A Growing Church (Part 7)
A Growing Church is a giving church. I am not primarily referring to giving money, even though that is part of it. A growing church has learned the lesson of our Lord Jesus that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."(Acts 20:35) Let me explain.
Many people today are only concerned about what they and their families can get from the church. They choose a church based on programs and amenities that make them comfortable and meet their needs. They give little or no attention to what they will contribute to the church. All of this is the opposite of the character of Jesus and the mission of the church. A church will not be a growing church unless the people are willing to serve, as Jesus did, by giving of themselves for other people.(Mark 10:45) A church will not be a growing church unless the people are willing to give up their preferences to do what it takes to reach others with the gospel.(I Corinthians 9:19-22)
The church is a group of people who serve the Lord together, not a group that sits and enjoys themselves together. The church is a group of people who exist to reach all people groups and population segments with the gospel. Neither of these things can be done without giving of time, talents, spiritual gifts, and resources. It takes a lot of energy to teach preschoolers and children. It takes time and creativity to disciple teenagers. Someone has to sacrifice some time to minister to the adults in small groups. The people down the street will never come to Christ or to church without some people giving of themselves to show love and share the gospel. Growing takes giving. The great thing about it is that Jesus reserves the richest blessings for those who serve Him by giving. I pray that all of our churches would learn this lesson and grow for His glory.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 23-26.
Many people today are only concerned about what they and their families can get from the church. They choose a church based on programs and amenities that make them comfortable and meet their needs. They give little or no attention to what they will contribute to the church. All of this is the opposite of the character of Jesus and the mission of the church. A church will not be a growing church unless the people are willing to serve, as Jesus did, by giving of themselves for other people.(Mark 10:45) A church will not be a growing church unless the people are willing to give up their preferences to do what it takes to reach others with the gospel.(I Corinthians 9:19-22)
The church is a group of people who serve the Lord together, not a group that sits and enjoys themselves together. The church is a group of people who exist to reach all people groups and population segments with the gospel. Neither of these things can be done without giving of time, talents, spiritual gifts, and resources. It takes a lot of energy to teach preschoolers and children. It takes time and creativity to disciple teenagers. Someone has to sacrifice some time to minister to the adults in small groups. The people down the street will never come to Christ or to church without some people giving of themselves to show love and share the gospel. Growing takes giving. The great thing about it is that Jesus reserves the richest blessings for those who serve Him by giving. I pray that all of our churches would learn this lesson and grow for His glory.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 23-26.