The State of the Church
Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Jr. --- August 26, 2007

I live with the constant questions about where we are, where we are going and is God calling us to something new. In our life together as in our individual lives we must always be listening for God's direction - God's call. We must be prepared to follow faithfully. What are our next steps? There is an energy and excitement in this place - but where should we focus? There is a lot that we could do - so what comes next?

You know you have a great history here. For 66 years this church has been, as we say, a landmark of Christ's love - a witness and a testimony to the love of God. We have a great heritage and history -a very positive standing in this community. Those who have gone before have handed to us a very strong tradition and legacy. It is only fitting that we give thanks for their faithfulness.

We should also remember that we had our beginning in 1941 because another church, another Methodist church had been here and had folded up in the 1930's for lack of interest. And that is not just something that happened back then. Every year at Annual Conference we vote to close churches. We see once thriving congregations dwindle away. While this is not our story - it is not our situation - we have to be aware of the larger picture.

I am going to focus on our church, but before we zoom on Warner Robins First United Methodist consider these observations about the church in America. You know 83% of our nation identifies itself as Christian. Surveys and studies vary, but between 70-83% call themselves Christian. And I am not in the habit of judging other's faith, but it just may be that we can talk the talk, but we don't necessarily walk the walk. While ¾ may say I am a Christian, only 49% say they are absolutely committed to Christianity. So 20 to 23% are just Christian till something better comes along. Research shows that only about 40% of those who say they are Christian read the Bible outside of Church in a given month. And of those surveyed only 43% attend religious services regularly and about 20% attend Sunday school. So even taking the highest percentages about 35% of our nation is regular in worship and about 16% attends Sunday school. That is the State of the Church.

The United Methodist church in the US lost members again last year as did our own Annual Conference. Around the world our church is booming, but here at home we are in a state of decline.  Unfortunately, the United Methodist church is not the only denomination affected. The Episcopal Church has experienced a membership decline of more than 20%. The Disciples of Christ have dropped by 29%. The Presbyterian Church has experienced a 25 %decline.

There are many reasons churches grow or don't, but when people have real encounters with God in worship - they come back. And research shows that 80% say they don't feel God's presence in church. No wonder people are leaving the church.

Research shows that the typical believer will die without leading a single person to a relationship with Jesus. And at any given moment the majority of believers do not have a specific person in mind for whom they are praying in hopes that they will come to their own faith. What that says to me is that church is not reaching out. People are going to die - and if nobody is inviting - if new people are not being added then what do we expect except decline?

This is the State of the Church. In some ways - maybe not all ways - but in some ways this is who we are. This is our story and this is our situation. Maybe we don't reflect all of this - but without careful attention we could. But let's narrow the focus. What about First Methodist? What is the State of our Church? We have a great history - how does the present compare? How are we doing?

Probably the first question people ask about is membership. How many members do we have? At the present time we have 792 members. Just to get an idea - if you look back to 1978 - basically 30 years you would see that we are significantly smaller. In fact we are half the size we were in 1984. This chart shows our downward movement over the last 30 years with regard to membership. Now I have no way of knowing what the condition and accuracy of the church roll was then, but consider this statistic. The average attendance in 1984 was reported as 433. Right now it is 326. Yes, it is a hundred less, but given a membership change of 840 that is pretty good. If it was proportionally smaller we would expect our average to be about 200. The fact is our worship attendance is holding steady, but that is mainly because of the growth in our Hispanic service. The majority of our worship growth has been in the 2:00 service. We have better than average attendance for a church our size, but the fact remains that our size is smaller - significantly smaller than 30 years ago.

One sign of church health is 1st time visitors. How many new people are coming to worship? For the last several years I have been tracking visitors. So far this year we have had 83 first time visitors that told us they were here. This is down from the same time last year, but the good news is that many of our visitors of the last year have become regular attendees and even members. We celebrate that people are encountering an authentic community that they want to connect with. But the fact remains, that we need a steady stream of new people coming to this place. We have something to offer them. And we cannot stop the march of time. The fact is the largest part of our membership loss has been to death. People are not leaving to go to another church - we are giving them up to the church eternal in the heavens.

People who study healthy and growing churches say that you should have 3 to 5 first time visitors for every 100 people in worship. So if we average 275 at this service there ought to be 8 to 12 first time visitors here each week. (40 at this service there ought to be at least 1 first time visitor) That is what it takes to be a growing and vibrant congregation. To reach that place we all have to be invitational. It is not likely that 8 people are just going to show up every week because the doors are open and the lights are on. We all have to be intentionally focused on who is the next person I will bring with me. We are trying to make that easy for you. Today in your bulletin there is an invitation for our next sermon series that starts next week. Who are you going to invite? I mean what I should do is stop and go around - name names. Think about it - but more than that - invite somebody.

The research shows that most Christian parents do not believe that they are doing a good job at facilitating the spiritual development of their children. I hear our parents echoing this. That's the very reason for the next 4 weeks we will focus on raising spiritual champions. We want to give parents and the church as a whole some time to reflect on ways we can help develop the faith of our children. And I did say our - even if you don't have kids at home we are in this venture called church together. We all play a part.

Yesterday a team invited our neighbors. They canvassed the houses in McArthur Manor. Who are you going to target? Make it a matter of prayer. You don't have to say gee you are a terrible parent - why don't you come learn something. You don't have to preach, you don't have to have all the answers. You just have to ask. Research shows that the number 1 reason a person visits a church is that a friend invites them. Not a stranger, not an acquaintance, not a preacher - a friend. Who are you going to invite?

And I want to say this word to you. Those of us up here will do our best not to embarrass you. If you go out on a limb to invite your friends we will honor that by seeking to provide a quality service that is not threatening or judgmental. We want you to be excited about including others in what is happening here.

I think this visitor number is real important. In staff one day we were talking about our church and the state of things and one person said I think our church gives great parties, we just don't send out invitations. What we are about is too important - too vital - too life changing to not be invitational. If you could cure cancer and it not cost you anything, but an invitation to a clinic - wouldn't you spread the word far and wide? We have the cure to the most common disease in the history of humanity. We have the antidote for sin and death - how can we help but invite people to this party? We throw a great party - but we don't do so hot an the guests list.

One of the first things people think about when they think of church is Bible study and Sunday school. And we have some awesome teachers and some great classes. Unfortunately, we don't all take advantage of this. The membership rolls for youth, children and adults all peaked in 1994 or before. Our average overall attendance peaked in 1986. This year we are averaging 162 in Sunday school that's ½ of worship. In many places Sunday school attendance exceeds worship attendance. We need to strengthen our study of the scriptures. Everybody ought to be a student of the word .

And we are making strides. In just a few weeks, on September 9th we will launch a new Sunday school class aimed at young adults. We are painting and carpeting a room to have a fresh start for this class that Kevin Simpson will lead. This will help us reach a group that we have failed to serve, but we really need a separate work with college age adults as well. I am praying for more people willing to invest in young adults.

And you know we have good programs for children and youth, but I dream, and this may be my curse, I dream of the day when people will have to compete for space. Believe it or not there are churches with waiting lists for Sunday School and children's church. What if we had such amazing offerings that people would stand in line to get a spot for their child. People camp out to see movies, attend concerts and buy the newest technological toys, but getting them to engage and to engage their children in the growth of soul is a hard sell. We need to look at what we can do to reach more people. I have no doubt that we have the desire, that we have the skill sets, that we have the resources - we have got to bring those together in a way that maximizes them.

When is he going to talk about money? Surely he is going to talk about money. What is the State of our financial picture? This is an area where we are making some very positive steps. The people of God in this place are making more of their hard earned resources available to the work of God. As of the first of this month our expenses were running about under what was budgeted. Our gifts have slightly exceeded our needs to this point in the year. In 2007 we have received $20,000 more than we had received at this point in 2006.

One very healthy sign is that we have stayed current with expenses while doing significant mission work and while buying a new church vehicle. Our new mini-bus is out side and thanks to your generosity it is paid for. To raise $46,000 on top of the budget without hurting the budget at all is a testimony to the generous spirit of God's people in this place.

And there is another financial mile marker that I would like to celebrate with you today. Three years ago next month we moved into the new youth and mission building. 5000 square feet for outreach and youth ministry. As of today we owe ourselves, $522.85 and that building will be paid for, lock stock and barrel. We never had to take out a mortgage. Your financial leaders had made enough long term investments that we could finance it ourselves. And in just 36 months that debt is completely retired and we have met all of our other obligations, apportionments and mission goals. $522.85 and with a little help that could be eliminated today.

Another sign of financial health is that the average pledge increased by $300 in '07. That represents a 7.5% increase. For several years now a number of you have been making steps toward tithing. Giving a full 10% of your income to the work of the church. We are making headway, and we need to continue. I don't want to lapse into a stewardship sermon, but the fact is that God expects us to give. It is part of discipleship. We are not called to make equal gifts, but we are called to make equal sacrifice. While the average gift did increase about 30% of our pledges are behind. I would encourage you to consider automating your tithe.

We have an easy system - you simply fill out the form and attach a deposit slip. Bill will set it up with the bank and every month, or twice a month if you prefer, your gift comes straight to the church. You don't have to write a check, you don't have to remember to mail it, or bring it from home. Automating your giving simplifies your life and it makes a statement that this is a priority for you.

I am not going to say much about our facilities other than to say your Trustees are doing an excellent job. The campus is in as good a shape as ever. They are continually making improvements and doing whatever necessary to provide the space and equipment necessary to do ministry.

In my opinion one of the best measures of a church is what they do for others. Mission and Ministry to the world continue to be the marks of this church. It is what we are known for. I can think of a lot worse ways we could be known than to be known as the church that is mission minded. Not long ago, I was stopped in the hall by a woman who eats in our soup kitchen and attends NA here as well. She said you need to know that your church has kept me alive. You need to know that - your giving, your work matters. As I represent you at community meetings and at local leadership events - whether Houston County or the city if Warner Robins you are known as a people with a heart for missions.

Not for the purpose of boasting, but just because you need to know - consider the ministry of these last 7 months. Since January 1st of this year you have provided groceries - a week's worth of groceries for 3,856 people. 680 of those were children who would be hungry except for this church. So somewhere around 57,840 times people sat down to eat a meal that without your ministry would not have been on their table. Think about that. Nearly 58,000 meals already given away this year.

In the Soup Kitchen every Monday and Friday about 60 people sit down to eat in Carter Hall. Some have jobs, but struggle to cover all the bills. Some live on the streets. Some need the companionship as much as the nutrition. This summer some of the kids that came to Bible school ate with us all summer. Since January the volunteers in the soup kitchen have served over 2800 meals.

To put this in perspective - with these 2 ministries from our church we have served enough meals and given out enough groceries to feed the entire city of Warner Robins a meal. I don't know about you - but to me - that is the loaves and fish all over again. Our church - a congregation of less than 800 has coordinated, funded, housed and staffed ministries to serve the entire population a meal - and all since January 1. We will probably at least match these number in the last half of the year.

So let me encourage you to continue to support this work. Bring some items to keep the shelves stocked. And let me encourage you to volunteer. Some of you can't because of work, but if you are available on a Tuesday or a Thursday volunteer to sack groceries or on Monday or a Friday come serve lunch. You will be blessed. And you will be making a real difference. Like the lady said - you kept me alive.

In addition to food ministry, so far this year we have sent 2 teams to New Orleans to help with the rebuilding. While these crews make a huge difference in the lives of those served there is no doubt that the lasting transformation is done in the lives of the team members. Young and old alike speak of their trip, what they saw and what they did as transformative. Many come home different people.

We also sent 2 missionaries to Ghana. You bought a 4,000 gallon tank for drinkable water. Since then we have raised the money to make a new well a reality in that town. In a village where once the 5,000 plus people had to share 7,000 gallons of clean water for a week - now they have plenty of water for people and animals alike. No more bathing in the run off of the streets and sewers. The generosity and faithfulness of this church has changed the way of life for a whole community.

And the missions go on and on. We partner with missionaries in Russia and the Philippians. Our clothing closet has serves people weekly. Our Methodist Men have built handicapped ramps and an entire playground for the Duke Street Shelter. We put volunteers on the roofs of houses, in classrooms and on the business ends of paint brushes. From renovating space for college ministries, to winterizing homes you are faithful to answer the call to serve your neighbor. I really could go on and on - it really is amazing.

A new ministry began this year to knit and crochet prayer shawls, lap blankets, baby blankets and chemo caps. This group helps those in personal crisis feel the warmth of God's love through hand crafted items and prayer. It is a ministry to those who most desperately need to feel the presence of God. To think of a child taken in by the Rainbow house - a child who has been sexually abused, or who has a sibling that has been abused. A child that has had to leave the familiar surroundings of home and become an alien and stranger because of the acts of another. To provide tangible evidence of love is a powerful ministry. And you have answered the call.

In many ways to me this is the best evidence and testimony to the strength of this church. We may not be the biggest in number, but I guarantee you that there is no church of any denomination in this community with a stronger love of neighbor as exemplified by service to others. Nobody has more heart.

I am not going to say anything about Cheerful Cherubs - other than to say that we are off to another great year, our 57th year of serving children in this community. We are 4 spaces short of being full, so if you know any 2 year olds. This is another way in which this church makes a difference in the lives of members and the community at large.

Our morning worship services continue to improve. People share how they are being challenged and nurtured by our times together. And we do a traditional service than has a contemporary feel. By that it feels alive. At least that is what many of you say. You tell us you are encountering the presence of God in this place. You are being led to greater commitment. And all of that is good. I am glad. I appreciate the effort it takes to put it all together. From sound people, PowerPoint slides, singers and accompanist. You would be surprised how many folks have a hand in this stew. And then when you add the people it takes to broadcast our worship which links us with a lot of people, both members and non- members. It really is a team effort.

I think the time has come to have some serious conversations about our early service. Is it the best use of time and resources to do the same service twice? Should we offer something totally different in terms of style? Could we serve more people with a wider variety of options? And I know the thought of change gets scary. The chicken little in us comes out quickly. But we have to consider how we can reach the most people with the saving message of Christ.

In Ephesians 4 Paul writes these words to the church. They were written 2000 years ago, but they still ring true. In the Message Ephesians 4 reads this way:
In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk-better yet, run!-on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline-not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift.

He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. That was the call to the church at Ephesus and I believe it is the call to the church at Warner Robins.

We don't want to make the mistake Florence Chadwick. In 1952 she attempted to swim the chilly ocean waters between Catalina Island and the California shore. She swam through foggy weather and choppy seas for fifteen hours. Her muscles began to cramp, and her resolve weakened. She begged to be taken out of the water, but her mother, riding in a boat alongside, urged her, not to give up. She kept trying, but grew exhausted and stopped swimming. Aids lifted her out of the water and into the boat. They paddled a few more minutes, the mist broke, and she discovered that the shore was less than a half mile away. `All I could see was the fog," she explained at a news conference. "I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it."

We must not be fooled by the fog. The finish may be only strokes away. God may be, at this moment, lifting his hand to signal Gabriel to grab the trumpet. Angels may be assembling, saints gathering, demons trembling. Stay at it! Stay in the water. Stay in the race. Stay in the fight.

I want to share this story from the Bible and then I am done. In 2 Samuel 5 David is about to attack Jerusalem. It says And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, "You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you," . . . They were saying - this place is so strong, the walls so impossible to scale that the blind could see you coming and the lame could win the battle. They say you can't come in here. It's a taunt. They are confident in their position. This is a tiny little mention in Scripture, 8 verses about David winning the most fought over city on the planet.

Jerusalem, the stronghold it is called, an old, difficult, and discouraging fortress. From atop the turrets, Jebusite soldiers had ample time to direct arrows at any would-be wall climbers. They taunted David. "You'll never get in here.... Even the blind and lame could keep you out!" The Jebusites dis David like voices pour discouragement on the church at times. You are too small. You don't have this ministry, you will never make it. You will never be like this church. The best days are in the past. It's downhill from here. The Jebusites of today hurl their assaults at the church and at our determination.

They said David could never come in.- the blind and the lame, ha. Verse 7- Nevertheless, Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. 12 letters - most just rush right past it. Nevertheless, pull out a pen and underline this twelve-letter masterpiece. Nevertheless.

David said to his warriors the walls are tough, but "Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites ... he shall be chief and captain." "Nevertheless David took the stronghold. . ."

Granted, the city was old. The walls were difficult. The voices were discouraging ... Nevertheless David took the stronghold. Wouldn't you love God to write a nevertheless in our story? A small community of believers nevertheless. They were half the size they were 30 years before nevertheless… We all need a nevertheless. And God has plenty to go around. Strongholds mean nothing to him.

You and I fight with toothpicks; God comes with battering rams and cannons. What he did for David, he can do for us. The question is, will we do what David did? David turned a deaf ear to discouragement. Those mockers strutting on the wall tops? David ignores them. He takes his direction from God he dismisses their words and goes about his work. He is not afraid to try something different. He places his faith in God and takes up the challenge.