What’s wrong with the other churches out there? It seems to me that instead of having a whole bunch of little, struggling churches, that it would make more sense to join together and support the churches that are already established.
Then I realized that different churches have different purposes.
Some churches are aimed at new believers. They are designed for a specific group. Their church policies, leadership, worship and teaching styles are all designed to protect and nurture “Baby Christians.” Some churches are aimed at specific sections of society, like homeless missions, or the military. Some are for older people, some for young families, and some for singles.
Like businesses, a church can be effective when it takes care of the people that are drawn to it, and provides for a “niche” market.
Sometimes we don’t get to pick who our church will draw, but we have to adjust to the needs of the people who are there, not try to force a specific niche on our church. There will be certain types of people who will feel comfortable with the church, and they will draw others like them.
Creekside’s current “niche” is aimed at people who used to go to church, but quit, for some reason or another. Maybe they got disillusioned about the mistakes that church leaders make. Maybe they got frustrated with the material they were being taught, and got bored. Maybe they wanted to do more with what they’ve been taught, but were limited by the structure of the church they were in. I’ve experienced all of these myself.
In fact, there was a time when I didn’t attend church regularly. It didn’t mean that I was rebelling against God, it’s just that I couldn’t find a church that was providing what I needed. After a while, I got tired of looking. I still had fellowship with other Christians, I still studied the Bible, I still had a walk with God, but I just couldn’t find a church to plug into.
Maybe that’s why we’re drawing others like me. I understand what it is to be frustrated with church. I’ve tried to set “policy” to avoid some of the pitfalls that frustrated me. As others are coming to church who also understand that frustration, it creates an environment of understanding. You won’t be judged as a
“Bad Christian” because you haven’t been to church in a while. We understand that happens!
That’s why our church is “different.” Not that other churches are doing it wrong — they are serving a need, and serving it well, in most cases. But we have a specific group that we’re serving, and that group has specific needs.
In that sense, another church is a good thing!
I struggle with finding a church that meets my needs as well at this stage in my life. These past few weeks have really been eye-opening and have encouraged me to actively search for a church that God wants me to be at. I think you're doing a great job as a new(er) pastor. Just in the few times we've talked I definitely have learned so much and grown in the Lord. Keep up the good work, and may God continue to bless you!
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