Yesterday I attended a wedding and reception of a family from our church. At the reception I met and talked with a guy who has been attending for a number of years, along with his family. I recognized his face and name, but had never actually met him and talked to him. This happens in a church of our size with multiple services and programs.

The discussion topic soon turned to our church, and the situation we find ourselves in without a “senior pastor” for almost 3 years now. Without any prompting on my part, he offered his perceptions of our church and our leadership styles.

Basically, he told me that he saw our church and leadership as “not wanting to change” and unable to articulate a vision for the future. He told me of his experience and giftedness in worship leading and music ministry in past churches, and his frustrating experience trying to “break in” to the music ministry at our church. He communicated his utter lack of understanding of some of the decisions made by our leadership surrounding worship services, schedules and types of worship communities.

He told me that if our church wanted to reach our community, in his opinion we would need to learn how to communicate with it. He was very concerned about the younger generations, and how they would be drawn to the church if we keep going as we are.

He told me how he and his family currently decide if they will attend our church based upon who the guest speaker is for the coming week. If the topic doesn’t sound very interesting, they will visit other churches, always much further away, usually down in the city. They’ll just make a day of doing other things in the city.

To me the conversation was bittersweet. Here I was getting to know someone else in the same body that I belong to, in a more personal way. Yet, the topics and experiences shared were sad. Sad because I heard many of the same issues that I sense and feel and hear many others articulating as well. Themes like: general lack of direction, missed opportunities, resistance to putting everything on the table for possible serious change and radical renewal.

On the positive side, I was hearing from a guy who actually cares about the church – our church. A guy who wants something better spiritually for himself and his family. A guy with gifts and abilities who would rather use them, than not. A guy with a heart for serving in our communities, demonstrating the gospel by action.

What concerns me is what we will do about people like this guy, who are becoming disheartened, and disenfranchised, and are looking elsewhere – slipping through the cracks. By waiting for the “senior pastor” to come and lead us, are we not losing so much ground, momentum and opportunities? This guys experience and willingness to serve is one of the missed opportunities.

One thing that I take away from this “chance conversation” is that I am not alone. Many others are feeling like I do. In a climate like this, all it would take is for someone with some credibility and boldness to articulate a vision and mission for reaching our community in a new and relevant manner, and there would be a lot of people who would rally to follow and pursue that vision.

What does God want our church to do? Are we willing to get on board with His vision and plan for us and our community? That is the real question… and what am I going to do about it?