Steadfast Leadership: Gospel Relevance Without Compromise
By Alan Cleveland, Executive Director of Church Strengthening
“I want our church to reach young people with the Gospel!”
The declaration was bold—and exciting. It came from a couple who were pillars of the church, having served faithfully for decades. But then came the follow-up: “But if we ever see drums in the front of the church, we will leave.” The concern wasn’t about music alone—it was about perceived compromise. To them, something as simple as an overhead projector (a recent change in the church) signaled a slow slide away from biblical fidelity.
That tension isn’t new. Every generation of church leaders must wrestle with how to communicate the unchanging Gospel in an ever-changing world. The stakes are high. If we aren’t careful, we risk softening the message—or losing people altogether.
Paul offers timeless wisdom for leaders navigating that tension.
1. Be compelled by Christ’s mission.
Our motivation must come from Christ—not comfort, culture, or nostalgia. Paul writes, “For the love of Christ controls us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14).
When Christ’s love grips us, we stop clinging to personal preferences. We let go of what makes us feel safe and pursue what makes Jesus known. Some churches drift from the Gospel to chase cultural acceptance. Others resist all change and become museums of tradition. Both are distractions. We must stay on mission.
2. Be flexible with your method.
Paul’s message never changed. But his method did. “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
In Acts 17, Paul speaks to Greek philosophers using their language, poetry, and even their altar to an unknown god. He builds a bridge—without compromising the truth. As D.A. Carson puts it, “The flexibility and accommodation envisaged in this paragraph are the flexibility and accommodation of the messenger, not the message.”
We don’t bend the truth. But we do bend our preferences, our models, and our assumptions to make the Gospel more accessible.
3. Be wise and gracious in your witness.
Paul urges: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…” (Colossians 4:5–6).
This moment requires urgency. Time is short. People are searching. But shouting louder won't help. We need gospel-hearted leaders whose lives and words carry grace and conviction. Tim Keller said it well: “We don’t need to make the gospel relevant. It already is. We need to show how.”
Too often, our lack of biblical literacy dulls our discernment. The result? We either compromise truth or communicate it harshly. Wisdom shaped by Scripture and seasoned with grace is the antidote.
The Gospel doesn’t need repackaging. It needs clear, courageous, and compassionate communication.
That’s why I’m looking forward to the upcoming Foundations Conference at Community Church Oshkosh on October 9–10, 2025. Dr. Joel Lawrence will guide us through the theme, “What is the Gospel?” You’ll experience engaging workshops, deep encouragement, and conversations that sharpen your leadership. Sign up today at https://www.convergegreatlakes.org/foundations-2025.
Bring your team. Let’s lead with courage and clarity—rooted in what does not change.
Shalom!
Alan Cleveland
Executive Director of Church Strengthening
