Aim at the Target, Part 1 of 5

I recently completed coursework for a doctorate in theology. I worked for months on my thesis on church growth, researching thriving churches and interviewing their leaders on various topics. I thought I’d share a chapter, one portion of it each day this week.

During World War II, America was focused on one objective, simple enough, to “Win the War.” The goal was not to make politicians happy, build relationships with other countries, or to appease Americans. The goal to win the war was obvious, so all of America participated.

• Men went to war.
• Women went to work.
• Everyone contributed goods for recycling for the war effort.
• Families planted victory gardens.
• Families bought war bonds to support the one aim – defeat our enemies.
  

Today, in the midst of a great battle against terrorism that is far more global in scope than our enemies in WWII, America cannot seem to find the target. One writer has stated: “America is not at war, our military is at war. America is at the mall or a Hollywood screening.”

With multiple objectives and no reason or passion for victory, even if victory could be defined by the politicians, victory is nearly impossible. The only way that war can be successful is with one target as the goal and that target being victory over our enemy.

I penned these thoughts for they are an exact replica of what has happened to leadership in many local churches in America today.

• No consensus about what war to fight.
• No consensus that there is a war.
• No consensus on what victory is in the Kingdom.
• No consensus as to how to invest resources to reach a victory.
• No consensus as to a spiritual purpose or calling.
  

This is a tragedy of immense proportion when we remember that Jesus left the local church on earth to finish His work of building the Kingdom of God. One writer has said, “The local church is the hope of the world.” We are the “Body of Christ,” therefore:

• We bring good news
• Visit the sick
• Feed the hungry
• Build hospitals
• Clothe the naked
• Build orphanages
• Plant churches
• Train leaders
• Disciple believers
• Go into every nation, city, and house with the Good News of Jesus

Part two will be posted tomorrow.