Is Oak Leaf Church Seeker Sensitive?

I really don’t labeling people with terms like this because they tend to pigeon hole and categorize people too much. They are full of meaning, but much of what we think they mean comes from our impressions. So before answering the question, let me give a little background.

The Bible is pretty clear that no one is righteous in his own right and nobody really seeks God on their own. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot find God. We cannot save ourselves. The Bible does say that Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and that we should join Him on his mission. The Great Commission tells us to go and make disciples (not decisions, but disciples). I think making disciples begins with evangelism, but it doesn’t end there. And I think one of the truest signs of repentance and conversion is when a person shares their faith.

I think Jesus was seeker sensitive.  I’ve come to seek the Lost is pretty clear.   He certainly wasn’t soft on sin, and He spoke truth. Sometimes, His truth was too hard for the listener and they turned away. Jesus didn’t chase after the man who had many posessions and decided not to follow and lower the bar.  He watched him walk!

Still, Jesus seemed to have a special place in his heart for those that did not know God. He performed miracles so people would believe He was the Son of God, so they would repent and follow.  His mercy was tied to repentance.  He hung out with sinners, which drew repeated fire from the ultra-religious wing of Judaism.

So with that being said, let me answer the question. Is Oak Leaf Church a seeker-sensitive or a seeker-driven church? Yes and no. (That should clear it all up!) We do care about lost people…a great deal. We keep guest in mind when we plan our services and decide where to put a sign. We want to be good hosts when people come to our building, and we try to explain things to people in a way that they can understand. When we do “churchy” things, like receive an offering or do baptism or do the Lord’ supper, we don’t assume that everyone know what is going on.

I think it’s just kind to consider outsiders and guests when “doing church.” But we don’t do that to the neglect of teaching the word, encouraging Christians or doing some things that many would consider “churchy.” It’s my job to teach God’s Word - even some of the tough things. I personally know of people that left our church because during a series on Issues, I called abortion and homosexuality sins (which is what God’s Word does). Those were not really seeker-friendly messages, at least in the modern understanding of that word. But my job isn’t to teach people how to grow better grass or simply get along with their third cousins…my mission is to lead people to where God wants them to be. I’m not giving a pep talk…I’m delivering a sermon.

I’m not going to be all fire and brimstone all the time. Jesus talked about money more than he talked about hell, so we’re going to try and help people get out of debt. I want people to be better fathers and mothers, I’m going to talk about grace, mercy and forgiveness, because that’s what people need. And we’re going to have some fun. We’re going to make some funny videos. I’m going to make jokes. We’re going to minister and serve out of our personality.

When I read the Bible, I see that we need to put a focus on evangelism and discipleship. We need to reach people. If we set up our church in such a way that neglects lost people, then we are failing. And we can’t just go for mass decisions at an evangelism rally - we have a responsibility to make disciples. I think evangelism and discipleship are both required. I’m going to push the limits towards both extremes. If having a church service in a bar on Sunday nights means reaching more people, then we’re going to do it. If teaching God’s Word on the subject of pornography means we offend someone, then oh well.

It’s not an issue of is the church service for Christians or is the church service for lost people. A church service is for God. Worshiping Him is the ultimate reason for our continued existence. It glorifies God when a lost person comes into the Kingdom. And it glorifies God when a Christian lives a holy life.

So, yea…I guess we’re seeker sensitive.  But more than that…I hope we always stay God sensitive.