Good DNA

www.ridgecrestumc.com

At a conference a few weeks ago, I heard a presenter talk about churches that had "good" DNA and others that had "bad" DNA. Of course, since is church is not a living organism, it doesn't have DNA in the scientific sense. But each church is the living embodiment of Christ and thus has a spiritual DNA--some good, some bad.

"Bad" DNA was defined as a church that is inward focused. It has a country club mentality and its only mission is to attract members who are just like those that already populate the pews. Needless to say, they tend to be cold and unwelcoming of strangers, especially if the stranger isn't "just like us".

A church with "Good" DNA is mission focused. Rather than worry about survival, they care about carrying out God's will for their church. They do all in their power to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples for Jesus Christ. They know that everyone is in need of God's saving grace, so they are open and accepting of everyone who comes through the door. They may struggle with the choices people have made in their life, but they don't judge and they try to never let their negative opinions come to the surface. They are welcoming and hospitable to everyone. Everyone is welcome and has a place in the "family of faith".

Granted, no church is totally "bad" and no church is totally "good". But when the bad outweighs the good, the DNA is in need of a mutation. I heard two stories this week. One was from a lay person who said the church they had been attending hadn't been very welcoming. The other was a pastor who said he was constantly having to remind his congregation that they needed to be welcoming and hospitable. Obviously, there are two churches that might have "bad" DNA.

At Ridgecrest, I believe that we have "good" DNA. Not everyone is warm and welcoming. Those who are more than make up for the few that aren't. I think our "good" DNA is demonstrated by the number of visitors that choose to return. We do a pretty good job of making new people feel like they are a part of our family. Are we perfect? Absolutely not! But we have a firm foundation--we stand on the promises given to us in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! You can't get any better DNA than that!