Each One should Build with Care
6.11.18
But each one should build with care. 1 Corinthians 3:10
The spiritual life of the church is important.
I am not just talking about outward actions or ministries but the way Christians live out their faith and the way they "koinonia" with what one another.
I have been a part of four growing churches in my forty two years of Christian living, all which are above a thousand today. I was privileged to be the Vicar of the last two. I can tell you that the fascination with growth, numbers and sense of having "made it" as a pastor wears out very quickly.
I should not need to tell you that many mega church pastors experience burnouts. Do you remember the larger churches we have here which were influential ten to twenty years ago? Almost everyone tried to be like them. This list can include the famous ones in USA. Where are some of them today? It is my prayer that the churches I pastor will continue to be fruitful way after I left.
More that anything else, when the rich spiritual values and culture in a community is multiplied over time (via numerical growth), the spiritual depth will sustained the growth. Without that, what is being multiplied may be shallow or superficial, spiritually speaking.
The words of Jesus in John 15 comes to mind, especially verse 5:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
I have been a part of four growing churches in my forty two years of Christian living, all which are above a thousand today. I was privileged to be the Vicar of the last two. I can tell you that the fascination with growth, numbers and sense of having "made it" as a pastor wears out very quickly.
I should not need to tell you that many mega church pastors experience burnouts. Do you remember the larger churches we have here which were influential ten to twenty years ago? Almost everyone tried to be like them. This list can include the famous ones in USA. Where are some of them today? It is my prayer that the churches I pastor will continue to be fruitful way after I left.
More that anything else, when the rich spiritual values and culture in a community is multiplied over time (via numerical growth), the spiritual depth will sustained the growth. Without that, what is being multiplied may be shallow or superficial, spiritually speaking.
The words of Jesus in John 15 comes to mind, especially verse 5:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
If as a pastor, you do not really believe these words, then the church may be built on shifting sands. She will not stand the storms. As always His grace will sustain the church (Matthew 16:18). But Paul's warning to do the work of the church in a correct way (1 Corinthians 3:10-11) implies that it is possible to build it on a wrong foundation.
In Singapore, with the material and human resources we have, it is easy to keep the wheels turning and things happening. Yet, "when the music fades and all is swept away," we need to know what (or Who) this is also about. While the church hall is full, your heart may be hollowing out.
In Singapore, with the material and human resources we have, it is easy to keep the wheels turning and things happening. Yet, "when the music fades and all is swept away," we need to know what (or Who) this is also about. While the church hall is full, your heart may be hollowing out.
I believe that the pastor needs to be concern about everything in the life of the church, even if for some areas he needs not be directly involved. But first things first. The call to be a shepherd, to care and usher the flock into His presence - and to be a priest, to usher God's presence into the community - are roles which the pastor need to focus on.
I thought I should keep this truth underlined. In this blog I will be sharing some very practical ideas on leadership and church growth. But these ideas only work in the long run if the church remains as a people of His presence and the pastor, a person after His heart.
In endeavouring to help young pastors out there, I will be reflecting on both spiritual and practical ideas. I trust that you will read each blog post with reference to the rest.
In endeavouring to help young pastors out there, I will be reflecting on both spiritual and practical ideas. I trust that you will read each blog post with reference to the rest.
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