Excellent Quote in The Ministry Today Report on how church leaders' low expectations of believers can ruin the kingdom purposes of a congregation:
"In most churches, membership requires little more than a public declaration of faith and a quick trip through the baptistery. After meeting these requirements, members hear vague notions about being involved in stewardship, discipleship and service. … Perhaps we are cheating church members. We assume that most church members won’t evangelize, so we’re happy to stick with the very few who understand the mandate. We assume that most church members will not get involved in a demanding Bible study, so we water down our teaching to appeal to the masses. We assume that many church members will never tithe or give of their time in service to the community for the glory of our King, so we budget accordingly. At best, we hope that people will act on our suggestions. … Perhaps we should stop designing worship services, discipleship programs and youth events for the “average Christian” (aka: the Christian we don’t expect anything out of). Instead, let’s refocus on our church covenants and clearly communicate the expectations for being a disciple in the kingdom of God."
—Trevin Wax, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Tenn., [trevinwax.com, 11/10/09]
Read the full article:http://trevinwax.com/2009/11/10/why-low-expectations-cheat-our-church-members
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