Ashwin Lewis
Waking up a sleeping church is no easy feat. It is an uphill task that requires dedication and perseverance from its leaders and members. In this discussion, we will explore the challenges faced by stagnant or declining churches and provide practical steps and observations to transform a dormant congregation into a thriving, caring, and loving community that embodies the teachings of Jesus Christ. We will delve into the role of pastors and leaders, the importance of prayer and experimentation, and the urgency to answer the call for awakening.
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What You'll Learn
Leaders must not be discouraged by unresponsive members
Waking up a sleeping church is no easy task, and it is a challenge that many pastors face. It is important for leaders to remember that they are not alone in this struggle and that every church will have its fair share of dormant and unresponsive members.
Pastors and leaders play a vital role in guiding and shaping the church community. They should not be afraid to experiment and try new things, always striving for improvement and never settling for the status quo. While some members may resist change, it is important to remember that the goal is to create a thriving, caring, and loving church community. Leaders should focus on those who are receptive to their message and willing to move forward and obey the Lord.
Additionally, leaders should be selective in choosing staff members and lay leaders. It is better to have part-time leadership from someone passionate and committed than full-time efforts from someone lazy or unmotivated. Leaders should also be mindful of the "seven spirits of God," which represent the Holy Spirit that brings life to the church and completes the work of Christ.
Lastly, leaders should remember that waking up a sleeping church is an ongoing process. They should always press forward toward the goal, knowing that they may never reach it in this lifetime. The journey is just as important as the destination, and leaders should focus on making a lasting difference by keeping their eyes on the Lord.
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Focus on God and keep Him at the centre of your efforts
Keeping God at the centre of your efforts to wake up a sleeping church is of paramount importance. As Christians, our faith encourages us to prioritise God in all aspects of our lives. By seeking His guidance and following His commandments, we grow spiritually and build a strong relationship with Him.
To focus on God, one must invest time in personal spiritual development. This can be achieved through regular church attendance, participation in Bible study groups, and engagement in Christian fellowship. Bible study groups can be joined or hosted at home, where friends and neighbours can explore Scripture together. Additionally, when faced with decisions, seek God's wisdom and discernment through prayer, Scripture, and counsel from trusted Christian mentors. This practice aligns your choices with His will and invites His guidance into your life.
Another way to keep God at the centre is to develop a habit of praying throughout the day, both in moments of need and gratitude. Continuous dialogue with God will deepen your connection with Him. Pray for guidance during challenging situations and express gratitude for blessings, big and small. Starting your day with prayer and devotion is a powerful way to set the tone for a God-centred day.
Furthermore, leaders of the church should identify those individuals who are already "on fire" for the Lord and are experiencing revival. These individuals are likely to be actively worshipping, sharing their faith, and obeying the Lord. Starting with these individuals and seeking their input can help spread that spark to others.
Lastly, fasting is a spiritual discipline that can help shift your focus from your own desires to God. Fasting is about sacrificing something realistic while recognising that God is able and willing to fill the void. Serving God is one of the best ways to get closer to Him and keep Him at the centre of your efforts.
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Be selective when choosing staff and lay leaders
When selecting staff and lay leaders, it is important to be slow and selective. It is better to have a part-time leader who is truly gifted and committed than a full-time leader who is lazy and dull.
Faithfulness, sincerity, and integrity are critical characteristics for leaders. They should be outstanding Christians who demonstrate spiritual character, maturity, and faithfulness. Leaders should be role models, showing wholehearted effort in following the Lord and leading by example. They should be accessible to people, displaying genuineness and Christ-likeness so that others can grow in their trust and respect for them.
It is important to test the character of potential leaders and have high expectations. A thorough background check is essential, especially for those working with youth or children. Leaders should have a spotless reputation and a good family life, demonstrating that they can manage their household well and are respected by their family.
Take time to pray for wisdom and build meaningful relationships with potential leaders. Observe how they handle challenges and spend time with God, ensuring they are led by the Holy Spirit.
Remember that leaders are human and will make mistakes, but they should demonstrate a humble and repentant heart, rising above their failures and continuing to follow God.
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Experiment with new ideas and strategies
As a leader, you should not be discouraged by those who do not respond to your message. Instead, focus on those who are listening and are willing to move out and obey the Lord. Identify the people who are already on fire for the Lord and start there.
It is important to never become too comfortable with something that is working today. Leaders should always be experimenting with new ideas and strategies to engage their congregation. Rick Warren, for example, says he never uses the word "change" as some find it threatening. Instead, he suggests using the word ""experiment" to imply that if something doesn't work out, something else can be tried instead.
Leaders should also be prepared for people to leave the church. Some will prefer the church as it was before, and some will accuse you of making changes. As John Maxwell says, "If you make no changes, the winners will leave. If you make changes, the whiners will leave. So, decide which group you want to keep."
Finally, leaders should be prepared for the second coming of Jesus. RT Kendall believes that the next thing to happen on God's calendar is the awakening of the Church before the second coming. This will lead to millions of conversions, including many Muslims and Jews. Jesus gives the solution for our sinful sleeping in five imperatives. Imperatives are not suggestions, but commands given to us by the sovereign Savior of our souls.
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Get more serious about prayer
Getting more serious about prayer is a crucial aspect of reviving a sleeping church. While it can be tempting to treat prayer as a wish list or a task to be checked off, it is important to recognize that prayer is a powerful opportunity to connect with God and further our spiritual growth.
To develop a more fervent and effective prayer life, consider the following:
Understand the Nature of Prayer
Prayer is not just about making requests or presenting a list of desires to God. Instead, it is a conversation with God, a chance to get to know Him intimately, express gratitude, and deepen our faith. This perspective shift can transform our prayer life, making it a more meaningful and dynamic dialogue with the Creator.
Address God Directly
Every conversation begins with addressing the person by name. In the same way, when we pray, we can start by addressing God as our "Father in heaven," as Jesus did. We can also focus our prayers on a specific person within the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit—depending on our needs and the nature of our conversation.
Incorporate Praise and Thanksgiving
Including praise and thanksgiving in our prayers is essential. Expressing gratitude to God for His past blessings, answered prayers, and grace strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. It is a way to acknowledge His faithfulness and recognize His power and presence in our lives.
Study the Scriptures
The Bible is a powerful tool in our prayer life. By becoming intimately familiar with Scripture, we can follow Jesus' example of using the authority of the Scriptures in prayer. We can claim promises from God's Word and pray with increased authority and effectiveness. Even a few minutes a day spent studying the Bible can add strength and depth to our prayers.
Be Consistent and Persistent
Developing a consistent prayer routine is vital. Making prayer a daily habit helps us stay connected with God and ensures that we are continually seeking His guidance and direction. Additionally, it is important to be persistent in prayer, even when we don't see immediate answers. Trusting in God's perfect timing and continuing to pray, even in the face of challenges, demonstrates our faith and commitment to our spiritual journey.
Experiment with Different Prayer Methods
There are various prayer methods that can enhance our prayer life. For example, the ACTS model suggests a structure for prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. This model guides us to praise God, confess our sins, express gratitude, and make our requests known. Reading Scripture aloud, praying out loud, and keeping prayers short and sincere can also make our prayers more meaningful and engaging.
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Frequently asked questions
Some signs that the Church is asleep are lack of outrage over what is tolerated in the Church and what is going on in the world, and a lack of respect for the Church.
Jesus gives the solution for the Church's sinful sleeping in five imperatives: Wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die, remember what you received and heard, keep it, and repent.
The Holy Spirit is the agent that brings life to the Church and completes the work of Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that can wake the Church up from its spiritual slumber.
Some tips include not getting discouraged by a lack of response or a negative reaction, staying focused on the Lord, experimenting with new things, and being selective when choosing staff members and lay leaders.
Prayer is essential, as it allows individuals to connect with God and seek guidance. The intensity and duration of prayer may vary, but the key is to pray fervently and deeply.
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