2) does your church know the value of leaving no trace; of becoming invisible so that God might be seen? If you answered "1", you most definitely are a Nascar church.

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with you Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 6:1)

If you are a Nascar church, don't loose hope!  Just don't forget that all good racers eventually apply the brakes and come in for a pit stop. Sometimes the tires need to be changed so that the road before you can be more firmly gripped.  And remember, all good races come to an end. Spend some time between sprints reconnecting with family and catching your breath.  You just may discover that God is off that beaten track, taking the wilderness road.  Perhaps it is time for your Nascar church to just stop, pull over, and smell the burning bush. 

Congregational Sabbath: Less doing. More being.

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Church Sabbath in the Midst of Stagnation

It's been there a while. It shows signs of age, but it isn't going anywhere soon.  It's hasn't changed...at least not that much.  In fact, church Consultant George Bullard (www.bullardjournal.org) makes the following observation:  

"At 50 years old many congregations are at the point where they may fully institutionalize their patterns and practices and declare them sacred to the life and ministry of the congregation. This is often their most significant step in moving from movement to monument or museum. Wouldn’t it be great if instead of taking this institutionalization step congregations could reset their ministry through a year of jubilee?"

Jubilee, bases on Leviticus 25, is the command given to ancient Israel to let the land lay fallow...for an entire year!  No planting. No weeding. No harvest. The promise is that God will provide when his people stop. (Leviticus 25:21)  But not just provide, also bless.  I believe this is also the promise that God makes the church.  Let the institutionalized patterns and practices lay fallow.  The Lord will provide. The Lord will bless.  We don't need to knock ourselves out, wear ourselves out, and burn ourselves out trying to maintain the church. That's not our job.  

Furthermore, the promise is not only for provision, it is also for freedom.  (Leviticus 25:41-42) This ancient promise is for our present church. Congregational Sabbath (jubilee) will set the monolithic church free if we surrender our control.  If we have faith enough to step back from institutional maintenance, we will be set free to pursue real ministry.  If we dare to stop proppping up programs that drain our energy, we are set free to partner with the Holy Spirit that brings life.  If we untie ourselves from the church, we are set free to love the Lord and love one another. This is our job.

Over time, we have begun to equate the way we do church as ministry.  We have to maintain the church, we believe, because that is all there is to our faith.  And we are faithful in that endeavor.  However, we have also become rigid.  We have become immovable. We have become monolithic. We have become self-reliant instead of faithful.  God calls us to a new life.  An abundant life. The Good Shepherd calls to be part of a movement, not a monument.  It all starts when we stop. 

Congregational Sabbath. Less doing. More being.

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Congregational Sabbatical in a Time of Decline

     The Dead Sea (pictured above) is the lowest point on earth.  The Jordan River flows over 1400 feet below sea level to reach the salty shores of its final resting place.  And sometimes, our church feels just like that Jordan River...running down to our final resting place.  We are afraid we might end up in the Dead Sea.  We notice all the empty pews.  Dedication and enthusiasm have evaporated long ago. We have heard the subtle sounds of desperation, "If I don't do it, who will?" We have noticed the covert reverberations of futility, "If I don't do it, what does it matter?"

     But we worship a God who promises to never leave us or forsake us, no matter how deep we go!

     So take a deep breath. God is in control. And remember, when a church is in decline, there are three things that can happen: 1) Members rev-up and try to save the sinking ship by their own strength. 2) Members drop-off and just go through the motions waiting for the church to die. 3) Members check-out and find another church.

     If you find your church in a Jordan River decline, it is the perfect time to consider Congregational Sabbath.

     First, the revved-up will rediscover that their relationship with the Head of the Church is a celebration as much as it is a duty.  This is important because it is sometimes difficult for these faithful souls to join the festivities. They are like the elder son, working the field while the fatted calf is being served.  The commandment for Sabbath is a God-given order to work-a-holics everywhere to let their burdens down; burdens that were never theirs to bear.

   Secondly, those that have dropped off are given permission to re-charge.  These members see the futility in continuing the mission of the church...at least in the same old way.  They are worn out and they have given it all they have.  They are out of gas, and that's good!  After all, it is in the darkest part of the night, when the waves are the highest, the fire is the hottest, and Pharaoh's army is the closest, that God always does his best work.

   And for those that have checked out, for those whose only answer is to leave the church behind to run down without them, let them be reminded that God does a lot with just a few loaves and fishes.  It's hard to sink in the Dead Sea.  God can change the world with twelve imperfect men and three broken-hearted women.  In all honesty, the checked-out may be right.  Perhaps it is time to shut the door, just not forever.  What is there to lose?  Let God's people go!  God reminds us time and time again that He will bring His people back.

    So let's dare to let the field lay fallow. Give the faithful permission to worship in another congregation, but continue to meet once a month with members of the old church. Eat and pray and sing together.  Listen for what God is doing in the world. Listen to what He is doing in your heart.  He will not leave you.  If the abiding sense, after your period of Congregational Sabbath, is to still close the doors of the church, you haven't lost a thing.  But don't be surprised if God might be calling you to rebuild the ancient city, and that is worth the wait:

They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;

     They will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 

Isaiah 61:4

Congregational Sabbath. Less doing. More being

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Congregational Sabbath: Frequently Asked Questions

Just the FAQs about Congregational Sabbath:

1.  What would happen to our church if we stopped?
A: The real question lurking here is often, "Will our church survive financially?"  The answer is, "Yes." If you are actually coming to a complete stop, the church building could be rented to another congregation.  If you are simply simplifying by suspending programs and ministries, you just may experience a revival.  Remember, the Lord has promised to provide.  (Lev. 25:22, Luke 12:22-34)

2. What if I love serving?
A: Great!  However, if you stop serving for a season, you might even be able to use that time to learn something new.  Remember, it is okay to be served.  You will come back to your ministry refreshed and reminded of who it is you are really serving. (Luke 10:38-42)

3. If we don't do it, who will?
A: The world doesn't need another savior and God's work does not depend on ours.  God invites us to participate, but not carry. (Acts 8:26-38) God has the resources to care for all of His creation.

4. What if we lose members?
A. You might. But you might also gain members. How attractive would a place of rest and simplicity be to a stressed out and sleep-deprived world? The bigger question is Who is responsible for adding numbers? (Acts 2:47b)

5. Our church is doing so well. What if we lose momentum?
A: It is easy to assume that success means God's favor. This isn't necessarily the case.  (Rev. 3:17)

6. Will I miss my friends?
A: You can always meet with your friends. Call them on the phone. Get together for coffee and fellowship. Attend worship together and listen to our God speak to you in a different way. (Proverbs 27:17)

7. How do we pay staff?
A. If Sabbath is less than a month, have staff use vacation pay. (1 Timothy 5:18)
A. If Sabbath is more than a month, pray about providing sabbatical pay. (Leviticus 25:6)
A. Staff might also seek temporary outside pay. Paul was a tent maker. Jesus was a carpenter and occasional zymurgist. (Acts 18:3, John 2:9)

8. Okay, but what will we do during congregational sabbath?
A. Meet in your homes. (Acts 2:46)
A. Go to another worship at a different church Hebrews 10:24-25)
A. Go on a Spiritual Journey. (Deuteronomy 14:22-23)

Less doing. More being.

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An Ode to Joy

Is it any wonder that so few outside the church want to join us on our somber spiritual trek? What nerve we display when we sanctimoniously declare our Spirit-squelching services, “worship” and what arrogance we betray when we lift up decency and order as the hallmark of true faith!  

In congregational sabbath we stop working so hard at being in control and take joy in realizing we are not in control. As a result, our congregational sabbath might be a little messy.  There is no doubt that it will be less scripted.  In fact we are given permission and commission by a joyous itinerant carpenter to give up our control and embrace a more child-like faith.  Become more spontaneous. In congregational sabbath, we will be asked to surrender our throne and remember that the Lord of the Sabbath is also the Lord of our lives.
It is radical.  It appears to us, irresponsible.  Like the second round of Cana wine.  However, Jesus is the one that came to save stiff-necked and stubborn people from being too serious.  He was one that reminded us to have the faith and the wonder and the joy of a child; concerned not just with global warming, or international politics, or cancer, but also with the long faces of his parents. “Are you happy?” my three year old asks.  

“Are you happy?” our Savior asks us.  After all, the way has been opened for us to come back to Eden.  It is time for us to rediscover our true purpose.  Did you not know? Have you not heard?  The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
It was said of the early Christians in Rome:

“(T)heir faith is ‘proclaimed in all the world’ (Rom. 1:8) and their ‘obedience known to all’ (16:19). These comments probably do not suggest that the…churches are actively involved in direct missionary outreach, but rather that they are ‘missionary by their very nature’, through their unity, mutual love, exemplary conduct, and radiant joy.” (David Bosch, Transforming Mission. Maryknolll, NY:  Orbis Books, 1991, pg. 168)

In congregational sabbath, we rediscover the joy of family and neighbors, restful and appreciative communion with God, and the blessings of a superfluous universe. In congregational sabbath we stop, even in the midst of this world of sorrow, to delight in what the Lord has made:  “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
In congregational sabbath, God’s pursues us through valleys of shadow; casting light, offering hope; inviting us back into His presence where we will always find joy. Congregational sabbath is much more than rest. It is God's eternal invitation to get out of our pews and lift up our hands and exchange our solemnity for something that is more substantial; to trade in our pale, predictable, programmed, and professional church services so that we might once again rejoice with the God who delights in us wherever and whomever we are. 

Congregational sabbath. Less doing. More being.

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How does our church do Congregational Sabbath?

Q: How does our church do Congregational Sabbath?

       There's no "right" way.  The whole point of congregational sabbath is to let God lead. Every church must stop long enough to step behind the Good Shepherd once again.

       A church in New York city stops every year for one month.  The doors are locked and the members of the congregation are encouraged to worship elsewhere. A church in Iowa did not to have committee meetings for an entire year. Instead, they had a bulletin board on which opportunities to serve and needs to be met were posted.  Our church suspended programs and altered ministries for a year. At the end of that year, we re-evaluated everything. Some ministries were not brought back. New ministries were started.

      Congregational sabbath helps us pray in a new way.  We are used to praying something like, "Lord, please bless the work of our hands."  All the planning has been done. The fundraising has started. The ground is broken.  "Lord, please bless the work of our hands."  It's an okay prayer.  It's biblical, even:

      "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us-- yes, establish the work of our hands." --Psalm 90:17

     It just shouldn't be our first prayer.  Our first prayer should be, "Lord, show us what You are doing here.  Give us eyes to see and a heart to do your will. Let your will be done." And then, after we have stopped long enough to see where the Lord is leading, "Lord bless the work of our hands."

Congregational Sabbath: Less doing. More being

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Church Sabbatical: A Theology of Stopping

Without stopping our churches become duty-full but sad places defined by our work but not by joy and measured by our results but not God’s presence.  God’s people, created for rejoicing, become like an overworked spouse; full of responsibility and empty of romance.  Our churches become efficient at doing business and balancing the books and counting attendance, but not discerning the Spirit. Sometimes it’s hard to diagnose, this hyperactive lethargiosis.  It is a subtle and silent sickness, but so terminal.  The symptoms are often imperceptible for the roar of activity all around.

  

Stopping is a bit counter-intuitive for the really good church member.  If you ask her to stop, she will tell you with a straight face and a withered soul, “I love what I do!” Or, he might say between gasps for breath, “I love the church and this is what I can do!” But isn’t there also a gnawing desperate motivation? Isn’t there an unspoken concern as well?  We don’t really believe that God will throw the riders into the sea.  We don’t really believe that Mary chose the better part. “If I don’t keep this up and recruit others and generate enthusiasm,” we say to the honest part of our hearts, “the whole thing will come down like a house of cards.”
 

So, while we are out in the field and in the kitchen working, our God has already slaughtered the fatted calf and just distributed the really good hooch to the steward’s amazement and wonder.  It’s not too late.  Edwin play.  The invitation is for all of us. “Stand still.” “Choose the better part.” “Come on in and enjoy the party.” “Keep the Sabbath.” It starts by stopping. 

It is, I am convinced, our punctuated cessation of duty that reconnects us with the one another and allows us to always be falling in love.  The same thing can happen in the unloveliest of churches.  They can fall in love again if they just stand still and let God kneel down and sweep them up and become his bride.  

"The sabbath was reinstated as a sacramental bridging of the abyss, offering immediate relief from the powers of nature and the peril of death. The sixth day would remain under these powers, but on the seventh day there was to be relief, renewal, and restoration as an eschatological “jubilee,” a provisional, but promising, hope of complete reconciliation."

Sabbath rest, therefore, is a recreation of the divine embrace of Eden.  Stopping is the means to the end, not the end itself.  The end, the seventh day, is to rejoice in the other six.  And as unlikely as that may seem when the doctor tells us of a “radiographic opacity” or the basement has flooded or our child is sick, it is possible.  Heaven comes down and kisses this fallen world. We are not called to be dour servants of a demanding church, but rather to be salubrious slaves of a cavorting Christ.

Congregational Sabbath: Less doing...More Being.

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Quote from: Anderson, Ray. The Soul of Ministry: Forming Leaders for God's People. Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997, pg. 65
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