Daily Doses of Gospel "PiLLs"

DON’T MISTAKE ACTIVITY FOR ACHIEVEMENT.  BUSYNESS DOES NOT EQUAL PRODUCTIVENESS, part 2

 

When we assemble ourselves as a united body of people whether in a public assembly or a private gathering, what happens?  Does the power of God flow in our meetings?  Are people’s lives being transformed?  Is the power of the Word actively flooding our hearts causing radical changes?  Are people being refreshed, restored, and renewed?  Is the Word of God bringing conviction and repentance?  Are people coming in one way but leaving differently?   

Although these questions may sound challenging to pastors and ministry leaders, it is a relevant subject that we need to talk about as a church.  I have said it so often and will say it again, churches are getting old but not growing.  Why?

There are many attributing factors, and though I may not touch all areas today, it is my desire to delve deeper into this subject in my future newsletters. 

What marks the success of a growing church?  Is it the size or look of the building?  Can we base it on the amount of tithes and offering collected or the building fund drive?  Is it the accumulative and growing register, prolonged existence of church membership, or longevity of leadership?  Is it based on the size of the worship team or band?  How about the programs we put together, which is comprised of the same circle of people and similar to last years agenda?

While some of these can have some value and weight to what we call “ministry”, the question is still being asked, how effective is this ministry, this church, and what we do?

One of the marks of a growing church is the youth.  Our youth is a relevant part of God’s Kingdom.  Sad to say, many churches have forgotten about our youth.  We try to win them over by singing “How Great Thou Art”, not understanding that it is after they have come into the fold that they will truly understand how great and awesome He is.

Remember when Jesus said follow me, and I will make you fishers of men, and he that win souls is wise?  Well, please understand that all fish do not take the same bait.  Your teenage son or daughter may not embrace the songs, music, and fashion that inspired you in your days or even today.  Sometimes we forget and our drive to cause them to change results in frustration on both parties and does more damage than good.  The same Scripture that commands children to honor their father and mother also says parents do not provoke your children to wrath (Ephesians 6). 

Rest assure that God is more concerned with people’s heart and soul than they are looking on the outside.  Change begins from the inside out. 

We need to teach people how to live but allow the Holy Spirit to bring the conviction.  Lead others to Christ by your love, compassion, and witness as opposed to teaching a dogmatic doctrine set of church rules. 

Doctrine is a body of ideas that are taught to people as truthful or correct.  While doctrine in of itself is not a bad thing, we must proceed with caution, being careful that the rules or principles that form the basis of a belief or policy are not a distorted view or faulty interpretation of the Word of God.

While there is a personal responsibility every believer must take, there is also a heavy liability placed on leadership.  We must be careful that our churches have not become a social gathering or a lukewarm container where the power of God is diminished and the Holy Spirit grieved by the traditions of men. 

Remember, busyness does not equal productiveness.  This newsletter is geared to cause us to look within and see where we can become a better church, a better people, a more effective ministry where those who are hurting or lost can find rest, hope, and the will of God for their lives.

Tilt your heart towards the SON!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

http://nardagoodson.org

http://firstladiesoftheroundtable.org

http://predestinedbygod.com

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