"I don't believe...but I want to give back"

My brother Jon and I both had two separate but similar conversations with new attenders at COMMUNITY in the last week.  After brief introductions the new attenders began to explain, "I'm pretty sure that I don't really believe all the stuff that you believe...but I'm here because I feel a need to serve and I want to give back." 

What is your reaction to this conversation?  Do you think this is a trend or do you think this is just two isolated conversations?

Comments

[Jon Stolpe]

Interesting question Dave!

In the wake of such unprecedented economic times, I wonder if people are realizing that there is more in life than getting a bigger house, a bigger car, or the next biggest toy. Perhaps, people like the ones you and your brother spoke to last week BELIEVE that giving back in some way will satisfy this hole that is suddenly appearing in their lives in these financially uncertain times. I believe they will eventually find that even these acts of "giving back" will not truly fill this hole. Your church (and the churches around the world) are in a significant position to help people as they wrestle through this in their lives. My hope and prayer is that you will have multitudes of people who come to your church (and to mine) who are seeking this very same thing, and that through their presence, they will meet Christ.

[KathyJ]

Let's all pray this is more than a trend! Isn't it wonderful that people find their way to Christ through their needs whether it be a need to serve, a need for healing, a need for hope, a need for purpose, a need for their children....

I also pray the churches in our nation are ready to receive and embrace any and all willing servants that Christ is drawing to His body. We are the hope of the world.

[Dave Ferguson]

There are some fundamental experiences that all people need: intimacy, purpose and serving/generosity, etc. I think there is something happening in culture that is making people more aware of this need to serve, contribute or give and then they are showing up at church for an opportunity. I totally agree with Kathy that I believe this is another means for people to find their way back to God.

[Shawn]

My gut reaction says it's God stirring them. Then again, the fact that it's currently "hip" to care might be driving some of these people to serve. BUT, that's okay! It's great to see them seeking out a way to serve. God's going to wrap his hands around their heart as they move closer to His will (whether they realize it or not). I just hope they listen to what He has to say.

[Mike Armstrong]

This is not an unusual sentiment at all in the college students I work with. Getting them plugged in to service opportunities, side by side with our Christian students, becomes a great relational bridge for the Gospel.

[Michelle Thomas]

My mother use to say that if you raise your kids in the church, there is a chance that they might leave it one day, but they will inevitably return one day ready to receive.

I think it's a long standing trend, but due to things that we, as individuals, can't control, more people are feeling comfortable returning with a more open mind than they previously had.

[Tim Wade]

I resonate with what Mike Armstrong said. As a college pastor I've seen a lot of people, especially in todays postmodern culture, look for something positive to fill the God shaped hole in their lives. And when they find it, it is a great bridge to Christ.

However, what I have also discovered is that the first step to building that bridge is to get the person to stop worhsipping the experience itself. They want to give back because the experience makes them feel good about themselves, and gives them a euphoria. In this sense, serving is litle more than a drug. Get them past their temporary hope in the drug, and you can show them eternal life in Christ.

[Adam]

Lets look at the disciples: they obviously didn't believe what Jesus believed. They asked dumb questions and they didn't "get it" the entire time they were walking around with the guy. They were, however, serving in his ministry WHILE being his ministry target.

There is your answer.

[Jason Allison]

We have several people like this at Terra Nova Community Church (the church I pastor). They are a joy because it is so evident that God is working in them and they don't even realize it yet! I have found that it is important to let God do the work in them and not try to rush it. Our job is to provide a "thin place" where people can experience the presence of God and begin to connect the dots about their inborn passion to love and God's call on their lives. I have in no way perfected this, but we are trying.

My temptation is to use this to force evangelism on people. I have to let God work and not rush him.

I guess the question remains: are churches actually doing anything that would help people "give back" in a meaningful way?

[Jeff]

I'm with a couple other commentors - I think these people are like so many of us. Man, I'm still not really getting all of this whole ride with God. My faulty human mind tries to grasp just a handful of what God is, and there really is no way I can possibly understand who He is, how He does it and what it's all about. But I do get a rush out of helping people, knowing that I can be a part to bring about some change. I don't feel boastful or prideful about what I do. I just look back at the change and smile and feel a sense of honor that I got to be a part of that.

Who knows if I'll get it all.

[janet]

Generosity is alive and well here in Kansas City with beleivers and unbeleivers alike. Perhpas in today's culture, the effectiveness of the church in helping people find their way back to God goes up the more we provide opportunities for serving. Funny, be like Jesus, and people will find Him. The total new testament message, but somehow it feels fresh.

In answer to Jason above, I think Restore gave folks an opportunity to give back by providing orphan care for 90 homeless, hungry kids in Haiti. All of whom Restore attenders will have the opportunity to visit in the coming months and years.

[johnatkinson]

Sound to me like you guys are just doing a great job of reaching those who don't know Jesus. I think Jesus may have had something to say about just that, right before he gave his life for people like the ones you guys talked to. I bet if they hang around serving long enough, the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Maybe then they'll tell all the rest of their lost friends to come too. I sure hope it's a trend!

[ellie]

I like to think I did well serving my community before I FMWBTG. Absolutely it was God working within me so I would make a difference (albeit small) in His world. I know that now, but then I was just being "a good person."

When (always) there are people obviously in need, very few of us--believers or not--turn our backs.

There is good in all of us, there is God in all of us, we don't always recognize Him...at least I know I didn't. So maybe He's saying, "well done" to many for their goodness knowing it will bring them to being faithful.

Four years ago, I was drawn to CCC because of the good it does. One of my naysayer friends said, "All churches do good works," but I didn't immediately catch that at any churches on my search like I did here, at home.

Love,
ellie

[Jeff (2)]

All these comments are very cool, and I love the optimistic side of it all. I'm a bit surprised that no one jumped out of a black hole with big negatives (like - "That's just man trying to do what man can't do... i.e. to please God and appease for his guilt through good works.") and yet, I suppose the question itself implies the possibility of negatives? To me the only negative, or danger, is managing the tension correctly; the tension between letting people serve, give back, contribute (or whatever else you want to call it) while not encouraging, even unintentionally, the idea that THIS is the Gospel, that THIS is salvation, or what makes them "accepted in the beloved", and therefore supplants the need for faith toward God and repentance from dead works. That "bridge" that people mention in some of the comments must eventually be pointed to, and the person encouraged to cross it.

[rosy]

I agree with the fact that is more important to be inspired and give to others and because of that I wanted to share with all of you and encourage you the check out www.theGiftREVOLUTION.com and let's change the world together!!

[David]

I certainly see more people wanting a real spiritual experience and not feeling an obligation to necessarily be uniform in thinking and belief on all points of teaching. People want to be truly connected and engaged in service.

[Paul in Canada]

This is reminiscent of the old school, "You have to believe before you can belong" vs. the newer, "You can belong before you believe." (Naysayers fear this would fill the churches up with unbelievers who would water down the doctrine.)

Hopefully, not too far down the road, the people you spoke with will want to do what Andy Stanley calls "discerning next steps." (Don't think he invented that; but he found that in less than five weeks attendance, newcomers wanted to know, "What's next?")

Of course, a true understanding of the Gospel is going to go way beyond "wanting to give back;" though in balance, I'd rather see people attending regularly and then having a cathartic "ah-ah!" moment later on than to be frightened off by huge demands or guilt. After all, Jesus did say that His yoke is easy and his burden is light.

But if they want to "serve," that can't include positions of giving spiritual leadership, which is where the church, ever about proclamation of the gospel, has traditionally had the greatest need for volunteers. So this service will work out better in a church that balances social action programs with the teaching of Biblical doctrine.

[Tim]

I heard a pastor say this at a conference "I tell all my staff and lay leaders this: 'you'd better have a list of opportunities for people to serve where they can jump in right away; they are looking for that and if we provide meaningful service opportunities it gives us a chance to continue the conversation with them and point them toward Jesus."

As a pastor of Ministry/Volunteer stuff (that's the technical term), I can say it's true. When I've missed my first opportunity for followup with someone who is asking to volunteer, I've heard this, just 7 days later from the potential volunteer "I was looking for a place to serve, but since I visited I found this great opportunity at the children's hospital, so I'm all set, thanks for calling." Just like that, my window of opportunity closed. dang.

[Dany]

Great post Dave!
I think it more of trend in churches that are actually in the community and meeting needs, than in some churches that still live by the "field of dreams" motto...."We built they will come."
I love it when people show up to church, are open that their beliefs may differ. I think some just want to know if our message of acceptance, warmth, and love is real, so they say up front, they are different.
It reminds me of several verses in Joshua, that tells us the fame of God's working with Israel, had reached other tribes/people. Israel obviously was not sending messengers out to tell everybody, but people who had seen God at work, were talking. I wonder often, with all the creative programs/events that people divise to reach out.....how often does God just say,"How about loving your "neighbor" with my love?"

[Tommy Bowman]

"Belonging before believing" - It's the way of the this (young) generation, I believe. If the church is changing the world, they want in. I happen to love it this way. It takes me out of the equation. I'm not convincing anyone of anything... they are finding it on their own. My role is just to love them.

[Jeff (2)]

Obviously a very hot topic Dave! I have felt for years that the Church was messing up in the area of letting people step up and participate, or even "belong," because of Pauls admonition not to allow a novice to lead; or because they hadn't yet conformed enough to belong to or even among us. Indeed, many churches have required months of intruction before a willing soul could even be allowed to be baptized, much less participate in anything.

Jesus clearly openned service opportunity, and even ministry, to very young, very new followers, and certainly long before his 12 knuckleheads even fully understood what they were getting themselves into! Certainly positions of leadership in the church need to be reserved for those who have crossed "the bridge," but allowing new, even confused people, opportunity to serve others, help with projects, hang out with us... well, from the example of Jesus, shouldn't this have been a no brainer?

[Janet Campen]

What an awesome topic. I've exerienced recently through thegiftrevolution.com that it's small movements that change a person and ultimatley change the world. Just like a pebble in a pond. It's awesome!