"Getting Rid of Clunkers"

Do you remember the "Cash for Clunkers" program which was instituted by the federal government?  Maybe you participated in it.  My friend Dr. Darrel Riley shared some interesting thoughts about the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System).  The program offered customers a $3500 - $4500 discount if they would trade their old, gas guzzling, fume spewing vehicle and purchase a new, environmentally friendly vehicle.  It was supposed to be a win - win:

     *  Consumers got a huge discount on a new car, truck or leased vehicle

     *  The program was supposed to energize the economy, boosting auto sales

     *  Safer, cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles would now impact our environment

I've been wondering if "clunkers" exist in places other than our garages or driveways.  We have some "clunker programs" in our churches--events that we continue to hang on to, repeating year after year, which have lost their effectiveness.  

Pastor and church leader, here are just a few questions to ask:

     *  Do you have church programs based more on nostalgic memories than on current need?

     *  Have any of your ministries become "fuelish," taking too much money or manpower to maintain?

     *  Do the events you have affect your "environment"--are you impacting your community?

As you start new things, STOP doing those ministry programs which are no longer effective.  Let's appreciate the past but not live there.

Like Paul, keep moving forward: "I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward to Jesus.  I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.  So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us."  Message, Phil 3:12