How Do We Help People Let Go of the Straws?

“A drowning man will clutch at straws”

from Thomas More’s Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation (1534)

This is a real question: If Church People are clutching at straws – desperately trying to convince themselves and others that their church can survive without energy, money, and spiritual curiosity, how do we – who love these Church People – convince them that it’s okay to let go of the straws?

Some of the straws we clutch:

• “A new family just moved in down the street. Maybe they will come to our church. And maybe they will join and help us.”
• “Let’s contact area businesses to see if they will contribute to help repair our roof.”
• “If we sell some of our property to a developer, maybe those new neighbors will join!”
• “Let’s print and distribute 500 flyers inviting people to visit our church. I’m sure some will show up!”

We are good at straw clutching. If there is any hope, if there is any possibility that getting that new church sign will help our congregation attract new people, we will try it.

Although grasping at straws won’t help a drowning person, we are in the resurrection business. Do we believe this or not?

As I’ve said to the point of rolling my own eyes, churches addressing what breaks God’s heart in their community in the name of Jesus Christ are healthy, thriving churches. No exceptions. It’s not about church size as much as it’s about a willingness to let go of “what I want, what I believe, what I think” and prayerfully discern what God wants for our ministry.

But when I ask the WBGHINYC Question (what breaks God’s heart in your community?) too many Church People say, “Let me tell you what breaks my heart.” That’s not the question. But that response is why we’ve reached the last straw. When The Church is no longer about what God wants, what God is telling us to be and do – the ministry is already dead.

Resurrection can and will still happen. But it will happen faster if we would simply let go sooner than later.