American evangelicalism is
saturated with churches following the “Burger King Model of Ministry.” The
message is “Have It Your Way”
and Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” is the theme song. In this environment people
select a church based on what they want in a ministry. Music, programs, prestige,
and experience are primary factors in finding a church home.
In such a climate, RBC’s
commitments must seem radical. We are not interested in tailoring church to
individual preferences or felt needs. We want to be focused entirely on Christ.
Everything we do flows out of our commitment to structuring every aspect of
ministry—leadership, worship, discipleship, outreach, communication—according
to the principles and precepts of the Bible. We are content to offer quite
ordinary programs. Worship as a church on the Lord’s Day. Sunday School,
Wednesday night, and supplementary Bible classes to edify and equip the saints.
But where are the youth programs? Where are the social events? Where are all
the things the church is supposed to provide to keep us busy and happy?
We don’t believe social
activities, life enrichment, and entertainment are the church’s responsibility
to provide. Don’t misunderstand; we have (and will continue to have) potlucks
and social opportunities every month for members to enjoy together, but worship
and the ministry of the word is primary. We believe the church is to focus on
being the church. When our lives are not so cluttered with programs and events,
we have time, space, and energy to invite our brethren into our homes or out
for a meal. We create opportunities for fellowship and life enrichment at the
level of the family. Who are the people in your congregational group? Start
inviting one couple over every week. Get together with brothers and sisters for
coffee and conversation about what you are learning and how you are growing in
the Lord. Set aside time each week to call or write a note to a few members
from your church family to let them know you were thinking about and praying
for them that day.
The church cannot be all
things to all people. If it tries, it ceases to be the church at all. We want
this church to be an ordinary church. We aren’t trying to keep up with
mega-churches or other ministries. We aren’t interested in stealing sheep or
wooing Christians from other congregations with programs. We are an ordinary
church, preaching an extraordinary message of grace. And we wouldn’t want it
any other way. –JME
