Club Member or Enlisted?

Bob Perdue discussed the church's vision and mission yesterday morning. People lose sight of the church's mission and instead focus on the church's programs and ministries. Programs and ministries are not an end in themselves. They are simply a vehicle to accomplish the mission. Our church's mission is preparing effective ambassadors for Christ. Seeing unsaved people begin loving God, people, and serving.

The mission is the big deal.

It's not just something the church does...it is what the church does.

Many people become 'club members' because they like a particular person, program, or ministry a church offers. When mission minded leadership sees the need to reinvent those ministries or programs because it has lost effectiveness in accomplishing the church's mission, 'club members' leave in search of another with that person, program, or ministry. An observation about 'Club members': they never accomplish the mission. They have no spiritual 'family tree.' They have no one that they have personally lead to Christ who's now an effective ambassador for Christ.

On the other hand 'enlisted' people are for the mission. Enlisted people quickly see when something may be fun but does not accomplish the mission. The enlisted welcome needed change for the sake of the mission. Enlisted people bear fruit. Enlisted people have spiritual babies and grand babies they are nurturing and discipling. Enlisted people prepare and produce effective ambassadors of Christ.

Should you enlist?

Sunday Reflections

I really enjoyed church this weekend. A lot going on and that's always exciting. During the morning service the children's ministry did an outstanding job sharing what they they're learning this year. The Master's Club ministry had a regional activity Saturday and won several ribbons. I love the young people of our church and I'm so proud of them. I can't say enough about those who minister to them, they are doing a great job.

The music ministry is really progressing. I really felt the spirit moving during the praise time and thought people were ready for the message. So great to see more people getting involved.

I loved preaching 'Live - by Looking Forward.' So convinced that many people miss God's plan because they stay in their comfort zone never truly following were God leads. Change requires doing things you are uncomfortable with. The more you do it, the comfortable it becomes to you.

Christina put together a promotional video for baptism. So cool! Hopefully I can post it so you will be able to see it.

We wrapped up the morning with a 'Newcomers' dinner. Great food, fellowship, and so excited about people adding to the County Church family.

Spring Break Blessing

Gi and I really enjoyed our short break. We are both ready to get back in full swing. Gi and I both battled a cold this past week, but we are doing much better now.

We were able to visit a great church in Virginia this morning. Old Dominion Baptist Church is a church that has really grown the last several years. Bob Purdue, the pastor, told me this morning that when he came to to the church in December 1998 the church was running about 90 people. This morning the church was full. I'm not sure how many were there, but I'm guessing about 1500. They have a beautiful facility, but more than that they have a wonderful spirit. It was a real blessing to see the number of young people there. Bob had a visiting Youth Band this morning. They did a great job leading the worship. I was so moved to see the young people in the audience so into the service. I sat behind a family this morning that had three young boys. I have to say, it brought tears to my eyes to see the young boys singing.

I'm constantly aware of the fact that a church is just one generation away from closing it's doors. After what I experienced this morning, I am convinced that Old Dominion is good for at least one more generation. Amen!

Who's Church?

I recently read Gordon MacDonald's book Who Stole My Church? The book is fiction, but the plot is so real for many churches that have tried to move into the 21st century. The title Who Stole My Church originated when a dear lady, struggling with change, cried out "Who Stole My Church? I just want my church back."

Imagine that! Owning a church? Did she purchase it or something? How do you buy a church?

We need to remember that it is His church. He bought it with His blood. Imagine the error of thinking that any of us owns a church. The church is not ours to be stolen from. In fact, if we feel like the church is being stolen from us, wouldn't that mean that we first stole it from Him???

Acts 20:28 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

I'm convinced the reason churches lose their effectiveness is that people rule instead of God. Holding on to tradition and preference the church becomes irrelevant. 'Holiness' is no excuse for barrenness. Remember the 'fig' tree!

God is building His church! Any church not seeing conversions is dying.

Let's give the church back to God. He'll do a better job building it than we ever will.

Refreshed

Had a great time today hanging out the with one of my old students Craig Polston. He's now pastoring a church and doing a great job. So refreshing sharing ministry ideas and just talking church. There are just some things in a pastor's life and work that only another pastor can fully understand. We really were able to experience one of those level 3 conversations.

Sunday Visitor

It’s always different just going to church and not preaching. I’m really sensitive about how our church feels to first time visitors. Not being involved in the service gives me an opportunity to kind of feel what a visitor might experience. We need to make sure the service is not filled with ‘religious’ practices or jargon that does not help our worshiping the Lord.

I really appreciate George’s challenge to get ready for Lord’s return. We never know exactly when He will come back, but we do know that He is coming back.

Memories

I had a great time tonight at Colonial Baptist Church in Stafford Virgina. This is the church Gi and I were saved in back in 1982. Also the place were we were discipled and sent out from. I'm really glad that it still has the same precious spirit it had when we were here 15 years ago. Different faces, same love for the lord. I always enjoy the opportunities to visit, because this church has had such an impact in my life.

A Win

The greatest joy in my Christian life is personally having part in someone coming to Christ, then seeing them grow into a faithful disciple. The Bible says there is joy in the 'presence' of the angels in heaven when someone comes to Christ. Randy Alcorn says the believers who are already in heaven are those who are rejoicing before the angels. Interesting to think that even after we die we will rejoice when people accept Christ.

In pastoring, my greatest joy is seeing a member of our church have a part in bringing someone to Christ. I really feel my main function as a pastor is teaching people how to effectively witness and disciple people. This year I plan to really work at helping everyone in our church succeed in their effort to make disciples.

This year a win for me is when someone in our church wins someone who wins someone else.