The Church called me as Pastor. Now what do I do?

You’ve made it! You are now in ministry that you have prepared and prayed for. After years of equipping, and patiently waiting, you now have that ministry you aimed at. Maybe even the opportunity you have dreamed about. You have went through the process of asking questions, getting asked questions, and trying to confirm whether or not this is where you should be at.

Now you are sitting at home, or at the office, and think “Now what should do next?” It has been said the first 90 to 100 days is a critical time. Three come to my mind, as I stepped into a new pastorate in June of 2017.

1. Meet one-on-one with those who are committed to your church or ministry.

Invite people into your home, if possible. Identify those whom are leaders and influencers. Why? Because you will need to work with them to accomplish tasks, and to communicate your vision. Get to know these people as deeply as possible. When my wife and I invited people over, we didn’t even talk about the church, or church events. We focused on what was going on in their lives. We asked about how they met their spouse, where they when to school, and etc. their salvation experience. My desire was to learn about their unique experiences and background. This helps set the stage for moving forward, but also shows the people that you care about them and see them as more than just someone at church. I would suggest this be your first

2. Meet people in your community.

Aside from going to door to door, it is wise to go to local businesses and leave a business card. Offer to pray or counsel with people. Another opportunity is to engage in community events. Meet people, introducing yourself as the new pastor, or whatever your title is. In addition to announcing your meeting times, be excited about your ministry. Find one unique and positive attribute about your church or ministry that can always be shared with people.

3. Meet with God.

Beg God to stir your heart with a revival in you. Read your Bible, not just for sermons, but in a way that your heart is prepared to deal with people, problems, and pride. Meet with God, so that you can steer them to the Lord. Have close fellowship with the Lord, it will be help your sermons and lessons. Don’t get discouraged if you feel convicted, that is God making you more conformed Christ’s image. Preach Christ-centered messages, maybe preach through one of the gospels, or one of Paul’s writings.

4. Meet with a quick victory.

As quickly as possible, find something that God has done in front of you. Maybe it is an increase in attendance? The attitude of the people? Large amount of pocket change in the offering, showing that the kids are giving? Someone getting saved? Increased involvement from the people? These are a few. Find something current in the church, worth praising God for, and make that your quick victory.

These are just a few things that I have focused on, while in transition, hope they were blessing, and encouragement.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17

 

“Baby Steps”. Really!?

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

In 1991, Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfess starred in the film, “What About Bob?” Initially Bob Wiley, played by Bill Murray seeks the help of a psychiatrist named Dr. Leo Marvin, played by Richard Dreyfess. The issue of psychology while interesting, is not what I plan to address. Rather there was an interesting piece of practical advice given in the film. Dr. Marvin explains to Bob the concept of “Baby steps”. On the back of Dr. Marvin’s book it reads, “It means setting small, reasonable goals for yourself, one step at a time, one day at a time. Learning to set doable goals, accomplishable goals for yourself is vastly important in this day and age. With the problems of today seeming insurmountable, we must take everything bit by bit. When you get up in the morning, don’t think about everything you have to do through the day. Just deal with getting through the morning, then the afternoon, and so on. Baby steps.” In no time at all, Bob’s perspective changed! He was attempting things that weren’t even a imaginable to him before.

This not a new ground breaking concept. Paul, the Apostle, used this approach with his daily walk as a believer, and follower of Jesus Christ. It is clear in his letter to the Philippians, that he took the “Baby Steps” approach concerning both his ministry and personal life. The prophet Jeremiah was told by God in Jeremiah 12:5, “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” One commentator writes, “God is telling Jeremiah, if you cannot handle the pressure from your hometown, how are you going to handle the pressure from Jerusalem? In reality, God is saying, Jeremiah, are you too impatient or too sensitive? If you think this is bad now, you have seen nothing yet!” God is instructing Jeremiah to take a “baby steps” approach. When you sit back and think of all the factors or small events, that must take place for a big event to happen, you can start taking baby steps. Recently my wife and I went under contract on the purchase of a house. There are many factors that go into purchasing a home. Right now our main focus isn’t on where the furniture will be placed at. Or thinking about patio furniture. Although it is important, it isn’t consuming our time at this moment. Right now the focus is on the repair addendum, and completing the loan paper work. Many times we dream of an end result, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but the small details can’t be left out. Pastor Paul Chappell once said, “A dream without a plan is a wish.” Jesus taught on this in Luke 14:28, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” The counting of the cost isn’t glamorous or always exciting, but it is a necessary “baby step”.

Our approach to the scriptures need “baby steps” as well. When we take in the Bible with a baby steps approach, we more details, and gain more understanding. One might look at the Bible, and say it covers a lot of ground, and hard to understand. Yet, one may read it cover to cover, understanding there is a old and new testament. However when divisions are properly made and understood, then the details fall into place. I like to compare scripture to sitting down a Big Mac, or large cheeseburger in front of a 5 year old. Most 5 year olds will struggle with that kind of sandwich. Any more, even I cut a restaurant hamburger in half! If the sandwich or burger is cut into two or more smaller pieces, then the 5 year old can handle it. They probably won’t eat it all, but they handle what they can, making next to no mess at all. Paul in his writing to Timothy encourages this same approach to the scriptures! In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul wrote,”Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” There are clearly divisions that need to be made. For example when studying the beginning of the Bible, look at Genesis chapters 1-11, and understand this section as the Creation stage or era. Now with that thought in mind, all the events, people, and details describe creation. Genesis 12-50, describe patriarchs,or Israelite fathers, and can be called the Patriarchal stage or era. Dispensationalism is also an important historical progression, as revealed in the Bible. It consists of a series of stages in God’s self-revelation and plan of salvation. An entire blog entry, or series of blogs can be dedicated to explaining all the divisions. Bottom line is once you have a grasp on divisions, then the details aren’t as confusing when you come across them.

Remember the old cliche, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t be discouraged with where your ministry is at the time of reading this post. Don’t be down about your struggles and disappointments. Take “baby steps” towards where you want to go. Make one choice over an area YOU can control. If it is scripture you want to understand, then take a small section and read it over, and over, and over. Then use the basic principles of Bible study (observation, interpretation, and application), aided by dictionaries and concordances. Find out what is happening, and how it can help you know God better. Pastor Sam Miles has often said, “All scripture is the mind of God, and we can’t understand it without the aid of the Holy Spirit.” Baby steps are ok. In fact baby steps are healthy. A baby isn’t born beginning to run in a matter of minutes like some animals. Babies have to take baby steps before walking and running.

The Four Goals of Discipleship

There must be some predetermined goals of discipleship. Otherwise all you have is chaos and disappointment. Sadly many discipleship programs end up in tragedy because the disciple doesn’t know what is truly expected, and the discipler doesn’t know where to really take the disciple to. Where should we take someone in this process of discipleship? More importantly what does the Bible say about how to do this thing called discipleship?

Everything we do in discipleship centers around accomplishing Biblical objectives that we describe as the 4 Goals of Discipleship. Acts 2:42-47, and Ephesians 4:11-16 give us a clear picture of going from point A to B and so on concerning discipleship. 

1. Be established in the Word of God.
Is the disciple regularly reading and hiding God’s Word in their heart?
Do they understand that the Word of God is THE absolute authority for our lives?              Are they getting into the Word independently outside the time you meet?

2. Be established in the Fellowship of Believers.
Is the disciple developing healthy relationships in the body of Christ? If not why not? Proverbs 18:24                                                                                                                                                Do they recognize that God desires to use them to establish others in fellowship as well?

3. Be established in the Structure of Our Local Church.
Does the disciple see their position of submission and accountability in the local church?
Are you a part? Connected? Rom 12, 1 Cor 12. Attendance of services alone cannot truly make you are part of a local church. Are they “fitly joining” to the body of Christ?
Do you see your need to pray, attend, tithe and serve all within the context of the local church?

4. Be established with us in Ministry.
Are you serving?
You are to have some part in the great commission with us!
We are Ambassador’s for Christ. We are soldiers in the Lord’s army. We are servants of the Most High God!

This is why our objective in one sentence should be:
To mold each individual into the image of Christ and to mobilize all to minister the Word of God to the world.

Our Church Ministry motto: Every Member a Minister! Everyone is called to play a role in discipleship. You are doing ministry by submitting to discipleship, or discipling someone else. 

In aiding with the four goals of Discipleship, which is a guide, the next question is how to do I accomplish this? Another might be what do I need to remember during this process? It is one thing to know what God desires, it is another to actually visualize it, then do what He has enabled us to do. 

1. Teach – Make sure you have comprehension of the material. Make sure you are growing and learning. Ask the disciple questions to ensure understanding. Ask them to explain “key words” or “key concepts”.

2. Train – Illustrate and show you how these biblical principles apply to our lives. Look into your disciples life and experience for examples. Be PATIENT!

3. Task – Challenge yourself and your disciple to step out in obedient faith, identifying ways to live what is learned. Provide steps of accomplishment with accountability. Begin with smaller tasks, then provide ones with greater responsibility.

4. Team – Challenge your disciple to partner together with your congregation in ministry. Do ministry together. Remind them they play a vital role in making disciples, and reaching others. Without a team few do the work of many. 

In no way am I a discipleship guru, nor do I play one on television. Other great men have invested in me during the last 15 years, to help develop the position that I have. I pray that someone finds this to be helpful in the God called, and God ordained process of making disciples.

Why Do I even need “Discipleship”?

Many have viewed Discipleship as just another “church program”. However the total mission of the church, a collection of believers, is two-fold. Some have called this two-fold mission “The Great Commission” found in Matthew 28:18-20. The first is to proclaim the life and truth of Jesus Christ for the purpose of salvation. Mark chapter 16 and verse, reads “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Matthew 28:19 also gives a similar command of teaching Christ, so that a decision is made to be placed into God’s family. John 1:12 reads, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” Many churches do great at explaining the gospel, and illustrating in a simple fashion. Praise God for this! However just like it is usually easy to have baby, but difficult to raise a child, so it is with winning a soul to Christ, versus making a disciple. Matthew 28:20 explains that what needs to be taught is what Jesus commanded. It is crucial to point out that we ourselves can’t make disciples, but rather we need to teach and be the tool God can use to make a disciple. Without discipleship a believer will become fickle, follow his or passions, and fall prey to false teachers. There is a cost involved however. This cost can’t be measured in dollars and cents, but rather in terms of priorities. Meaning that you will have to give up something. You will give up something to surrender to discipleship, or you will give up something by not choosing to be discipled, and disciple others. Believers who choose discipleship may have to give up time and energies from some hobby or personal endeavor. Alternatively those who don’t surrender to disciple and make it a priority to disciple others, miss out on blessings, and perhaps are even mortgaging their church’s future… Below I have listed a laid out philosophy from the leaders of Living Faith Fellowship, a network of like minded churches.

Philosophy of Discipleship

Discipleship is not just a program for church growth, it is the transfer of spiritual life from one believer to another. Throughout history, the church has grown and expanded through discipleship. This is God’s plan for each believer’s life. Making disciples is what we are called to do. Discipleship is God’s perfect plan of ministry and multiplication. What began in the garden of Eden is still true today, to “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, . . .” The Lord’s plan has never and will never change. Discipleship is not A ministry, it is THE ministry.

GOD’S PERFECT PLAN

God’s plan has never changed. What was true for Adam is true for you. The first words God spoke to Adam are found in Genesis 1:26-28, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, . . .” This same commission was given to Noah (Genesis 9:1), and to the Nation of Israel through Abraham (Genesis 12:3), Isaac (Genesis 26:4), and Jacob (Genesis 28:3). God’s perfect plan has always been about establishing His kingdom. The first words of God to man match the last words Jesus Christ spoke to his followers. The only difference is that our work is spiritual, not just physical. We are bear fruit in our lives and that fruit is to remain through the process of discipleship. (John 15:16)

GOD’S PERFECT SOLUTION

Our Father always makes provision for His vision. The incredible task of reaching this planet with the good news of Jesus Christ is accomplished through discipleship. Throughout history, discipleship has been the mode of passing the truth from one generation to the next. The Apostle Paul summarizes this for us in Colossians 1:28 by giving us the 3-fold mission of the church.

“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”

1. We Preach the Word (Evangelism, or reaching the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ.)
2. We Teach the Word (Discipleship, or investing God’s Word in the lives of men.)
3. Maturity in the Believer is the Result! (Engaged in the mission. Every member is a minister of God’s Word)

When we, as a church, see Colossians 1:28 become the reality of his people, we will see the Great Commission being lived out.

DISCIPLESHIP IS THE ANSWER!

Discipleship is the answer. We believe that only through the ministry of discipleship, we will see the perfect plan realized in our lives, both individually and as a church. When every believer is equipped with the truth of God’s Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Great Commission is possible. The Bible tells us in Matthew 28:19-20 that all power is given for this job and Jesus Christ will be with us to the end!

Stay tuned….                                                                                                                                        Next time I will post the four goals of Discipleship. Take on the challenge to disciple!

First Impressions

The old cliche of only having one time to make a first impression is so true. Whenever someone visits our Church services, or attends a Bible study for the first time, that creates a window of opportunity. From personal experience my wife and I usually know within the first 5-10 minutes whether or not we would make a second visit to a church or Bible study. This is well documented among many bloggers and survey takers. So here are some examples of positive first impressions that can be made. Many of the ones listed are ones that my wife and I have personally expressed.

1. Thank people for coming and show appreciation for their choice.                  This might seemed “lame” to some. However we live in an age where Bible preaching and teaching is readily available outside of the church walls. That is both a blessing and a curse. Also whenever a church leader sins, it is exposed on twitter and facebook almost immediately. People can find many excuses other than sports to not attend Sunday services. There are so many opportunities to be in a church (using the term loosely). Basically be excited or at least grateful that people choose to sit under your teaching and preaching. You can say “Bless God! We have the truth and they should be here!” While that may be true in your mind, people are not robots, and must make a consciousness choice. This isn’t “compromise” Jesus found ways to relate to people so that truth could be shared. The apostle Paul did this as well.

2. Offer to sit with someone who is new.                                                                             It can be kind of uncomfortable to go somewhere new and not know anyone. It is even more uncomfortable watching everyone around you know each other and not take even a small interest in welcoming you. One of things that drew my wife and I to the church we were previously at was the fact that another young couple came and sat with us. They asked just real basic questions, like where we are from, what do you do, and etc. This made quite an impression on us. No other church that we had been to at that time, was that demonstrated.

3. Introduce new comers to others within the church or Bible study                      This is a help in so many ways. One way this helps is it well documented that the return rate is higher if they meet other people. Also while you may have worked hard at welcoming someone in, there might be someone else within your group that has more common ground or the same interest as visitor or new comer. It could be that someone else you introduce them to is from the same area, or they are in the same lifestage (one word used to describe the same age range or stage of life such as student, single, married, divorced, widowed, and etc.), perhaps work in a related field of employment.

4. Make an invitation for new comers to go to lunch with you.                                   This was a BIG hook for my wife and I when we are looking for a church several years ago. Once again, we had never experienced this sort of thing before. Several other sources have linked this to high return rate. This may provide an even greater opportunity to speak truth into someone’s life outside the preaching. Not to diminish preaching in any form whatsoever. At the very least it will give the preaching from the pulpit another opportunity to impact someone. Has Thom Rainer  would describe it, “The burden would not be great; but the impact would be huge.” The lunch doesn’t have to be fancy. If you are comfortable you can invite someone to your house, and just have a simple, cost effective meal like spaghetti. Or make a smart economic choice. In our situation we paid for our own meal and was just grateful someone wanted to share time with us outside the main service.

5. Share contact information and offer any help you can provide.                            I saved this one for last because I would advise caution with this. You don’t want someone calling all hours of the day and night. This demonstrates a desire to connect with someone and learn more about them. Today this can be done through social media, where you have more control over what you share with others, and who can see what about you.

“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” Jude 1:22-24

Connecting with Others part two

It has been quite awhile since I updated the blog, and complete the two part series. However the time has come where I have had the opportunity to do both! Rather than try to “re-invent the wheel” or come up with some obscure plan of engaging people within the walls of our churches, some thoughts from Thom Rainer will be shared. These thoughts come from his personal blog in a post entitled, “The Main Reason People Leave a Church”. Rainer’s post thomrainer.com/2013/01/21/the-main-reason-people-leave-a-church/ is an interesting post because the few steps he shares are intended to move members from an entitlement mentality to a servant mentality. This should also extend to regular attenders who are saved, but aren’t yet committed. Attenders often get ignored. While they may not have the privileges of church membership, church attenders still need shepherding, while seeking if this place is where God would have them to be. The bottom line is to have a plan to engage people inside the church building, attending church services. Chances are if they aren’t engaged, then they will engage in going somewhere that attempts to love and equip them, however that might look like. It should scare us, with what passes has “equipping the believers” in many places…

The following list and descriptions was compiled by Thom Rainer:

1. Inform church members. Though I do not have precise numbers, I would conjecture that more than one-half of church members do not have a biblical understanding about church membership. Providing that information in a new members’ class can move an entire congregation toward a servant mentality.
2. Raise the bar of expectations. We have dumbed down church membership in many congregations to where it has little meaning. Clarify expectations of members. Again, doing so in the context of a new members’ class is a great way to begin.
3. Mentor members. Take two or three members and begin to mentor them to become biblical church members. After a season, ask them to mentor two or three as well. Let the process grow exponentially.
4. Train members. Almost 100 percent of pastors agree that their role is to train and equip members. But almost three-fourths of these pastors have no plans on how they will train them (see Ephesians 4:11-13). I will address this issue more fully on my blog next Wednesday.
5. Encourage people to be in small groups. Those in Sunday school classes and small groups are more likely to be informed and functioning church members. In others words, there is a much greater likelihood of a member with a servant mentality to be in a small group than not.

What are we doing in your church to close the back door? What are we doing to move members from an entitlement mentality to a servant mentality?

To add to Rainer’s list, I believe that it is vital for both the church members and the church leadership itself to commit to one-on-one personal Biblical discipleship. Also another great tool to connect with others and bring people from entitlement to servanthood would be a Church Bible Institute. This can be a great tool to train lay leaders within your church, without sending them to Bible college and saddling them with debt, and financial hardships. Special seminars aimed at your church specific ministries can also be helpful.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”  (2 Timothy 2:2)

Connecting With Others part one

No relationship is built in a day, the same way, with the same dynamics. In this two-part post, I would like to suggest some practical ways to connect with others, and get that bridge built for sharing Christ first, then secondly seeking the discipleship opportunities. There are two kinds of people that need connecting with those within the community, and those within the congregation or the walls of the church. One older pastor suggested to a younger pastor to “start pastoring his town”. What does that mean exactly? I believe that means to see our town or city as Jesus did, which is a sheep without a shepherd. To make this connection and become that “under shepherd” with Jesus as the “chief shepherd” personal and intentional contact through outreach must be made. “Outreach” is a word I have not just heard in church, but our Business Development Manager at work uses this word when she is referring to initiating communication whether it be email, in person, or telephone. Now in church ministry I believe four methods of communication can be helpful in our pursuit of obeying the great commission.

1. A Personal In-Home Visit                                                                                                               The goal here can be many towards someone in the community. It can be to simply introduce yourself, and the name of your church family. This definitely needs to be a time that you learn as much as possible about the home you are visiting. Remember names alone mean so much. When you see that person or persons again and you remember their name that says you intentionally remember them. Ask one or two questions that will lead into sharing the gospel, or knowing to wait. Rejection of the gospel may not be the end, but if you are rude, and obnoxious then that will end all future possibilities. You can either pick a neighborhood and just go up and down the streets. Another really good tactic is new move-ins, especially if you take cookies or some other treat, this focuses on them. You can even poll the congregation and get some prospects of friends and family members.

2. A Personal Hand Written Letter                                                                                                    The Apostle Paul had an effective letter writing ministry. He wrote several letters that even impact us to this today. Some possibilities can be to people who have had babies, lost loved ones, or new move-ins. When a letter is hand written and signed, they demonstrates an intentional though through the writing, and not just a copy and pasted message. Businesses use this to communicate a “good job” from corporate down to the employee.

3. Telephone Calls/Texting                                                                                                                  This can be effective, but personally is probably my least favorite method to use. However some people are LOVE using the phone. Whether that be talking or even texting. We live in a mobile society so this might be a means to connect or begin connecting to someone who is busy and consistently on the move.

4. Email/Newsletter                                                                                                                              This is different from letter writing. Some people due to mobility rates may not have a physical address that they want mail sent to. Email should also be used to minimize the cost of postage when applicable. For example something that every church can perhaps do is a newsletter. Now many times this just becomes another item that the pastor has to contribute his time and energy to, and thus becomes all about the pastor. The newsletter can be a way for people who don’t teach or preach to contribute by giving wisdom out to those in the community. People in the church can write their testimony and it can be published as well as events and the churches web address.

The ultimate goal needs to be to have yourself at the forefront as available, hopeful, and caring.

In the next post I will list out some ideas of connecting to people within the walls of the church buildings.

Why Does a Church need an Organized Outreach effort?

Maybe you have had this question come into your mind. Or perhaps you are wondering what does this do for the church I attend, or what will it do for me? Galatians 6:7-8 tells us “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” God compares the work in the life a believer to harvest, this is a farming terminology. I grew up in Kansas, but never lived on a farm, however I saw combines as I drove across the state. I also saw people who worked and labored on their property looking toward harvest time. The work of evangelism, and making Christ known is compared to farming in Luke 10:2 “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” The perspective that can be of great help is to view ourselves as a seed sowers more than a fruit inspector. No one can expect a harvest without sowing. Dr. Jerry Tidwell says, “For whatever reason, we have become more concerned with marketing the church than evangelizing the sinner.” It takes work to view people properly, to handle conversations that involve questions, and to take notice of where people are at in relation to a relationship with God through Christ or the lack thereof. I don’t know who said it but someone once said, “The church is always one generation away from losing the gospel.” So we must somehow GO to those who outside the walls of our church. Dr. John Marshall, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO tells the story of how his father picked cotton to pay for a watch that his father bought as gift for Dr. Marshall’s mother. Dr. Marshall explained that his dad didn’t put up a sign that says “All cotton welcome”. He also didn’t just yell “Come on in cotton!” Dr. Marshall’s father had to get out into the field. Any outreach effort whether it be G.R.O.W. or just door-to-door soul winning, anything is better than just sitting and waiting for the end to come. Now I would like to share a stat shared by Dr. Jerry Tidwell in his book “Outreach Teams that Win”.

While this may not be true everywhere and in every situation, one thing will be certain, your community will know that your church exists, and what you be believe about Jesus Christ. For nearly 10 ten years I have lived in Southwest Missouri also known as “The Ozarks”. As I have observed the various churches in this part of the country, I have noticed something in common among our Baptist churches, and even most other Bible preaching churches, is that a growing church has some form visitation and outreach. Maybe there are churches who grow without any outreach efforts, if so praise God! Once again the outreach effort is centered around the sowing and reaping principle. The church at any location should have it’s mission emanate from the great commission, which is going, winning, baptizing, and teaching. Thom Rainer had done some research several years ago that stated if invited that a high percentage of people are likely to visit. Hopefully some of this research and some of the ideas will encourage you to get involved in some outreach effort. Maybe through visiting guests, Sunday school absentees, people in crisis, shut-ins. Or perhaps through letter-writing, a phone call, text messaging, or even the use of facebook. Later on, this blog will describe these areas and how they can be tool for outreach and evangelism.

-Josh

-Outreach Teams that Win G.R.O.W., by Dr. Jerry Tidwell (pp.16-17)

Blog Purpose and Plan part II: “Ministry Renewal”

The word “ministry” appears 22 times in scripture. It usually refers to a type of service, or public function. The type of service and public function for a believer doing “ministry” revolves around the gospel, taking care of it, giving it to others. This isn’t just about evangelism solely, but also doing discipleing through investing in others helping them to evangelize.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

So doing ministry makes us a “minister”. In some governments they use “minister” to describe someone who holds a particular area of responsibility. This person makes decisions, and implements the decisions of those above them in power. We do the same with what God has given us. We have choices to make, as well as we have orders from God, through His word that are cut and dry. This blog in particular is being structured to help ministry, in particular the ministry or work and service of helping Christians in Churches to be strengthened and encouraged in areas of outreach and revitalization.

The word “Renew” appears 6 times in the Scripture. The word renew has the idea of  renovating or restoring to a former state, or to a good state. There is also an intent to rebuild; to repair.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

This verse is speaking of a spiritual renewal. There must be a trust and dependence placed upon the Lord. The people in Isaiah 40 are in Babylon, in captivity. Maybe as you read this, you may feel like your ministry is in captivity, not reaching it’s full potential. Maybe you yourself feel like you are in captivity. Perhaps there is a feeling of just hitting the wall with ministry efforts, or apathy in daily Bible reading, or a lack or response in teaching or preaching God’s word. This sampling of struggles that I have listed are not uncommon. They can however be a death blow to where you are spiritually, and even to your personal ministry. Each believer must realize they need renewal, they need revival! Not just once, but again and again…

“Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 35:4-6

-These people had to understand their need. They could not trust in themselves for their need to be met. Are you trusting in the Lord to renew your spirit, to renew your church or ministry? Do you understand your need walking through your personal desert?

-Josh

Blog Purpose and Plan, part I: “Church Encouragement”

I have chosen the words “church” and “encouragement” as the words of the domain name or web address.

“And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” (Galatians 1:2-4)

The first word “church” was not man’s idea it was God’s idea, and it was Christ who first utters that word as it is translated into our English Bible in the book of Matthew. 

 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) 

In Ephesians it speaks of Christ’s love for the “Church”. Since it is important enough for Christ to love, then if we are to be like Christ we should love the church, and try to help as much as possible. Now I am not making excuses for any church, or ministry. Maybe you can think of problems that you have observed, and those problems may be a fair and just criticism, however talking about that criticism, or blogging about it doesn’t fix the problem and it sure doesn’t fix us.  My conviction is to do the best I can within the particular church that I am a part of. Basically be part of the solution.

 Next the word “encouragement” is something that I desire that comes out of what I or anyone else type on this blog.

“But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.” (Deuteronomy 3:28) 

The word encouragement doesn’t necessary mean to make someone “feel good”, but rather  it means, “The act of giving courage, or confidence of success.” There are certain issues that I will not discuss on this blog, because this blog’s purpose is not for debating, arguing, or offering up “snack shop theology”. My passion is to share research, ideas, and experiences that may help others. Someone might read something on here and Lord willing get excited about outreach, or reviving a church. Maybe they will consider ideas or thoughts from this very blog, or maybe this blog can teach someone what not to do.

In the times we live, the church as we see it in our cities, and nations needs encouragement not more criticisms or analysis. Maybe all one can do is be faithful, it is the faithful small components of an engine that make it function properly and efficiently.

-Josh

Next time…blog purpose and plan part II: Ministry Renewal…