The church needs cheerleaders. But before you grab your pom-poms, read this post...
In Ezra chapter 5, the temple construction had been halted for 15 years. The inactivity had God's people frustrated, discouraged, and fearful of failing with the construction project. That's when a few men stood up and spoke out. Their words motivated the people back on their feet and back to work.
"At that time the prophets Haggai and Zechariah... began to prophesy in the name of God. They encouraged the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. 2 So Zerubbabel... and Jeshua... again started working on the Temple in Jerusalem. All of God’s prophets were with them and were supporting the work." Ezra 5:1-2
Sometimes all we need is some direct encouragement to get busy. With God's Word, Haggai and Zechariah "pep-talked" and mobilized the people to accomplish a task they had lost momentum in completing.
How many churches close their door each year? How many have stopped growing and stopped working to build up the membership? How many years of passive effort and inactivity can a congregation survive? Are we okay with God's house falling apart or laying unfinished?
More than ever, the church is need of cheerleaders like Haggai and Zechariah. Both men and women who will vocally and enthusiastically support the Lord's church. We need individuals who will carry the "team spirit" home with their children, into their neighborhoods and workplaces, and share it with friends and family.
With rampant negativity, laziness, and criticism in the world today, the church deserves leaders who will proudly and positively get back to work. Positive energy is the key here. The buzz created keeps the momentum of the mission alive. If we believe in building up the body (Eph 2:20-22), we need each member backing the mission of worship and evangelism to save souls and glorify God.
The mission of building God's house is all too important to neglect. The stakes are all too high. The reward is all too great. The glory of God is all too magnificent. Men's souls are all too valuable. Heaven will be all too wonderful.
The church needs cheerleaders. No tryouts. Pom-poms not necessary. Just vocal supporters in our community who will enthusastically talk up the ministry, mission, and gospel message of the church.