If the Lord shows you that you are to make the transition from legacy to a network of simple/organic churches, there are a number of obstacles to overcome. (This post assumes you are in a position of church leadership.)
- Many people in your church do not share your vision for the transition. It’s not what they signed up for. As the parable of the wineskins says, “they think the old was better.”
- People are scared they will lose the friendships and sense of community that’s been created over the years.
- People are used to a professional standard of church: a worship band, well-prepared sermon etc.
- There is no Sunday school program in simple/organic church. People enjoy the freedom to drop their kids off for an hour or so and having some thinking/spiritual time for themselves.
- People like decisions being made for them. They don’t want to carry the personal responsibility entailed in simple/organic church.
- There are no trained leaders.
- How can you prevent heresy?
- There is no vision for outreach.
- Some of the people who are keen for the transition are the ones disgruntled with the status quo. They will take a negative attitude with them.
- The financial welfare of your family depends on the church paying you a salary. You aren’t trained for any other job. What will happen to you?
These are all very valid concerns. It’s worth thinking through the potential problems before embarking on the transition.
What other hurdles can you think of that will need to be overcome?
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