The second part of Einstein’s equation that is symbolized as c2 stands for the speed of light multiplied by itself. Yet how can this relate to your church?
In my years of working with churches the primary way that God’s Light, His Word, gets to us and therefore gives us energy is found in two avenues. The first approach is through worship. From the first words sung to the Amen of the benediction, transmitting God’s Word to a spiritually starved church family must be high priority. Please don’t get me wrong! I am not putting God’s Word above the Trinity. But it must be relatable and nourishing in this time of corporate worship. Have you thought about doing a responsive reading of a Scripture text so that everyone, and not just the minister, gets to read the Word? Do you have a lay leader who can share the Good News on Sundays? When was the last time you had a skit or drama that acted out the biblical text?
The second key aspect of God’s Light that will help bring about sustained energy is found in your small groups. Are your ongoing Bible study groups or short-term discipleship groups doing a good job breaking down the Scripture so that it can relate to everyday life? These groups must not only be excellent places for fellowship and support but also must be conduits to enrich each member’s understanding of the Word for that day and throughout the week.
Other than the pastor, these church leaders are the key to sustaining an effective energy source for the community of faith. If that is the case, when was the last time your small group leaders had training? Are they up-to-date and aware how a student in their class learns? Do they know how to use more than one way in sharing God’s Word? Without trained and effective small group leaders, God’s Light gets a little less bright and your church’s energy wanes.