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INACTIVE OR ACTIVE?

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

Because commitment to a local church is absolutely essential, the adversary works overtime to distract and disconnect believers from each other.  Church inactivity robs believers of a vital source of love, care, instruction, protection, and ministry opportunity.  Church inactivity is disobedience.  It is a disobedience that multiplies disobedience.  Here is why.  Without a church it is impossible for a believer to carry out the dozens of “one another” commands in the New Testament.  For example, a believer cannot love one another, encourage one another, bear one another’s burdens, comfort one another, or serve one another if they are not actively walking together in a community of believers.  By God’s design, every able-bodied Christian needs to be active in a healthy local church.

Because inactivity is so harmful to our spiritual health, SMRBC does not have an “inactive member” category.  When an SMRBC member chooses not to participate for a year or more, his or her membership ends.  However, before that happens, we make a sincere effort to draw these beloved members back into our life-giving fellowship.  In love, we offer to listen and help with whatever struggles they may be facing. We are eager to extend grace.

Of course, we have faithful members who are unable to come due to health, age, or temporary relocation.  For these brothers and sisters we have our 11:00AM livestream and our “SMRBC at Home” ministry.  At least two of our Life Groups also Zoom their lessons to those who cannot be there in person.  In addition to the elderly, we have members in good standing who are off at college, away in the military, and on the mission field.

With the pandemic largely past, our pastors and deacons will be reaching out to members who have stopped attending over the last two years.  Our prayer is that everyone will know that they are loved and will desire to become deeply involved again in the joy of worship, fellowship, and service to Christ.

Here is how you can help:

  1. Please pray for SMRBC members who have become disconnected. Ask God to revive their hearts and to renew their desire for worship, fellowship, and service to Him. Ask God to heal any wounds or broken relationships.
  2. Contact someone you have not seen lately. If you know someone who hasn’t been in a long while, make a call or send a text message.  Invite them to coffee to catch up. Offer to walk with them back into the love and encouragement of SMRBC life. Minister to any concerns they have.
  3. If you have become inactive, come home.  You are loved.  Do not let shame or embarrassment keep you away.  You are wanted!  No one is condemning you.  Come back this Sunday! Come and experience the joy of abiding deeply in Christ again.

As always! Fill out the online Connection Card to reach out for any help you need!