Since the beginning of the church, fellowship of Christians has involved at least these four things: worship, learning, involvement, and relationships. What happens if a church neglects these areas or only provides for “the 20%” which know everybody and already do everything? What happens to the 80% who are riding the fringe? One of the great responsibilities given to leaders by God is to “equip the saints” for “work of ministry” and to “edify the church” (Ephesians 4:12) “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Worship, when the church comes together, ought to be a time of pouring out adoration to God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). When we see God on his throne high and lifted, it causes us to be humbly aware of sin, as well as the need for redemption, and we leave worship with a willingness to serve the Lord (Isaiah 6:1-8). Worship should never be practiced in such a way that only the spiritually mature can understand it. Let’s avoid jargon and clichés, which visitors do not understand. Instead, worship so all can better see God and even visitors will recognize their sin and begin to worship (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
Knowledge can only be gained through study. Leaders must equip the saints with the Scriptures (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As first time visitors or long time members, we all need to be challenged to learn more (2 Peter 3:18). Every congregation should have individuals who will study one-on-one to help folks learn of their Savior. If we fail in these we have ultimately failed!
If one is asked, “Where are you spiritually?” no matter what the answer, there should be a place in the congregation to help them take the next step closer to God.
The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 15, 2004
Part 2: Involvement
Involvement is the concept of helping every member become a faithful servant of God’s (1 Corinthians 15:58). Christianity is active. The church began in Acts 2 with folks selling their possessions to distribute with others (Acts 2:45, Acts 4:32), inviting folks into their homes daily, preparing meals, praying together (Acts 2:42), serving widows food (Acts 6) and providing clothing (Acts 9:39).
Today if 100% of the members were willing to work would the leaders of the church have a place for them to serve? Leaders are to provide “work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). Is it God’s will for the same people to do the same things all the time and other willing servants never be asked or given the opportunity to serve and grow? The more members who are available to work, the more leaders will be required to lead them. If the leaders aren’t available, the works will cease and the people will feel useless and soon they will depart or become apathetic. If every work is under a ministry and every ministry is being lead by a deacon and every deacon is diligently leading his ministry to (1) accomplish the work for the glory of God (2) by involving and encouraging every able and willing member, then there should never be willing servants of the Lord without an opportunity to serve! Every willing servant serving must be every deacon’s goal! Leaders fail when they believe the best way to do a job is to do it yourself! It may be the easiest, but, for heaven’s sake, it’s not the best!
The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 22, 2004
Part 3: Relationships
Relationships are vital in Christianity! One must be faithful in his or her relationship to God, family, neighbors, government, and even their enemy.
Acts gives us the history of the church from day one. The common love for Jesus brought the members of the Lord’s church together daily. They were in and out of homes eating together and praying together (Acts 2:42). Their love for God and each other caused them to sacrifice greatly for one another by selling possessions to give to those in the spiritual family who had needs (Acts 2:45; 4:32). This close relationship is built by practicing “brotherly love” as read in Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, and Hebrews 13:1. Just as foreign as an ocean without water would be, so is the thought of a church without relationships. But how many in the church ought to have relationships with one another? Only the 20% group again?
Of course not. Leaders are to provide edification to the whole body (Ephesians 4:12). One of the absolute necessities to build up the body is to help the body know God and one another. Small groups are a wonderful way to get to know each other better. Any group of 35 or less that meets at least once a month is a great environment to build relationships. Leaders ought to provide these, value them, and help nurture these opportunities. They are veins by which love often passes to spark and grow relationships. By our love we show to each other, folks should know we are Christ’s (John 13:34-35). Let’s grow closer to God and each other.
The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on September 12, 2004
