Having programs in a church is great and necessary, in order to have an organized method of accomplishing the work that a local congregation needs to do. However, too often, individual members expect the programs of the church to do the work or they blame the absence of programs for work not being done. Such a reality prompted me to write a tract a few years ago entitled, “99 Things You Can Do for the Lord Without a Program.” The 99 items started with words like: “Teach, Give, Send, Share, Invite, Pray, Encourage, Offer, Make, Go, Help, Write, Call, Host, Visit, Take, etc.”
Fellow Christian, if there are others in need of help or encouragement, then be the one to help or encourage. God gave you a personal responsibility. Go for it! Remain submissive and respectful and supportive of the church shepherds, but don’t blame them or the church because something is being neglected that you can personally do. The church (collectively) has a responsibility, but the church is made up of individual Christians (like you).