I grew up in a small church and really enjoyed the close- knit community. Oh yes, I can remember the best of those times as if it were yesterday… Easter Mornings, the women folk woke up early to head in and prepare a big ole breakfast. The grandpa’s, dads and elder boys helped the younger children get ready. Everyone was in their Sunday go-to-meetin’ clothes and we all managed to arrive in time - right before the break of dawn… Wow, the worship we enjoyed – the Spirit sure did fill those mornings.
I think that Sunrise breakfast on Easter Morning feeling and attitude should saturate our every day and especially our First Days…
Before seminary, my wife and I attended a mega-church and we were happily active. I taught 4th and 5th grades and she took care of the nursery. In seminary, this mega-church become my home church - church of record. The Senior and Executive Pastor became my mentor pastors and help me with interviews and encouragement. I still consider that church my Home church and my wife I attend Saturday services (almost every other Saturday) there. My first sermon preview was in front of mega-church pastors from all over the Midwest. Talk about intimidating… The point I want to make is that these big churches have a purpose in the Kingdom, I came from a small church, found life in a mega-church; yet, my wife and I are more comfortable in a small church.
The mega-church felt like home and our small country church feels like home.
I have often thought about how and why some churches don't feel right, or maybe they seem like a social club... When I started ministry, I encountered serious complacency. There were some Sunday’s when I had to wipe the drool off peoples’ chins – figuratively, of course. Leadership is hard when we try to do it all by ourselves... Stress piles up, deadlines are not met, people are not take care of, widows and home-bound are forgotten. I knew in seminary that I meant to start out my ministry in a small church rescue; but, I didn't realize how hard it would be. Until I learned it is all on God's time - trust Him.
Today, I don’t count how many people we have in Church, I count how mature they are through my leadership and the message that God has blessed me with (not the numbers). You see, churches become catatonic and/or social clubs because of bad leadership… When leaders are not leading, and Truth is not actively involved in that Community the church is in danger.
Wow, got off on a rant there. Guess I needed to say what was said. Sure, felt good to write that down; haven’t really put those thoughts to paper.
If you are having issue in your church, don’t give up hope. Jesus did not build his church on strategic goals to combat those Sadducee' and nasty Pharisees (centuries ago). He built His church on Faith.
Two things, just two things I keep at the forefront of my ministry: Truth and Community. To me that is what grows a church; leaders that lead in Truth and Community. Also, it makes every day that "Sunrise breakfast on Easter Morning" special day.
It all starts at the top – if the bottom is rotten, look up.
I think that Sunrise breakfast on Easter Morning feeling and attitude should saturate our every day and especially our First Days…
Before seminary, my wife and I attended a mega-church and we were happily active. I taught 4th and 5th grades and she took care of the nursery. In seminary, this mega-church become my home church - church of record. The Senior and Executive Pastor became my mentor pastors and help me with interviews and encouragement. I still consider that church my Home church and my wife I attend Saturday services (almost every other Saturday) there. My first sermon preview was in front of mega-church pastors from all over the Midwest. Talk about intimidating… The point I want to make is that these big churches have a purpose in the Kingdom, I came from a small church, found life in a mega-church; yet, my wife and I are more comfortable in a small church.
The mega-church felt like home and our small country church feels like home.
I have often thought about how and why some churches don't feel right, or maybe they seem like a social club... When I started ministry, I encountered serious complacency. There were some Sunday’s when I had to wipe the drool off peoples’ chins – figuratively, of course. Leadership is hard when we try to do it all by ourselves... Stress piles up, deadlines are not met, people are not take care of, widows and home-bound are forgotten. I knew in seminary that I meant to start out my ministry in a small church rescue; but, I didn't realize how hard it would be. Until I learned it is all on God's time - trust Him.
Today, I don’t count how many people we have in Church, I count how mature they are through my leadership and the message that God has blessed me with (not the numbers). You see, churches become catatonic and/or social clubs because of bad leadership… When leaders are not leading, and Truth is not actively involved in that Community the church is in danger.
Wow, got off on a rant there. Guess I needed to say what was said. Sure, felt good to write that down; haven’t really put those thoughts to paper.
If you are having issue in your church, don’t give up hope. Jesus did not build his church on strategic goals to combat those Sadducee' and nasty Pharisees (centuries ago). He built His church on Faith.
Two things, just two things I keep at the forefront of my ministry: Truth and Community. To me that is what grows a church; leaders that lead in Truth and Community. Also, it makes every day that "Sunrise breakfast on Easter Morning" special day.
It all starts at the top – if the bottom is rotten, look up.
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