Starting in this new year I have been establishing some goals for my congregation. We have been discussing some ministry shaping aspects that I feel will help solidify and establish the type of ministry we can expect to have in the very near and even distant future. Some of the thinking has been helped along by reading a book by Aubrey Malphurs entitled Ministry Nuts & Bolts (ISBN #0-8254-3190-5). Along with that book another one that I am currently reading as well is entitled Management Essentials for Christian Ministries by editors, Michael J. Anthony and James Estep, Jr. (ISBN #080543123-3).
All of that to say that it is not at all original with me. However, the burden has been building and it is great to find resources to help me formulate or guide my desire into action.
The greatest challenge in all of this has been helping our people see that change is not necessarily about changing beliefs, but about appropriating truth to the next generation. Christ was relational in His approach to people. He met them where they were but obviously His message never waivered. Christ still spoke truth, lived truth, and demanded an acceptance of truth.
I recently had lunch with a man in our church. As we sat discussing a range of topics I brought him to this discussion we are having as a body. The way I explained it to him was that each of us comes in with our purpose for life. I have a purpose, you have a purpose, the fellow across the aisle has a purpose. Then, in walks this visitor and they now come with a purpose for their life. I explained to him that my job as a pastor is to try and help you and even that visitor in the development of his or her purpose for life.
If only we could grab hold of the reality that God has a vision for our life. God has given us purpose and as 2 Peter 1:3 declares,
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (ESV)
We have been called to "excellence" and not "maintenance." I believe that it is not Biblical to exist without vision in your life. I do not believe that Paul got stuck in the "mid-life" rut. His goal was to be known by the One whose opinion really mattered most.
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Phi 3:7-12 ESV)
Paul exercised a mental acuteness for life. He did not "drop out" in setting goals for his life. He lived with a purpose in mind and that purpose propelled him to run!
In our churches you bring your purpose into the household of faith. Each of us brings our purpose for living. The real question then is what is your purpose? It is what motivates and pushes you. What do you see as "success" and "accomplishment" and you will learn your purpose. Now how does that purpose affect your ability to be an effective Christian? A follower of Jesus Christ? How does that effect the purpose of your church? Does your purpose in life match up to the spiritual purpose God gave you for existing?
If not, then your reward is short lived. If so, your reward is eternal. The classic verse is still true,
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Mat 6:21 ESV)
All of that to say that it is not at all original with me. However, the burden has been building and it is great to find resources to help me formulate or guide my desire into action.
The greatest challenge in all of this has been helping our people see that change is not necessarily about changing beliefs, but about appropriating truth to the next generation. Christ was relational in His approach to people. He met them where they were but obviously His message never waivered. Christ still spoke truth, lived truth, and demanded an acceptance of truth.
I recently had lunch with a man in our church. As we sat discussing a range of topics I brought him to this discussion we are having as a body. The way I explained it to him was that each of us comes in with our purpose for life. I have a purpose, you have a purpose, the fellow across the aisle has a purpose. Then, in walks this visitor and they now come with a purpose for their life. I explained to him that my job as a pastor is to try and help you and even that visitor in the development of his or her purpose for life.
If only we could grab hold of the reality that God has a vision for our life. God has given us purpose and as 2 Peter 1:3 declares,
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (ESV)
We have been called to "excellence" and not "maintenance." I believe that it is not Biblical to exist without vision in your life. I do not believe that Paul got stuck in the "mid-life" rut. His goal was to be known by the One whose opinion really mattered most.
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Phi 3:7-12 ESV)
Paul exercised a mental acuteness for life. He did not "drop out" in setting goals for his life. He lived with a purpose in mind and that purpose propelled him to run!
In our churches you bring your purpose into the household of faith. Each of us brings our purpose for living. The real question then is what is your purpose? It is what motivates and pushes you. What do you see as "success" and "accomplishment" and you will learn your purpose. Now how does that purpose affect your ability to be an effective Christian? A follower of Jesus Christ? How does that effect the purpose of your church? Does your purpose in life match up to the spiritual purpose God gave you for existing?
If not, then your reward is short lived. If so, your reward is eternal. The classic verse is still true,
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Mat 6:21 ESV)
