The conclusion of my recent article on reasons why apparently believing people might decline to get serious about their local church.

Conclusion

No single factor is turning people off significant local church involvement. It's more complex than that. However the temptation is to look at symptoms rather than causes – is it the worship style? Are we up to date enough? Or too up to date? Is it the time we meet?

And then we tweak and twiddle but avoid the foundational questions. If people's hearts are burning with the love of God then nothing will keep them away; but if they aren't no amount of tweaking will make a lasting difference. We won't find strength in tweaks and twiddles, but only in the joy of the Lord. Therefore my primary piece of advice to all who are asking "why aren't people getting more involved" is to pursue God for his grace and his joy. And then lead the church to enjoy him.

The Apostle Paul's definition of growing in discipleship is "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me" (Phil 1:25-26). And this is what he did with the churches: "Not that we Lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm." (2 Cor 1:24).

Let me finish with a question: are you enjoying God's grace today? And are the members of your church? If not, what are the hurdles preventing you? I pray as I finish writing this article that you will seek him for his grace, be dissatisfied when you are not delighting in him, and that you will worship him with all your heart as you pray for him to grow his church.