A couple of years ago I hit a milestone that I had been dreading- I turned 40. Forty may seem young to some of you, and it may seem old to others. Age can be funny that way. Things have changed a lot since I turned 40. Things that used to seem fun, completely exhaust me now. My back is sore in the morning from simply sleeping at night.

I could go on and on, but the biggest change has been in my metabolism. I suppose now is as good a time as any to confess- I love cheese crackers. These cheesy, delicious, crispy bites of perfection have long been a staple in my diet.

Prior to turning 40, I never had to make a decision of whether I should eat cheese crackers or not. But since turning 40, I find myself asking more questions with almost every food decision I make. Is it good for me? Is it worth it? How long will I have to stay on the treadmill to burn off this handful of cheese crackers? 

Believe it or not, church health is not that different. As time goes by, as seasons change, and as culture shifts, we must constantly look at how a church operates. We can try to ignore this change, but the change is happening whether we realize it or not. We may have to alter or change things we used to do.

Programs that were once very effective may have deteriorated over time. I may have to limit things that I personally like because it is better for the health of the church. The longer I walk with Jesus, the harder it is for me to look at things through the eyes of someone who is new to church. 

In Acts 15, we read about a pivotal moment in church history. The leaders of the early church gathered at the council of Jerusalem to discuss how to integrate Gentile Christians into a predominantly Jewish church. After much arguing, James spoke up and in verse 19 said, “It is my judgement, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” This seems like such a simple statement. The concept is simple, yet so wise.

Church health is dependent upon simplifying our structure and constantly weighing the effectiveness of what we are doing to make an easy on-ramp for new believers to get plugged in and grow in their faith. These things shift over time and need to be re-evaluated frequently.

Cheese crackers may have been my first love, but are they good for me in this season of life? May God continue to equip you and give you wisdom as you grow His Kingdom! 

About the Author: Jason Baugh was born and raised in Sacramento, California. In 2003 he moved to Cookeville, Tennessee, where he worked as a Middle School history teacher. He and his wife, Stacie, have two daughters-Mackenzie and Callie. Jason serves as the Lead Pastor at Center Point Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Jason strongly believes that everyone was created “on purpose for a purpose.” That purpose can only be found through Jesus Christ. No person is so lost…and no situation is too difficult for Jesus.