Tag: Church

Subtle Shifts

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Church, Ministry, Theology

–May of 2006

Subtle Shifts

In a recent revival meeting, a 50-year veteran of pastoral ministry asked me a question that is on the minds of a lot of older saints.  He said, “Are people really being converted anymore?”  This man is not just an elderly pastor asking questions with a nostalgic glance over his shoulder to the “good old days.”  He is a well-loved, highly respected man of God whose ministry has been marked by hundreds of souls finding Christ.  Frankly, his concern is valid.  Yet the answer to his question is not just a simple yes or no, it is a rather complex yes and no.

There is a tendency for American Christians to interpret what is happening in the Church through local or western eyes.  This bias has often skewed our view of what God is doing in His world particularly in the area of evangelism, revival and end-time events.  The spiritual dearth in the western church is not a reflection of what is happening in the rest of the Church.  Stories of radical, life-changing conversions are flowing out of the Orient, South America and Eastern Europe.  GBSC Missions Professor, Dan Glick, spent six weeks last summer doing a study of conversions in the Ukraine.  His report sounds like something taken right out of the pages of the book of Acts.  People are responding to the Gospel and experiencing true conversion in every part of the world.  I don’t mean to exclude America.  I witness every year many whose life has been radically changed by saving grace.  God’s kingdom is marching forward and all the armies of hell have not been able to withstand it.

However, there is some cause for concern as it relates to the American church.  I honestly believe that because of a number of subtle shifts in the presentation of today’s gospel message, there are many people who have undergone a religious transaction rather than experiencing a radical transformation.  The first of these shifts took place at the beginning of the 20th Century when the 19th Century emphasis on pursuing holiness shifted to a desire for uplifting ecstatic experiences.  The second shift took place following World War II as prosperity fueled the American economy and spilled over into the church.  There was a shift from a call to total surrender to a more general call to commitment.  (The difference is more than subtle.  Surrender tells God that I belong to Him and He can dispose of me any way He pleases.  In commitment there is no transfer of ownership.  One may or may not do what God has asked, depending on the level he wishes to be committed.)  The third shift came in the late 60s and early 70s when we started “deciding for Christ.”  Salvation was simplified to little more than signing a card.  These shifts had brought so many unconverted people into the church, that by 1980 a new battle began among religious leaders as to what it really meant to be a Christian.  At the heart of this war was the controversy over Lordship salvation.

As the 20th Century began to wind down, the church shifted again and became consumer oriented.  The gospel was stripped of its biblical vocabulary and was offered in the language of the culture.  The concepts of repentance, dying to self, and submission were abandoned and the gospel was cast in terms of benefits.  This ushered in a new round of self-help seminars and made the major selling point of the gospel what it could do for those who tried it.

Sadly, many churches have been left with what C.S. Lewis called a “truncated gospel.”  Simple assent to the gospel divorced from repentance, surrender, and a supernatural eagerness to obey is by biblical standards less than saving.  To illicit only a sense of this kind would be to secure only false conversions. And a false conversion, even by the most sincere, is still sincerely wrong.

The Future of the Local Church – Revival or Revolution?

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Church, Ministry

–April of 2006

The Future of the Local Church – Revival or Revolution?

For over half a century men and women all over America have been praying for revival.  But it looks like we are having a revolution instead.  At least that’s the findings of America’s religious pulse-taker, George Barna, Jr.  You can read all about it in his latest book, Revolution.  The upshot of Barna’s book is that a “quiet revolution” is taking place in America. These revolutionaries are a growing sub-nation of Christians, already over 20 million strong, who are set on doing whatever it takes to get closer to God and help others do the same.  They are committed to a radical, Biblical faith that is transforming and authentic.

The unique part of this revolution is that it is largely taking place outside the local church.  (The revolutionaries  are careful to differentiate between the church and the Church.) They  believe the local church has failed to fulfill its mission.  They see most local churches as irrelevant and ineffective in equipping believers to be Christlike and advancing God’s kingdom in a Biblical way.  They believe the church has become so hidebound by tradition and so focused on its own agenda that true worship, radical commitment, spiritual growth, servanthood and authentic community have become secondary issues. They strongly believe that “we are not called to go to church; we are called to be the Church.”

Many of the revolutionaries are still involved in a local church, but millions of them have left the church and developed a new model of church called alternative faith-based communities.  Barna predicts the alternative groups will continue to see significant growth while the traditional local church will shrink by over 40 percent in the next twenty years.

 Problems with the Revolution

I want to be very careful that I do not curse what God has blessed, but I do have concerns with what I see taking place.  Barna’s research indicates that the revolution is being embraced by the most serious-minded Christians.  Nevertheless, sincerity and zeal alone do not mean that a thing is right or problem free. My first concern grows out of the very nature of the Church itself. The Church is Christ’s Body, the members are inseparably linked one to another, and anytime small segments pull away there is the danger of cultivating a “Lone Ranger” mentality.  The intent may be right and the immediate results seem good, but in the long term there is the danger of becoming exclusive and even cultish.

I’m also concerned that these small groups lack the accountability and discipline that is provided by some form of church authority such as a board of elders.  One of Paul’s first concerns in each of the New Testament churches was to appoint a group of elders and deacons to provide leadership and structure.

The most serious concern I have comes from the fact that separation from a local church can disconnect this small body from a theological and historical framework for interpreting scripture.  Most of these revolutionaries grew up in a postmodern world and are strongly influenced by postmodern thinking.  Couple that fact with their separation from a system of theological thought or the historical continuity of the Church and it can simply lead to every man doing what is right in his own eyes. Heresy can blossom in such settings.

Can we learn from the Revolution?

Yes!  I believe there are a number of things the local church and church leaders can learn from this revolution. Let me share with you four things that I believe we need to learn.

 We should guard against being inflexible and too resistant to change.

Change is not bad.  Change is a natural, positive and irreplaceable part of normal, healthy growth. When change means a compromise of Biblical truth or core values, then change is bad and should be avoided.  But when change serves as the catalyst for positive spiritual growth, it is good, normative and should be welcomed.  The local church, far too often, stiff-arms change simply because the members are comfortable with what they are doing and had rather not be inconvenienced by change.

 We should guard against elevating what is traditional to the plane of what is Biblical.

In the average Christian church, almost everything we do is based on tradition.  The times and places we meet, the ministries we offer, the structure we follow and the music and instruments we use are all largely dictated by tradition.  Traditions are helpful and at times even important, but they must not be confused with God-given commands.  Traditions should never have the same authority as scripture.  Tradition can become such a mechanical part of who we are and what we do that over time the distinction between a tradition and Biblical truth can become blurred.  Worse yet, there may be a tendency to think that faithful obedience to our tradition is well pleasing to God, when in all reality, we may be doing things He neither commands nor cares about, while the things for which He sent His Son we regard as of little or no importance.

 We should guard against the church’s being member driven rather than mission driven.

The local church is not a club, society or an organization that exists for the pleasure of its members.  It is not a democracy where everybody has his or her say.  It is the body of Christ where believers are matured toward Christlikeness and equipped for ministry and where the lost are evangelized.  Far too many local churches exist only for the pleasure and edification of their membership and have totally forgotten and inadvertently abandoned the mission that God has given them to accomplish.  A church that doesn’t exist for redemptive activity has no reason to exist.

 We should guard against becoming denominationally focused

rather than community impacting.

The local church is not just another branch office to collect revenue and promote the company brand for some denomination.   The local church must focus on and be engaged with the community in which it lives.  History has proven that a focus on what the denomination is doing rather than what the local church is doing is a clear sign of death for both.

Barna may be right about the revolution, but I hope he is wrong about the local church. I am aware that God can get His work done with or without the local church, at least as we know it.  But if the local church experiences revival, it can yet be a powerful force for God.  So while the revolution unfolds, I will rejoice in whatever good it is doing and continue to pray for and work toward revival and renewal in the local church.

Great Preachers

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Church, Ministry

–March of 2005

Great Preachers

I was comfortably settled in at my writing desk preparing to polish off the rough draft of an article I had written for this issue of the Revivalist, when all of a sudden my pen refused to write another word about the subject at hand.  Instead, it wanted to write about some of the great preachers I have known.  The shift in focus could be attributed to the fact that I had just returned home from the funeral of one of the greatest orators in the holiness movement, and I was still thinking about his life and preaching ministry.   Nevertheless, the subject has been on my mind for months, so I gave in and let my pen have its way.

As a preacher, a student of preaching, and someone responsible for the training of preachers, I have had a keen interest in what makes for great preaching and great preachers.   Though notable scholars and great preachers have written numbers of books on this subject, I feel the need to add my observations with a list of the characteristics of some of the great preachers I have known.  This is not a list about good men, good pastors or good leaders.  It is not an exhaustive list.  It is strictly a list of the characteristics I have observed in men that I consider to be great preachers.

1. They are men who have had an encounter with God that marked their lives forever.

For some it was their conversion, while for others it was the point of total surrender and heart cleansing.  For others it was their call to preach.  The issue is not so much when or how they had a life-altering encounter, but that it had indeed happened.  Like Moses, they had a burning bush encounter with God, or like Jacob they met him in struggle.  However it happened, their encounter with God marked them forever and left them with the firm conviction that for them is was “preach or perish.”

2. They are men of strong belief and firm convictions.

Armed with the conviction that they speak for God, they speak with authority and certainty out of a well-developed belief system, which is based solidly on the principles and convictions of the Word of God.  They don’t care whether they speak the company line or not.  They care nothing about being politically correct.  They don’t look the crowd over to see what message fits best.  They speak for God!  We are plagued today with mild-mannered men who have developed the art of almost saying something.  They never draw a line in the sand or speak of absolute truth.  You never know where they stand on anything!  Not so with the greats.  They are men who give no uncertain sound.

3. They are men with big souls.

H.E. Schmul was a man that characterized this as well as any.  He could embrace others that didn’t agree with him on every jot and tittle.  He knew what he believed, was secure in what he believed, and wasn’t afraid to embrace his brother who was a little to the left or right of him. Though he didn’t personally identify with the more mainstream groups, he didn’t just cut them off or de-Christianize them.  J. Wesley Adcock, R.G. Flexon, L.D. Wilcox, R. G. Humble, V.O. Agan, and Robb French were all men of this caliber.  Robb French imposed upon himself some very rigid convictions, but never made others feel spirituality inferior for not doing the same.

4.  They are men with a great capacity and love for all of life.

They are men who walk the narrow way without being narrow minded.  They are not so focused on the world to come that they miss the beauty of the world that is around them.  L.D. Wilcox loved the symphony and attended it often.  He also had a great love for growing flowers, especially roses.  Dr. Dale Yocum was a great lover of science.  He was at home gazing at the constellations or talking with the animals.  H.E. Schmul loved traveling and was extremely knowledgeable of Civil War History.  Millard Downing never lost his love for farming and farm animals.  Larry Smith is quite knowledgeable of antiques and architecture.

5.  They have inquisitive minds that have been developed by constant learning.

They are well read in the Bible, theology, and history.  They have read some of the great literature and the classics.   They stay abreast of current Christian thought.   Their reading has prepared them to speak forcefully to the issues of contemporary life and the current trends in theological thought.  Richard Taylor, Dennis Kinlaw, Larry Smith, and Bobby French are examples of this.

6.  They know how to tell a good story.

They understand the value of a good illustration and know how to tell it with great effect.   Millard Downing, Standley Kendall, Paul Lucas, and R.G. Flexon perfected this art.  Richard Taylor uses illustrations with the most precision of any I have heard.  His stories always enlighten and make the point well.  Great preachers know that the difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between a lightning bug and lightning.

7.  They preach the Bible—all of it.  They are not “one stringed” preachers.

Some preachers are always on a “crusade” for their personal agenda.  Great preachers understand that they are Ambassadors for Heaven and that they must speak the whole counsel of God.  Great preachers don’t just ride a hobbyhorse or seek to be known for a single emphasis.  H.E. Schmul said to me once, “Avery, I am not just a ‘holiness preacher.’”  He went on to explain that there was more to preach than the doctrine of entire-sanctification (though he firmly embraced it, preached it effectively, and saw it as central in redemption).  He admonished me to preach all of the great themes of the Bible.

8.  They maintain their individuality and preach out of their own personal gifts and strengths.

Almost every time Larry Smith preaches in chapel he says apologetically, “I’m not an expositor, or a firstly, secondly, and thirdly preacher.  I’m just an exhorter.”   Yet, when Larry lets God use him, just as he is, I know of none that can equal his eloquence and depth.    J.W. Adcock had a photographic memory and could quote his sermons verbatim with great effect, while R. G. Humble, V.O. Agan, and R.G. Flexon read every word of theirs with the same great effect.   Millard Downing had no equal in illustrative story telling.  His ability to use words to graphically describe biblical truth made his ministry both captivating and powerful.   L.D. Wilcox was not a captivating speaker, yet his ability to take a profound theological truth and make it understandable to even children was his strength, and he worked effectively from that vantage point.  Great preachers are comfortable with their style and use it for God’s glory.  If you ever heard O.W. Willis, you could never forget the cadence of his speaking.  Men like Bud Robinson and August Leulf turned speech impediments into a means of captivating an audience.   R.E. Carroll would occasionally punctuate his preaching with a piercing shout.  As unconventional as it may have been, it added something to his ministry.  Wingrove Taylor stands a still as a statue, speaks in a conversational tone, and alliterates every line.  All of these men are very different, yet all very effective.  God needs individual personalities to pour his truth through!

9.  Their ministry is marked by the optimism of grace.

Great preachers are like the tide; they lift people.  The story is told that when the great Scottish preacher, George Matheson, begin to preach in Edinburgh, an old lady who lived a dark, dirty cellar moved to an apartment in an attic that was light and airy.  When asked about her move she said, “You cannot hear George Matheson preach and live in a cellar.”  The ministry of great preachers can be summed up in words spoken about Job, “Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees.”

My life has been blessed by the unique contributions of many great preachers.  It is my prayer that the young men of tomorrow’s pulpit will allow God to use them to make their unique contribution to His Kingdom.

Pastor – Save Thyself

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Church, Ministry

–October of 2004

Pastor – Save Thyself

Almost everyone knows someone who used to be in the ministry.  Statistics show that for every twenty men who enter the ministry, only one will still be actively involved at the age of 65.  No one goes into the ministry expecting to be a casualty.  Some have to leave for health reasons.  Some wash out because of personal or moral failure (approximately 20 percent are involved in inappropriate sexual behavior).  Some burn out from long-term stress.  Some are forced out by a church.  Some walk out because of a sense of failure.  Some never leave the ministry but “check out” mentally and emotionally.

Fortunately, we all know pastors who have given a lifetime of effective service to the church. They are godly men who have grown old gracefully and still serve the church in their advanced years.  Is there a word of counsel that could expand their ranks?

Sound Advice from a Seasoned Veteran

Every minister ought to read the letters to Timothy at least once a quarter.  The aged apostle gives young Timothy sound advice for staying on course and going the distance.  I Timothy 4:16 is a verse every pastor ought to memorize.  In it Paul gives a three-fold secret to succeeding.

Pay Attention to Yourself

The minister can become so focused on the public aspect of his ministry that he forgets to keep a sharp eye on his private walk with God.  Paul’s advice is clear, “Take heed unto thyself.”  The vast majority of ministry failures (no matter what the visible reason might be) can be traced to the neglect of the pastor’s own soul.  He fails to cultivate an established pattern of private prayer, Bible study and worship.  Pastors who have developed a regular pattern of personal soul care are able to work out of a spiritual fullness.  When ministry flows out of a full heart, it is both satisfying and successful.  But, men who try to draw water out of an empty bucket will be men that are stressed out, overwhelmed, and constantly looking for a different situation.  Whenever we allow our ministry to be motivated by anything other than love for God, or empowered by anything other than His Spirit, it begins to work against us and starts the process of self-destruction.  I keep a quote by James Montgomery Boice on my desk that says, “Christian service isn’t measured by the results we see from it, or even by the example we communicate by it, but what we become through it.”

Never Stop Learning

Paul knew the joys of seeing his message accepted and the sorrow of seeing it rejected.  But, through it all, he continued to preach the word of God in season and out of season.  Regardless of what facet of ministry we are in, we are obligated to clearly, accurately, and persistently communicate Biblical truth. For this to happen, the minister must be constantly learning.  He must continue to expand his knowledge of the Bible and all related subjects that enable him to remain fresh and effective.  One of the dangers of ministry is that it can keep you from learning.  Expanding buildings and activities is much easier than expanding your soul and growing your mind.  But to fail here is to fail altogether.  Shallow ministers and shallow ministries are the seedbed for emotionalism, liberalism, legalism, and all sorts of heresy.

Just Keep Doing It

Those who have been in ministry for some time understand the temptation to throw in the towel, especially when the problems are large, the crowd is small, and the benefits of leaving seem to outweigh those of staying.  But, there is something to be said for just hanging in there and being faithful to preach the Word.

The words of the old apostle seem to lack the smoothness and charm that twenty-first century ears prefer, but if you will simply follow them you will “save yourself, and them that hear thee.”

Wal-Mart Theology

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Church, Culture, Theology

–May of 2003

Wal-Mart Theology

I think it’s fair to say that the church has at times affected the prevailing political and economic philosophies of the day in a very positive way.  I also think it’s fair to say that the prevailing political and economic philosophies have at times adversely affected the church.  One such example is what I call the churches adoption of a “Wal-Mart theology”.

The late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, changed the economic philosophy of the market place with his “Wal-Mart approach” to merchandising.  He built a multi-billion dollar business around three basic premises.  1. Give the customer what they want. 2. Give it to them cheaper than anybody else.  3. Build loyalty with feigned friendliness and surface relationships.

It is an approach that has clearly affected the church. The church now offers a menu of activities, worship styles, and preaching that has something for everyone.  Unsaved, carnal churchgoers can get their weekly fix of “spiritual life” without ever being made uncomfortable.  The talk show style preacher has ousted the thundering prophet.  His suave humor and well-honed ability to “almost say something” has made churchgoers all across America feel good about being in church.  Give them what they want is verse one of the new creed!

Pollsters are scratching their head over the fact that people are going back to church in record numbers, yet the morality of our country is still on the decline.  This is a direct result of churches that have discounted the price of what it means to be a Christian.  Instead of stressing a repentance from sin and a call to radical holiness, they offer a crown without a cross, faith without faithfulness, and a spiritual life that doesn’t have to be a separated life.  It’s no longer the narrow way but the cheapest way that is a part of today’s church.

How has the Church been affected by the third premise?  We’ve adopted the Wal-Mart greeter’s philosophy.  We smile, shake hands, and move on.  Churches are filled with people who have nothing but superficial relationships with their fellow attendees (if they know them at all). The whole concept of community and accountability that’s supposed to be a part of the church isn’t there.  The words of Jesus in Matthew 25 that, “I was a stranger and you took me in”, point out the fact that the Church must reach out in true love and friendship pulling others in to the inner circle of their own lives.  The Christian must build bridges to other human beings and offer themselves to a needy, hurting world.  You can’t do that with out being willing to get intimately involved in someone else’s life.

Isaac Watts had never heard of Wal-Mart Theology when he penned these words, “Am I a soldier of the Cross, a follower of the Lamb, and shall I fear to own His cause or blush to speak His name?   Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?  Sure I must fight if I would reign, increase my courage, Lord.  I’ll bear the toil endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.”   No disrespect, Mr. Sam, but Isaac’s got it right!