by Jack P. Carter
(July 2023)
The makeup of a congregation may vary from one group to the next, but for the most part, there
is a common characteristic. Some have expressed it in the following way: “You have 20% doing
80% of the work and 80% doing 20%.”
Not all congregations look like this. You may read this and take exception because you are part
of a group where a solid majority is involved on some level. If that is the case where you attend,
don’t forget to give thanks to God for that every chance you get! However, the opposite can also
be found where the preacher is essentially the “everything guy.”
Another possibility is when you have your core group (always ready, eager, and involved), the
mainstream of the congregation (mildly involved, but steady fixtures), and then those on the
periphery or fringe (rarely ever present at the assembly and almost never involved in any special
event).
Church leaderships in many places have grappled with this reality. They try to come up with
ways to encourage those who are not very involved—to take their place in the Kingdom more
seriously. It’s not unusual for a preacher to try to tailor a sermon to be directed at specific
behavioral issues such as a lack of involvement or low attendance. Often the ones the message is
for aren’t present in the assembly to hear it. The ones who do hear it are already “on board.”
The scriptures show us that these dynamics have been a problem since the church began. Just the
direct admonition to not “forsake” the assembly, should serve as one of many examples of how
the church has always had these struggles.
It isn’t wrong to keep reaching out to those who appear to be straying. In fact, we have many
parables addressing this, not the least of which is a shepherd searching for the lost sheep. Pouring
our efforts into trying to strengthen those who are weak or struggling is one of the very things we
are about. “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make
straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather
be healed” (Hebrews 12:12-13). This is going to require a lot of patience and tender loving care.
The other part of a typical congregation is made up of those who attend regularly, are warm and
friendly, but are more than happy to let the 20% do the work. Teaching classes and preaching
more sermons on the importance of involvement are sometimes utilized to try to spark a reaction
in those who are less involved to become more so. Reaching out to them personally and trying to
encourage them in a one-on-one setting is also fitting. With persistent encouragement, there have
been many who have responded to these efforts to become more involved in the work.
“Equipping the saints” can appear in many ways and is met with many different kinds of
resistance and difficulties, but we keep on keeping on because we are driven by a love for them
and our love for the Lord.
The main point is this: whenever a preacher or teacher is waxing eloquent about the importance
of strong involvement and strong Bible knowledge and the only people in the audience are
already doing these things, it is not uncommon to hear the cliché, “I know I’m just preaching to
the choir.” (As you may have assumed, my reference to “the choir” is purely colloquial.) This
phrase is spoken as if “the strong” members don’t need this message. It is as if “the choir” has
arrived at a point where they just don’t need any more encouragement. I would challenge you to
find anything supporting this kind of thinking anywhere in scripture.
What we do find in messages written to those working hard are as follows: “Finally then,
brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us instruction as
to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still
more” (I Thessalonians 4:1). “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who
does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).
Many more passages could be represented here to make the point that “the choir” needs to be fed
and strengthened and encouraged just like everyone else.
The next time you are in a gathering for class or devotional or any kind of spiritual purpose, try
to remember that no matter if there are recent converts or seasoned Christians or a blend, all who
are present need to do more growing and learning and to be reminded that we are all essential to
the kingdom.
jack@rockymountainchristian.com
