What exactly is a "rut"?

I think I have not communicated what I mean by being stuck in a rut. I still believe in the team concept and I am not giving up.

What I mean by "stuck in a rut" is that we have not seen any new believer baptisms in the last year. Now, what that tells me is that we (and I absolutely include myself in this) are not leading others to Christ. The "rut" I am referring to is one in which we are just going through the motions.

It may be that we are just in a natural ebb of the "ebb and flow" of church life. If that is true then I am speaking out of turn. But it may be that we are not "ebbing", but just complacent. We are saying to ourselves, "This is as good as its going to get." That attitude saps the strength from both the one who shares it and anyone who hears it.

Team-based church is a means, not the end. I believe it is the biblical model for accomplishing the tasks assigned to the church by God Himself. The end, however, is seeing ever-increasing numbers of people coming to saving faith and giving God the glory. It is God's glory that should be our goal and nothing less.

Instead of being a cheerleader and saying, "Come on, let's go!" I want us to get on our knees (physically if possible). I want us to seek God's face. I want us to implore, with all that we are, the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers. I want to see this generation come to know Christ. I want to see our villages and townships and counties transformed by almighty God. I ask you to join me in this prayer.