Should a church be focused on the people inside it’s walls or the people outside it’s walls? This has become a big question with many perspectives. Here are some of my early observations. The great commission itself shows both are necessary…both need to be vibrant. We need to be continually “Going” and we need to be continually “Making.” Going most easily happens OUTSIDE the walls of the church…Making disciples most naturally happens INSIDE the walls of the church, or small group, etc…
God made humanity in a way that it’s hard to fit us in a nice, clean box. Generalities are easily broken, this issue is no exception. First, let’s blow up the idea that “Going” must take place outside the church walls. We saw one of the greatest ways a church was able to reach those around them after September 11th, 2001 was to have a building. When God shakes someone to the core they generally head to a church building, they think the people there know something about God. Additionally, Ed Stetzer’s research shows most seekers prefer a traditional looking building over a contemporary space.
Second, let’s blow up the idea that “Making” disciples has to happen inside the walls of the church. When you read about William Wilberforce, the Clapham Sect and others who powerfully changed 18th-19th century England for the sake of Christ…you hear a lot about mature Christians living as culture changing disciples, but you hear almost nothing about their church buildings.
Do I have an inny or outy? What type of church do I want to see? I’m convinced a church moves forward on its knees…unashamed of its building…unashamed of God…unashamed of Scripture…and with an equal heart loving the people inside the walls and outside the walls.
