Blinded
At first glance, the term “spiritual discipline” might seem legalistic and archaic. In our modern culture that sees little value or worth in absolute moral truths, the thought of discipline — spiritual or not — can be foreign and removed.
This disconnect presents a major problem for most conservative churches. The Gospel we are presenting and proclaiming from our platforms demands that its followers become well-trained and well-learned in the attributes of the faith. Yet, this task is simply impossible without the application of the disciplines that so many are quick to dismiss.
Of the many disciplines that could be discussed, the topic of this post will revolve around confession. Why is daily confession necessary for the believer? Can we incorporate this into our worship ministries? If so, how?
A lack of confession and repentance is running rampant in many congregations today and is truly a two-fold complication. It stems from both the heart of the believer and the instruction/modeling of leaders.
Though the main focus of this post is in regards to the latter, the former cannot go without mentioning. Proverbs reminds us of this:
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)” — Proverbs 4:23
The heart and mindset of the believer is impacted by sin. Due to the fall of man, sin will be a struggle until Christ returns.
Without a doubt, Christ and His redemptive blood have justified born-again believers before God for eternity (Romans 5:1). But this does not excuse us from daily and intentional repentance. We cannot turn from sin if we do not confess and ask for guidance. We cannot fully experience the love and forgiveness of Christ if we are not willing to turn over the things that bind us. We cannot faithfully serve with joy when we are blinded by unrepentance.
Yet, I would be willing to assert that this monumental problem is, at least partially, due to a worship culture that is skewed unequally toward God’s love and acceptance rather than our desperate depravity. A culture that screams “come as you are” yet whispers “leave changed.”
As leaders, we must be diligent to model the full-scope of the Christian life to the souls God has entrusted us to shepherd. This duty is not a suggestion, it is a command. (2 Timothy 2:2) Perhaps the greatest way to incorporate this into our ministry’s DNA is to utilize our corporate gatherings for instruction in this regard.
There are several key ways a gathering body of believers can be shown and given opportunities to practice repentance.
With Our Prayers
Hopefully, prayers are voiced from our platforms multiple times on any given Sunday. For most churches, these could occur during such times as the call to worship, during the offertory, as the pastor is concluding his sermon, or at the benediction.
When voicing these prayers, be intentional to ask for forgiveness in a corporately appropriate way. “Father, forgive us the moments we don’t trust you enough and guide us to realize we are completely dependent on You.” Phrases such as this have the potential to keep repentance on the minds of our people.
In Our Reponse Times
For some churches, altar calls are seen as the time for nonbelievers to become believers or recent converts to join the church. Yet, this is certainly not the only response that can be shown. Invite people to come, kneel at the altar and pray. Drive away the stigma that the altar is “for people with problems” and reinforce the truth that Christ calls us to cast our burdens and sins at the foot of the cross.
Using Specific and Intentional Moments
While this is certainly not to be overused, there are times when it will serve a congregation well to be intentionally reminded and encouraged to confess and repent. It could be prudent to lead the congregation in this manner, possibly utilizing a specific text and song to shape the moment and focus. Remind them that we all have fallen short of who God has called us to be, but we are not hopeless. In fact, we are quite the opposite. Our repentance should turn to praise when it is authentic and framed in a Biblical way.
