What does a church look like when it is overloaded on the fellowship side? It will have many traditions that are not to be changed. These traditions can take the form of programs which have outlived their usefulness or have been duplicated by new ministries, but no one will pull the plug. The traditions can take the form of ceremonies that honor members, but have nothing to offer someone new or someone who is not part of the church culture. None of those things are inherently wrong, and may actually serve some good purpose, but are elevated to an unhealthy importance by virtue of their longevity. Churches need to look at their church calenders to see if opportunities for effective ministry have to remain untried because the historic traditions take precedence. Church members should take a hard look to see if they are missing opportunities to do effective ministry because their time and finances are all going to ceremonies and programs that serve only to honor the already saved.
I'll discuss the church with an unhealthy emphasis on mission, tomorrow.
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