Life Ministries

Lifeshapes – 6

    While we may get out of balance ourselves, let’s talk about the church for a minute; I think that many  churches today are two-dimensional. For instance: ( Up and In ) churches traditionally emphasize gifts and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. They have helped to usher in the modern, contemporary worship. (Not that it is wrong…)  It helps us to have a better “Up” relationship with God. These churches also have a good “In” ministry that comes from small groups and cell groups and Bible study fellowships. However, they are usually weak in the area of “Out”…they want people to come in!

    Two problems that have been expressed concerning “Up and In” churches is that it is hard to “get in” or be “accepted” by existing small groups…And, as for the worship, people can come and go and remain anony-mous. The larger the crowd, the easier it is to attend without commitment.
    Then there are the “Up and Out” churches. They usually emphasize the importance and the inerrancy of the scriptures. Preaching is more “Expository” teaching; word by word, chapter by chapter. Prayer is very strong in their “Up” relationship. They are involved in many outreach campaigns and ministries…Usually very involved in missions.  However, attendance at small groups or Bible studies is at best a duty more than a desire. One word you don’t here much in this kind of church is “We”… But, you do here “I” and “They” a lot.
    Finally, there are the “In and Out” churches. These are mostly Older, Mainline type churches that have a lot of “fellowship” – “In” - things going on all the time. And, they are involved in a lot of outreach things like food-shelves and homeless shelters. But, the “Up” relationship is not there like it should be, and “Up” is the weak link. The focus is on what they are doing rather than who God is or what He can do!
    Let’s take this a step further; This balance of Up and Out and In is not only important to individuals and to the church, but also in every ministry within the church. A small group for example, should spend time in worship and study, fellowship of course, and be involved in an outreach of some kind.
    Operating in all three dimensions may not come naturally, but it is how God made us to function. And, if it doesn’t come naturally, it ought to be done intentionally in order to maintain balance. Jesus had an “up” relationship with the Father that was so strong the disciples took notice. He had an “in” relationship with the disciples, and he went about showing them how to have an “out” relationship with the people…preaching, teaching, and healing. The early church also had the same balance; devoting themselves to prayer and the disciples teaching, to fellowship, and making sure they served the needs of others. With that balance it says: “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”