Roadblocks to Vibrancy
Few things are more frustrating to your vacation plans than traveling on an interstate when traffic is at a stand still. We envision ourselves traveling over 70mph but the speedometer reads “0.” It usually isn’t until someone ahead either moves or someone works to remove the roadblock that the traffic will begin to flow again.
At one point in every congregation there was excitement, growth and health. People were excited about what God could do and so they started a church. People were saved, discipled and the church ministered to many. However, at some point, many congregations came to a stand still. For some congregations the car was put in reverse and has been there for some time.
The good news is that if people will begin to move forward in its mission or if someone will work to remove the congregational roadblocks, the congregation can put itself back in drive again and recapture a new understanding of their role in God’s Kingdom. What do those roadblocks look like today?
- Complacency
- Carnality
- Self-centered instead of other centered
- A museum view of church instead of a hospital view of church
- A congregation that looks very different than the community where it is found.
- Hopelessness
This is not an exclusive list but if you will identify the roadblocks and are diligent to remove them, your congregation can begin to move forward again. If you struggle to identify the roadblocks, try inviting someone who has never been to your church to come and give a personal report about their experiences. It is the desire of the Holy Spirit and He will help you see and grant you the courage to act on His behalf. The Lord is with you.