The Fayette Citizen-Religion Page
Wednesday, February 17, 1999
Bring back the Jesus method

The Rev. Dr.

John Hatcher

Religion Columnist

The church has only itself to thank for its "bear" pews because it's definitely a bear market for most churches. Now, isn't it a tragedy that when I say, "most" churches, that I am right. I'll give you an example. The Southern Baptist Convention reports more than 42,000 affiliate churches. Of those 42,000, more than 7,000 churches did not baptize a single convert last year.

On top of that sad fact, we discover that more Baptist churches are experiencing decline than incline. Deaths and members transferring out to other denominations outnumber additions. That's decline. But Southern Baptists are not alone. Decline is widespread. Now, why? I've got ideas.

For years, churches were preacher-centered. The preacher's personality and oratory carried the church. Only few would refute that the First Baptist Church of Dallas has been carried along the 20th century by the pulpit giants of George W. Truett and W.A. Criswell. Well, with the seven-minute attention span of most adults created by television's lacing commercials with program great orators don't have much of a chance any longer.

Many churches opted for survival through programs. They figured the more programs (ministries) they offered, the more people they would attract and hold. However, due to the fact that the average church attendance is 75, providing a multiplicity of programs became a burnout factory: same people doing all the work. The truth is that most churches can't do much more than a choir, a limited youth program, and Bible study groups.

Somewhere along the way, churches with limited preaching and programs got the idea that performance and production would generate a new customer base. Hence, the Broadway and Hollywood approach to Easter and Christmas. The church reasoned that if we can convince the unchurched folks that we knew something about entertainment, they would come our way. The sad truth is that elaborate programs do little to enlarge the church.

So, what's the secret? I think I know, but nobody wants to hear it. I haven't been invited to any great growth conferences. Maybe because it's too simple. It's a method that church leaders and members avoid like the plague. They would rather filibuster against it rather than simply do it.

It's one-on-one. Far too simple for our high-tech crowd. Why, would it not be better to design and set up a web page? Would it not be better to plan another program?

Why did 7,000 Baptist pastors close out last year without seeing one person converted? Because 7,000 Baptist pastors did not share one-on-one with an unbeliever. Because 7,000 Baptist pastors probably preached more than 100 sermons, but made less than a handful of personal visits. Most of their visits were to the sick and not to the hell-bound (excuse my Baptist flavor coming out). Folks, it's not the preaching or the programs or the productions that will be get the job done. It's personal. It's one-on-one. It's the Jesus method.

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