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Writer's pictureChopo Mwanza

Five Typpes of Members In Churches


Whenever I am preparing to start preaching through a book, after my usual study and break down of the book, I listen to sermons on the entire book. This helps me to be ministered to through the book, but it also helps me glean some insights from other preachers who have gone before me. Last year I preached through the book of Nehemiah and listened to Alistair Begg’s series on the book. In one of the sermons he surmises that there are always five kinds of people wherever God’s work is being done. It was true in Nehemiah’s day; it is true in our day as well.


The relaxers

The first group he calls the relaxers. These are the people who have been around for a while and have become comfortable with the status quo. They are convinced that they have arrived because of what they did eons ago. This group is quick to tell you of their escapades in the past and their contributions then. By and large the relaxers have entered into semi-retirement. They do nothing; they are not burdened about anything, and they do not serve anywhere. They have boarded the bus; they sit in the back and watch as the driver takes them places, while occasionally commenting on his competence to drive.


The investigators

The investigators are a curios but cautious bunch. They wonder what is going on; they are not sold; even though they are part, they really do not belong and do not participate in the life of the church. But for some reason, they want to be in the know. So, they inquire and question and wonder what’s going on and why it is going on that way.


The agitators

This group is never content with what is going on, and they are a hard group to please. They will disagree, complain and even mock whatever is happening. In the worst scenarios this group soon becomes the opposition and will often become activists who incite others. This critical group can take energy from you and leave you deflated if you do not face them with a God dependent attitude.


The expectant

They are eager, zealous and diligent. They have a heart of service and are ever expectant and excited at what the Lord is doing in, through and among them. They are asking what is coming and what can be done next and how they can get involved. They find joy in spending and being spent. They also look for progress and growth and invariably get frustrated with the lack of it.


The organizers

They thrive on structure and order. They want to organize things and sort out things. Procedure and policy are their middle names! They are often frustrated with disorganization and want everything clearly laid out and thought through.

Alistair Begg charges that a biblical leader who is doing God’s work, God’s way, will stir the relaxers, answer the investigators, focus the agitators, guide the expectant and structure the organizers. As long as we have breath and there is still work to be done, we should never be content, and we should always strive to do more for the Lord.

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