Who Has Been Left Behind?

In my limited circles today, I see 2 main emphases--church planting and campus ministries. Both of these I see as profitable and good ministry foci. However, have we perhaps gone overboard? Is there some ministry or demographic in which we are not reaching? My answer is Yes! In our zeal to plant new churches and reach the college crowd (which is not wrong), we are leaving behind those established churches where the congregation is now comprised of a small and older generation of believers (which is wrong). In our zeal to reach the young and suburbia, we have left behind the old and the urban. Why is this a problem you may ask? If heaven is composed of people from every tribe, tongue, family, and nation, then shouldn't our local church reflect a little bit of heaven; not just in our worship, but in our demographic composition? If Paul assumes the existence of an older generation within the church (1 Tim 5; Titus 2), what does that say about our ignoring them? What are we saying when we focus on one demographic to the exclusion of another or other demographics? Do we believe that older people (or minority people) still are God's image-bearers? Do we believe that older believers (or minority believers) have giftings from God that can be used for the benefit of the church? Do not all people need the Gospel--young, old, black, white, rich, poor?

In terms of one called to ministry, the reality is that straight out of seminary, one is most likely not going to be called to a church that is similar to the one in which they interned and worshiped during their time in seminary. If the reality is that most churches are small to middle-sized and can only afford 1 pastor, then why not do an internship in such a church to understand the expectations and problems that arise from such a situation? It certainly will be different than the issues and problems that arise in a larger church or church that can afford multiple pastors.

In terms of a young family, we love for our kids to see their grandparents. Why would we not want them to have spiritual grandparents? Why do we want our kids to only interact with people like their mom and dad? Not only is this good social development for them, but more importantly it is also a demonstration of a robust ecclesiology. It is doctrine lived out. They get to get a glimpse of how the church reflects heaven to a degree. They get exposure to people from various walks of life and backgrounds.

A robust doctrine of the church (ecclesiology) must include a robust demographic. It must include people from every tribe, tongue, nation, and family. If not, we should make every effort that it does. This means that alongside church planting and college ministry, we need to have equal emphasis upon church revitalization and renewal.