The local church is under a lot of pressure these days to become something it's not.

Some wish for it to become a bully pulpit for politics, a place that declares a strong

position on policies. Others see the church as a place for tolerance, where

the gospel takes a back seat to what they perceive to be more pressing, like social justice

or moral inclusion. Today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall begins a topical series called

Strengthening Your Grip. It's designed to recalibrate our expectations for the

church. Our topic today is priorities. I'm convinced that our whole reason for existence,

as a body of Christians can somehow get lost

in the rat race and maze of misplaced priorities. That happens all the time. The church

concentrates on buildings and programs, seating and parking, choirs and offerings and music

and handouts, staffing and marketing,

and well, the list goes on and on. If we're not careful, we get so distracted by counting people,

doing all it takes to minister to them, we overlook the most important issues. When that happens, we lose our values, our purpose,

our objectives. We lose our way. I made a list of a few problems that can occur if we forget

our priorities. Now, this list isn't exhaustive by any means, but it's enough to get your attention.

When a local church does not get a grip on its priorities, it is in danger of these problems.

Uncertainty of purpose, blurred vision, compromised values, and replacing volunteerism with professionalism.

Remember, the church is not a slick, efficient corporation with a cross stuck on its roof.

It is a ministry.

Never forget that.

The church, therefore, takes its cues only from its head, Jesus Christ.

The church is a spiritual entity built up and supported by its founder, Jesus, who promised to build his church.

...