A Call for Change: Beyond the Four Walls of the American Church

I am tired.

Tired of the American church as it stands today. Tired of seeing people hide behind four walls, finding comfort in routines rather than transformation. Tired of pastors who seem to prioritize attendance numbers over real, lasting impact.

The Comfort Zone of the Four Walls

For many, the church has become a place of refuge—a sanctuary from the world’s chaos. While this isn’t inherently negative, it becomes a problem when it fosters a culture of complacency. Too often, people attend services, sing songs, and listen to sermons without ever being challenged to step out of their comfort zones. The church should be a launching pad, not a hiding place.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Attendance vs. Impact

It’s disheartening to see some pastors focusing more on filling seats than filling hearts. The measure of a church's success shouldn't be its attendance figures but its transformative impact on individuals and communities. How many lives are changed? How many people are empowered to make a difference in the world?

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

A New Calling

I am feeling called to lead in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus. I am feeling called to knock door to door and invite people over for a meal, ask how I can pray for them, or how I can help them financially... or even help them by connecting them with a job opportunity.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” (Matthew 25:35)

I don't have many friends. I want to be friends with my neighbors—not in my multi-million dollar neighborhood, but with my neighbors who don't look like me (now) or live like me (now), but who I used to be.

A Journey from Darkness to Light

I used to live in the darkness and be full of sin. I used drugs, drank heavily, broke laws, and even spent time in jail. Those are the neighbors I am talking about. I have experienced the love and light of Jesus and I know firsthand how my life has radically changed because of Him. I have been fat and happy in this season, praising the Lord for everything I have and all the abundance and opportunity, but it's not all meant for me. I want to give back... not just write checks. Not just make blind donations through the plethora of non-profits that exist to meet people's needs.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Genuine Connection and Service

I don't just want to cut these neighbors a one-time check or just donate a box of diapers. I want to hold that baby and speak life over him or her. I want to hug that mother. I want to know her. And I want her to know that I am here to help, as much and as often as needed, as a real person, a real neighbor, and not just donate and run. I want to know the family who is without. I want to help them. I want to sit with them, pray with them, offer encouragement, and point them to Jesus. And I want Jesus's love to flow through me and flood them.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

More Than Just Privilege

I am tired of living my privileged life, making good money, sitting in a church pew on Sunday, and then scrolling my news feed in the evenings and laying on my couch. I was made for more. The Lord has my heart and He is telling me to go into the community that has needs; most importantly, they need Him. He is telling me to go to the trailer park and the laundromat and just sit and pray over people and ask what they need and then meet those needs. He has told me that He will provide for them through me.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18)

A Call to Action

And I don't want to record it. I don't want to get likes, shares, and comments for it. I just want the Lord to see it and see His daughter loving His children the way He loves them. I have a strong calling on my life to go out into the community and serve, and I am asking for your help.

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4)

I will do my own foot canvassing, but I want to know about people who are in need. I want to know people who are on their last string of hope and just need a hand extended to them. I want to know who needs hope. Who needs a friend? I prefer local people that I can go sit with and be with and serve, but am open to serving anyone, anywhere. My heart feels called to the community right in my backyard, just a mile or two from where I live.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20)

Who do you know who needs a little love and light and a helping hand?

Let’s not just attend church; let’s be the church. The time for change is now. Let’s embrace it with open hearts and determined spirits. The world is waiting.