It was a Sunday morning like any other. The sanctuary filled with the sounds of fellowship—chatter about the week’s events, plans for the next church potluck, and updates on various internal ministries. The announcements highlighted the need for volunteers for the nursery and upcoming discussions about sanctuary renovations. But as the service progressed, something was missing.
The prayer for the community – for the lost, the broken, the spiritually hungry beyond the church walls – was absent. The focus was squarely on the congregation’s internal needs and struggles.
This scenario is all too common in churches today. Without even realizing it, many congregations slowly become inward focused. They devote their time and energy to addressing minor problems, managing internal conflicts, maintaining long-standing traditions, and ensuring that everyone in the pews feels comfortable.
While it is essential to care for the flock, a church that only looks inward risks losing sight of its mission and identity as God’s people in the world. Christ’s call to his church has always been outward focused: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
The Drift Toward Inwardness
I’ve seen this drift firsthand. In one church I served, the early years were filled with excitement and outreach. We hosted events for the local schools, partnered with community organizations, and saw new faces in worship every Sunday. But over time, the focus shifted. The leadership became more concerned with internal matters—budget deficits, disagreements about programming, and keeping existing members happy. Our meetings were consumed with debates over issues like whether the church kitchen needed new countertops.
This is a common pattern. Churches start with vibrant outreach but gradually shift toward self-preservation. Budgets prioritize building maintenance over mission. Leadership meetings become centered around member preferences rather than strategies to reach the unchurched. Programs cater to insiders rather than inviting newcomers. Fear and comfort drive this shift.
Churches fear losing long-time members if changes disrupt the status quo. They also fear failure: What if the outreach efforts don’t yield visible results? Clinging to what feels safe reinforces this inwardness.
Additionally, pastoral care can unintentionally contribute to the problem. Shepherds rightly tend to the congregations’ spiritual health, but this responsibility can become all-consuming. When every need demands immediate attention, it’s difficult to prioritize evangelism and outreach. The balance between caring for the church and serving the world easily becomes skewed.
The Heart of God’s Mission
God’s call for his church has always been outward-focused. From the beginning, he set his people apart to bless the nations. In Genesis 12:1-3, God promised Abraham that through him, “all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” This mission of outward grace echoes throughout Scripture. The prophets repeatedly reminded Israel of its role as a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). Jesus commissioned his disciples to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
One of the most powerful examples of this outward mission is the Apostle Paul. Despite relentless persecution, Paul was unwavering in his efforts to preach the gospel to those who had never heard it. His letters repeatedly call churches to embrace their identity as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
I often reflect on Paul’s words in Romans 15:20, where he says, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.” His zeal reminds me that the church does not exist to become an exclusive club but to be a beacon of hope for the world.
The Cost of Inwardness
The consequences of turning inward are serious. A self-focused church loses spiritual vitality. Jesus warned the church in Laodicea of the danger of becoming “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:16). As complacency sets in and routine takes over, the community no longer experiences the joy and urgency of the gospel. I’ve seen congregations where members go through the motions, more concerned about preserving traditions than encountering Christ.
Inwardness also breeds conflict as small issues become magnified. I’ve witnessed heated arguments over things as trivial as the color of the sanctuary carpet. These conflicts drain energy and distract from the church’s true mission. Instead of uniting around the gospel, members become divided over secondary matters.
Reclaiming the Mission
Breaking free from the pull of inwardness requires repentance and a renewed commitment to God’s mission. Church leaders must regularly evaluate their ministries with hard questions: Are we more focused on maintaining traditions than reaching the lost? Are we investing in programs that disciple both our members and those outside our walls? Are we praying fervently for the salvation of our neighbors? Prayer is foundational.
Churches must also develop a culture of hospitality and evangelism. This means creating an environment where newcomers feel genuinely welcomed. I remember one Sunday when a young couple visited for the first time. After the service, several members invited them to lunch, and they were soon plugged into a small group. They later shared how much that initial welcome meant to them.
Outreach should not be confined to a single event or committee. It should be woven into the fabric of the church’s life. Acts of service—partnering with local organizations, addressing poverty, hosting community events—demonstrate Christ’s love and open doors for gospel conversations. Volunteering at a food pantry can do more than meeting physical needs; it can lead to deep spiritual conversations.
A Vision for Flourishing
The beauty of an outward-focused church is that it flourishes both spiritually and numerically. When a church doesn’t just fund a missions program but trains its people to be on mission, it experiences renewed purpose and joy. Members see the gospel at work transforming lives, which deepens their own faith. As the church reaches out, God often brings growth—not just in numbers but in maturity, unity, and love.
An outward focus does not mean neglecting the needs of the congregation. In fact, the two are interconnected. As churches engage in mission, they foster discipleship. Members grow as they step out in faith, serve others, and share the hope they have in Christ. The inward and outward dimensions of church life are meant to complement and strengthen one another.
A Call to Action
For this renewal to take root, we need a change in mindset from inward to outward. Our natural tendency is always to stay comfortable, focusing on what is familiar and secure. We must intentionally push beyond this, seeking opportunities to engage with the world around us. This shift won’t happen by accident. It requires prayer, bold leadership, and a commitment to God’s mission. Only by embracing this outward focus can we fulfill our calling and truly reflect the heart of Christ.
Christ’s command to “go and make disciples” is as urgent today as it was 2,000 years ago. It is time to lift our gaze outward and see the harvest fields around us, embracing the mission that God has given us with faith and courage. Churches that heed this call will find themselves renewed, strengthened, and overflowing with the life of Christ.
Thiago Silva serves as pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana.