Parachurch organizations do the most for the Lord when they show the least regard for the local church. Conversely, those parachurch organizations who do the most to please the local churches are the least effective for the Lord.
This is because the local church seeks for itself the devotion that is due only to the Lord. For example, churches seek to gain the fruits of an evangelistic crusade so that they will grow in membership. Yet the fruit of the harvest should belong to the lord of the harvest, not the laborers.
Church Is Not the Answer; Christ Is
Bill Hybels is one of the most effective spokesmen for the local church. Consider this open letter to him.
