I am sure that you are familiar with the term “come to Jesus.” When you were a child and did something wrong, your father would tell you to shape up, or he would have a come to Jesus talk with you. What he meant was that you were going to get it. You were going to get into some serious trouble because of your misbehavior.
Why would a Church need to have a come to Jesus meeting? If they were a Bible based Church, then they would have already come to Jesus a long time ago. When your congregation rises because of failed leadership, what does that mean?
Why would any group want to rise against Church leaders if they were following Biblical principals? 1 Peter 5:2 “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” What shameful gain is 1 Peter talking about in this passage?
Is the leadership of the Church making their place of worship a God? Does the burning desire for money overshadow saving souls from an eternity in hell? Does the theatrical performance take up more time on Sunday than the message from the Bible? How about all of those fun activities, do they build relationships with God?
You might think that I am a little harsh or blunt in my characterization of a failing Church. If the focus of the Church is not on bringing people to God and saving their souls, then what purpose does it serve?
Is your Church bearing good fruit?
Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” What does a Church make as their God? If your Church leaders are worshiping anything other than God the creator, then they are stumbling in this verse.
Why Churches have come to Jesus meetings
Are you seeing people's lives change in a Godly way? Are people being led to the Lord or are they turning away?
Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where is your treasure, is it found in the pew you sit in? Is it found in the activities that you engage in? Do you find joy in your walk with Jesus?
I guess to me, having a come to Jesus meeting means the end of the road. The spirit has far been removed from the mission of the Church. There is nothing left to build on. The only way to salvage of what remains is to start desiring God again. You can't slap a new coat of paint on a sinful blemish. The blemish is still there but just covered up. Fresh leadership with a desire to serve the Lord is a must. Lots of prayers are imperative as well. We should be seeking God's guidance continually.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
The good news is God can make all wrongs right. He wants us to succeed and follow him. God is not working against us if we are trying to get to him. God is alongside us through our struggles if we invite him in. The sooner you make God your primary focus, the faster your Church will recover.