I am confronted with this issue every single day of my life. I have been for quite a while but this one seems to get bigger rather than smaller. Here’s my observation — we’re all busy; too busy. American is filled with more to do. We have endless entertainment choices, business opportunities, and social engagements . . . and this mentality has overtaken the church.
Daily I talk with churches that are busy coordinating schedules, events, staff, and programs. At the end of the day, they’re circus actors juggling large, bright balls. In these conversations I can sense their frustration — how do we fit in one more thing (including the latest six-month software implementation project that I just unveiled to them). I can relate. I’ve been there. I’ve had weeks where every single night was filled with another church function. From these experiences and from the churches I work with daily, I am learning a few things.
1. Less is more.
We have been trained to believe that if we have more, do more, and fill our lives with more experiences, we’ll be happier. We won’t. As I shared in one of my recent blog posts, we’re in a season of rest. However, in order to protect that, I have had to become quite adamant about what we do and what we don’t do. Currently, we’re not filling our evenings with small group meetings, prayer gathers, or another social event. The church has to do the same. We have to stop believing the lie that another event or ministry will fix the gaping hole in the lives of people. People want relationship and that can’t be created by a ministry or scheduled into the calendar. Often times those things actually prove to prevent relationship rather than enhance it.
2. Figure out what is core.
What is central to your church and your ministry? What is central to your life as a family and as a believer in Jesus. Whatever happens, stay true to those central, foundational beliefs and avoid the pressure to do more. There are a lot of things that may be beneficial in our lives and in our ministries. However, we have to determine what is truly critical. Eliminate the beneficial in order to focus on the critical. Which leads me to the next point.
3. Simplify.
Simplify your life. Simplify your ministry. Our fear is that if our lives or our ministries become oversimplified, we’ll be less effective. While there is a part of us that resonates with the message of simplicity, it’s because of this fear that we reject it. We’re afraid that without that women’s ministry someone might go down the street to another church. Or what if we don’t have a full-blown missions program? Someone may go on a short-term trip with another church or organization. What if we don’t have an in-depth counseling program? Our people may go see a professional, secular counselor. The answer to all of those questions is, “You’re probably right.” However, by focusing on too many things, we’re likely no longer good at what we were really created to be doing in the first place.
When asked by a newcomer or a long time attender, “what is your church all about,” they should be able to easily identify who you are what is core in just a few sentences — MAX! If they’re still talking two minutes later, you may just need to lay off a few of the circus jugglers … at least those are my thoughts.
Like it a lot! Thanks for taking the time to put this into words. Would love to pick your brain more!
Great observation. It’s something so vital to the steady growth of a business as well and that is realizing what you are really “good at” or what seems to be where your “gift mix” is most happy and therefore successful. It seems that investing most of our energies; time, conversation, and investment helps keep this “main thing” the main thing. And the “busy” a bit more peaceful. Not easy though! Or could it be fleshing out your vision statement… trusting it…sticking to it…and therefore trusting God to see it through over the long haul? Again, only by faith right? But your right, here in America, and in life, there is plenty to do. When all the plates drop I know we’ll all see Jesus more clearly. This I’m sure of.
Jon, this is something that I realized in my life a couple of years ago – and it’s been a journey ‘unbusifying’ myself since. It’s as if our default is set to ‘busy’ anymore – and I believe that ‘busy’ is the new ‘fine’. How are you? Busy! I stepped off the busy train a while ago and have been developing a life of quiet and mindfulness. I like things much better this way. At first – it felt scary not to have a calendar full. It was then that I realized that I had let busyness make me feel that I was important. “Look how busy I am! I must be really important!” I could go on, but I won’t. : -) I’m so glad you are getting off the busy train too Jon – I’m glad you are protecting your season of rest. You do have to fight for it – which sounds crazy – but busyness is insidious, and unless you really stay conscious, it’s so easy to slip back into the old routine. xo
Jon – this is a great post. I think it is funny that I just saw it. We just had one of those evenings reviewing calendars and tasks and obligations and activities….just to realize we can’t fit it all in….at least for the next two months. I want to take your advice, I really do. I just don’t have time! (OK, just kidding…we will make progress slowly). Love you and your spirit….keep up the fight.