Tuesday Re-mix –
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Matthew 28:16-17
You are probably familiar with the 80/20 principle of organizational dynamics. It holds that, in any organization of any kind, once it hits its stride and “normalizes”, 20% of the people are doing 80% of the “work”. I’m sure you have heard at least some version of it. I dislike that principle as it relates to the church. You probably do as well. I have tried and tried over the years to kick against it, because it is not indicative of the “revolution” I believe Jesus intended. If you are a leader in the church, you have probably tried to work against it as well, with varying degrees of success.
Want a sobering reality check? I’m turning over the balance of this post to those very people with whom you are feeling frustrated. I will let them speak for themselves. Listen to some of the 80%…
I am that dynamic, gifted young leader in the church whom you ask year after year to take on a responsibility and I just keep turning you down. I have doubts.
I am one of the huge percentage of your church members who is pretty steadily there for worship but have never darkened the doors of prayer meeting on Wednesday night. I have doubts.
We are part of that handful of couples who seem so spiritually mature in Bible study discussion but who choose not to be there more than half the time. We have doubts.
I am one of your elders or even staff members who start off so well but whose commitment dwindles over time and you begin to lose me. I have doubts.
I am one of the 15 e-mails in your inbox right now from church members who want to point out problems in the church, as compared to ZERO e-mails from anyone offering actual solutions. All 15 of us have doubts.
The truth is, I (as one of the 80%) have doubts about God, about church, and even about you. But be encouraged. After 3 years of life-changing ministry with Him, after seeing Him speak to the storm and calm the sea, after witnessing His feeding of the 5,000, after watching Him face crucifixion with unbelievable authority and peace, and after the miracle of the resurrection…Jesus’ own disciples had doubts as well. So bear with me and show me a little grace. Be patient. They came around. Maybe I will too.