The Church of the Revolving Door
This is a guest post by Kevin Eagle.
I just read a blog post by Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One of the descriptions he used for NCC was that they were a “revolving door” church:
We experience, on average, 40% turnover per year. So we have a new congregation every two and a half years. The wonderful thing about that is that we have extended family all over the place. We’re almost like this revolving door church that is always sending people out.
He doesn’t see this as a problem, but it is definitely a challenge to try and grow while continually losing 40% per year. But my thoughts take a different direction. What if one of the goals of every church was to be a “revolving door” and intentionally and constantly disciple and then send people out?
What Would a Revolving Church Look Like?
Many churches would balk at the idea of having a new congregation every two years, or even the fact that the numbers never really grew, but stayed the same. But what a beautiful way to “go into all the world and make disciples.”
Why has it become the status quo to grow in numbers only and stay in one location?
Why do we insist on patting ourselves on the back for bringing extra people into that one place, instead of praising God for the impact that we have had throughout the world?
I really think it’s time for the church to change its methods. I know, I know, you’ve heard it all before, and who am I to step up to the plate with the likes of Mark Batterson to make change happen?
Who Am I?
Who am I, indeed!
I am a shepherd, I am a fisherman, I am a tax collector, I am zealot, I am a disciple, I am an apostle, I am a new creation, I am who God made me to be. We, the church, as a community under Christ’s reign, can be all things to all people.
It’s sad, though, that we want to stay walled up in our buildings and protected from the outside world, only to invite people inside in order to try and show them what we can be. Our example in the world must take place outside of our four walls. It must be visible and relevant to the world around us, not just to those who choose to walk in our front doors. But if they do choose to walk in, we must also be prepared to send them back out.
Thoughts? Discuss.
I concur. I've had the same thoughts about revolving doors.
Although, I would add that we also need elevators or escalators in the church to take people to another level. Rather than walking in and out on the first floor, why not take them up a few floors, push them out a window and let them fly with their own wings?
Just a thought.
I love this thought, Ryan. Thanks for doing your part to push it to the next level!
Kevin
If anybody needs thoughts or best practices, your friendly neighborhood veteran college minister has been dealing with this for years! As with many areas, College Ministry is great R&D for the Church at large!
I remember hearing Craig Groeshel at OneDay last year talking about how one weekend he encouraged the congregation to go try other churches…especially the ones that didn't feel plugged in. Kind of a different angle than what you're saying, but I love the idea of pastors constantly encouraging members to find their church/community home!
Thanks for posting this, Justin!
Really goes with the concept of the big 'C' church. God calls us to be a part of his Church as an entire body of believers. However, we attend our local church to GROW & discover the PURPOSE He has for us.
How long we stay at the same little 'c' church doesn't matter. What we do as a part of the Church does.
Yes, Miss Tara.
It is my good pleasure to give exposure to our wonderfully talented guest posters!
Fresh air. 100 percent oxygen. Thank you for so beautifully articulating your perspective.
Just doing what I can to make this world a better place
Fresh air. 100 percent oxygen. Thank you for so beautifully articulating your perspective.
Just doing what I can to make this world a better place