Recently a friend of ours told us of a friend that she has been helping. Her senior friend lives alone in a third-story apartment. Physically she uses a walker and is not able to do much for herself anymore. Emotionally she is discouraged and is lonely. She needs help and our friend has been trying to help her, but there is only so much she can do in addition to her own daily needs.
The helper asked her friend if she ever hears from the church where she is a member. Have they ever contacted her and either offered to help or at least pray for her? Unfortunately, her answer was "no". I wasn't surprised.
Now without giving the name of the church, let me just say that it is one of the very largest fundamental churches in Lancaster County. Their website lists 80 staff people, although some are mentioned more than once. Their duties cover almost everything imaginable. An interesting situation.
So our friend decides to call their church to share this member's need. She was shocked to find that they really weren't interested and to the best of our knowledge still have not done anything for her.
Unfortunately, this response is probably too common in churches today. Most seem more interested in raising their attendance, maintaining budgets, expanding programs, increasing staff size and making their Sunday services entertaining.
Now should you ask a church leader what the purpose of their church is, you will likely get a meaningful response such as "we want to invest our lives in building up the Family of God into biblical maturity and expanding the Family of God by proclaiming the gospel in our homes, our church, our community, and to the end of the earth." And who can argue with that goal?
Instead, in your interview with this leader why not ask these questions: How many hospital visits have been made by your staff? How many home visits of sick and homebound have been made? How many times have folks been given communion in hospitals or at home? How many times has the telephone been used to contact and pray with those who are homebound or have serious needs? How many times have you provided the homebound with important announcements and information? What provision do you have to help those in need with home repairs and upkeep, special financial needs and daily living needs? How often do your staff members pray with your homebound folks?
Now times have changed. People don't always want visits today. They are busy, unlike 50 years ago when my grandfather made over 1,000 pastoral visits each year. But people do want to know that their church cares, even if they can't currently attend services. And they don't mind using the telephone which is great for short meaningful visits and prayers. Why not use it for important contacts?
The helper asked her friend if she ever hears from the church where she is a member. Have they ever contacted her and either offered to help or at least pray for her? Unfortunately, her answer was "no". I wasn't surprised.
Now without giving the name of the church, let me just say that it is one of the very largest fundamental churches in Lancaster County. Their website lists 80 staff people, although some are mentioned more than once. Their duties cover almost everything imaginable. An interesting situation.
So our friend decides to call their church to share this member's need. She was shocked to find that they really weren't interested and to the best of our knowledge still have not done anything for her.
Unfortunately, this response is probably too common in churches today. Most seem more interested in raising their attendance, maintaining budgets, expanding programs, increasing staff size and making their Sunday services entertaining.
Now should you ask a church leader what the purpose of their church is, you will likely get a meaningful response such as "we want to invest our lives in building up the Family of God into biblical maturity and expanding the Family of God by proclaiming the gospel in our homes, our church, our community, and to the end of the earth." And who can argue with that goal?
Instead, in your interview with this leader why not ask these questions: How many hospital visits have been made by your staff? How many home visits of sick and homebound have been made? How many times have folks been given communion in hospitals or at home? How many times has the telephone been used to contact and pray with those who are homebound or have serious needs? How many times have you provided the homebound with important announcements and information? What provision do you have to help those in need with home repairs and upkeep, special financial needs and daily living needs? How often do your staff members pray with your homebound folks?
Now times have changed. People don't always want visits today. They are busy, unlike 50 years ago when my grandfather made over 1,000 pastoral visits each year. But people do want to know that their church cares, even if they can't currently attend services. And they don't mind using the telephone which is great for short meaningful visits and prayers. Why not use it for important contacts?
Incidentally, just this week the Surgeon General came out with a report about the danger in the surge of loneliness in this country. It is a major danger as serious as smoking. What will this country do about it? What will our churches do about it for the people who have been part of their fellowship? Will they care?
Have you ever thought about this? Do you agree with me that care of the homebound is one of the biggest shortcomings of churches today? Maybe you don't because you've never experienced a long period of having to miss your church and your church friends. Maybe you've never felt missed by those who should be part of your family and should be your encouragers. Maybe you've never been lonely?
Well, believe me, many have, especially during the recent pandemic, and believe me, it hurts! It hurts to be forgotten by your church family!
Well, believe me, many have, especially during the recent pandemic, and believe me, it hurts! It hurts to be forgotten by your church family!
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