Role Reversal

Mark 16:15 “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

 

I made a statement in one of my last posts that I think the saints should be on the streets and the sinners should be in the church. I have had this thought on my mind all day, and think that this is a major issue in the church today. Maybe if the world and church switch places we would find more people are coming to know Christ.

The above verse is my basis for this idea. Christ called for the disciples to go out and preach the gospel. We call this the “Great Commission”. We as a church use this idea as a way to motivate new pastors and ministers for the line of work they are about to embark on, and then it stops there. We have so many small churches in the world that there is no reason why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not in every ear. The saints are stuck in the house of God and wonder why their religion is failing. Maybe it is because we forgot are main job, “Go out”.

I am calling for action on this post, because I know that one church or a handful of churches cannot do this alone. I call for those who carry the banner of Jesus Christ to hit the streets. Go to the people. We talk about how Jesus spent a majority of His time in the lowest of the lows, in the places none would dare set foot in if they believed in God, yet when it came time to edify this motion we become so scared to step out.  It is time for us to stop just talking the talk and walk the walk. Get yourself out there.

I was in a meeting a while back with a bunch of members of an organization I work with to bring the gospel to kids. We were talking about how there is a bunch of splash back against this organization, and how it has become very difficult for them to get into schools. We discussed how people and ministry groups are so afraid to step into this field of ministry due to other anti-christian groups will come into the schools as well. This was mentioned and I saw fear on the eyes of everyone in the room, then our state organizer simply said “Let them come.” Everyone was shocked. Our boss man then said that “they have just as much right to be in the schools, but watch and see if the kids go to those clubs.” As a Christian we constantly forget the idea that if God is for us then who can stand against us. We constantly forget that God is a refuge and strength. We forget the God is a very present help in times of trouble. Maybe it is time for Christians to get over their fears and hit the streets.

A question I get when I was telling people about this idea is, “But how do we get people in the church then?” This is a very valid question. Think about water displacement. If I fill a bathtub full of water, then sink an object into the tub, the amount of water is proportionate to the item in the tub. If we send out a bunch of Christians into the world and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in a world that is full of sinners, then a proportionate amount of sinners should come to the church. “Pastor Wayne, that doesn’t always add up equally.” You’re right! It is never a 1:1 ratio, but the fluctuations are worth it. If I send a million saints into the world and only get one sinner to come to church I will be happy. At least the million saints are preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world who may never be in church. However, if we put the bug in the ears of the sinners, human nature is a curious one, they will come to find out more!

It is time for the Saints to hit the streets, and the sinners to get to church!