Churches are rich with its culture and tradition. Over the years Christian churches are also well known for its rich and glorious architecture. As we know 'church' is not about the building, but the people of God who come together to worship the living God. Church is the place where people get nurtured in the Lord. Churches today are preoccupied with programs and activities that would enrich the spirituality of its members. In the midst of the busy schedule of maintaining its membership, many churches have lost of its original mission. Churches have become more inward looking than outward. Programs and activities are more tailored for its own member and their self edification. How can the Church reach out if it is led by inward thinking people?

In December 1999 there was a flash food in Shah Alam that destroyed many cars and belongings of the residents. Many of the residents went without food for couple of days due to the flood that has cut off the road transportation. At that point of time one of my friend Pastor visited his church leaders who were staying at a near by area. The greatest regret that the leaders expressed to the pastor was, "we are not able to go for carol rounds this year". The pastor was surprised to hear that comment from that leader. The Church was so concern and disappointed that they were not able to carry out their annual activity. The church was least bothered about the neighborhood which was suffering of the after effects of the flood. Many people including children starved without food and clean water to drink.....but the church is more concern about its caroling than helping the needy. The Buddhist association was the first NGO to help the victims with food and medicines. Where was the Church? Busy planning for Christmas programs !! or....sitting and praying within the four walls !!

This is only one incident to point out the inward looking attitude of many churches. I believe that the church is established not only for its members but mainly and primarily for the world out there. Many are dying everyday.......What is the church doing about that. Why is the church bank account accumulates rapidly when there are so many needy people out there in the streets. One thing that I noticed is, the church has become very pragmatic - doing things with expecting returns. In this context, the church expects the people who they have helped either to become their members or pay back the loan . But I really wonder, do we help people expecting to gain something out of the help? Is this why the Church was established? Are we not called to serve the community without expectation? How can we reach out to the needy when we are not prepared to provide them with their needs.

I really hope that someday this questions will be answered. I want to invite you to think about the mission of the Church. I'm convinced that the Church should be outward thinking rather than inward in establishing God Kingdom on this earth. In helping others, we must always do it out of love and not expectation. For the message of the cross is LOVE.