Teaching Church, Reaching Church

Teaching Church, Reaching Church?  “We are a teaching church, not a reaching church….” were the actual words from my previous Senior Pastor, as he explained to me a few critical points of my new position and his vision for the church.  He was just heading toward finishing another degree in an Ancient Language before his planned pursuit of another degree in apologetics. He was a teacher,

After leaving that church, I accepted a position at a church with a more balanced approach but was clearly a reaching church seeking to open additional campuses in more places around the area.  The pastor there had a single degree but little time for another, as he and his wife worked side by side to evangelize and serve the local community.  He was a reacher.

 

There IS a difference, especially when it comes to how we approach our youth ministries in these contexts.  I have experienced both approaches.  Here are my ten quick thoughts looking back at each place and the difference between a “Teaching Church” and a “Reaching Church”...

 

10. Expectations about Care for “Our” Kids vs Expectations about Care for “Their” Kids? 

9. Church Members Comfortable in the Seat vs Church Members Uncomfortable on their Feet? 

8. Budget that is Inward Focus vs. Budget that is Outward Focus? 

7. Sunday Morning Lecture Hall vs. Sunday Morning Hospital Hallway? 

6. Asking who is heading to Seminary vs. Concerned about who is heading to the Cemetery?  

5. Focus on Accepting the Facts vs. Focus on Accepting Faith?

4. Celebrating Earthly Knowledge vs. Celebrating Heavenly Wisdom? 

3. An “Us vs. The World” mindset vs. an “Us for World” mindset? 

2. Passionately Defending Faith (apologetics) vs. Passionalty Sharing Faith (evangelism)? 

1. A Vision for Programming vs. A Vision for Ministering