As I think about this I get frustrated. Are they now attending other churches? Did they simply move away, forever to be forgotten? Have they died? Were they even saved to begin with? Why are they still on the roll?
Enter Mike McKinley's excellent book Am I Really a Christian?. This book looks at seven areas for individuals to being the process of reviewing their lives. Each chapter begins with "You are not a Christian" and then has a different topic it covers. For example, "You are not a Christian just because you say that you are" and You are not a Christian if you enjoy sin". Two other personal favorites of mine include, "You are not a Christian if you don't love other people" and "You are not a Christian if you love your stuff".
This is a very thought provoking book and clearly presents a biblical understanding of salvation. These chapters allow the reader to evaluate whether they are indeed a follower of Christ or not. Maybe every person who joins a church should be required to read this book first? Or better yet, maybe every person on a church's roll, whether active or a 'ghost member' should read the book. This book is a call to understand the biblical meaning of salvation and will serve the church well! It might not relieve all the frustration pastors experience, but it will shed light on an important issue facing the church today.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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