PAROCHIAL PARALYSIS

I Was Just Thinking About – PAROCHIAL PARALYSIS.

There is an expression that indicates: “As now – so then!” The basic idea is that the way one lives now is the predictable way one will live in the future. It also refers to a mindset that easily develops that expresses itself in many ways, among which are: (a) “We’ve always done it this way.” Or,  (b) “We’ve tried that before.” From a parochial standpoint, it is essentially proving” “narrowness in outlook or scope.” This was a problem addressed by Jesus with His disciples early in their learning from Him. The scene is John 4 and the woman at the well. The disciples have gone into a town to purchase food for Jesus and themselves. They question Him as to “why” they are wasting their time when they needed to eat and move on in their journey. After urging Jesus to eat (Verse 31) so they can move along into a place for ministry, He responds (Verse 35), this is not a waste of time but a ministry opportunity: “Do you not say: There are yet four months, then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”

What did Jesus want His disciples to see? The woman He had “wasted His time with” was returning with many of the people from the town where she lived so they could see Jesus and listen to Him. Rather than being in a rush to leave that place, Verse 40 indicates the Samaritans asked Jesus to stay with them. For two more days, Jesus ministered to them. Is there a lesson for the professing Christian and the Church one attends? Yes! There is a need to get over the “parochial paralysis” and begin to represent Jesus in a disciplined and broader ministry purpose.

There were interesting events that occurred almost simultaneously in Selma, Alabama this past weekend. Severe Weather was in the forecast. Tornadoes struct the citizens in Lee County resulting in the death of 23 souls. Meanwhile, the annual March on the Bloody Bridge also was taking place. Notable celebrities were present and gave their typical speeches about voter registration, etc. What was not addressed was the growing educational and personal needs of 42% of the children in Selma. Why is it that the obvious can be and is missed? Sadly, for the city as well as the majority of the churches in Selma, it is parochial paralysis.

Is there a simple solution? No! Many analysts offer their theories and do their fund-raisers but it is seldom from a workable and provable realism. There are many types of methods offered for “Church Growth” and programs that should be embraced. One notable person indicates that he offers a method that will cause a 30% increase in church attendance. However, he is also in a church affiliation where the closure of poorly attended and financially unsound churches are closed annually.

Is there a resolve of any sort? There is a Biblical method that should be energized and where follow-through is needed: Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV), “He gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, the pastors (shepherd-teachers), to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” The genuine Christian and Biblical Church is to prove its viability by an active ministry by all affiliated within the Church. A further point that should be embraced is II Timothy 4:5 (ESV), “always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

The people who comprise the membership of the local church must become engaged in DOING the work of ministry. Until then, the church will dwindle in numbers, survive with less financial support, and embrace a non-Biblical contentment with things the way they are. Does this describe YOU and YOUR Church?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.