We are re-imagining church as the living reality of being the family of God. I am sharing Biblical paradigms for the Church as a Family. Last week we considered that in the Family Members take care of one another.
Today we look at the second characteristic: Family Spend Time Together. Family members spend time together getting to know each other. How well do you know your brothers and sisters in the church? How much time do you spend together outside of scheduled meetings?
In a dysfunctional family children barely know the parents. Parents buy gifts to busy their kids. Siblings may grow under same roof, living separate lives. The only time they get together is when they have a scheduled meeting – someone’s wedding, birthday, graduation, or other “significant” events. Outside of that – everyone is in his/her room, doing their own things, having separate bank accounts.
Do members in our church see each other outside of scheduled meetings? Is there someone that you care to visit with, and spend time together if not for the “scheduled” meeting? Just for fun of spending time together, cooking, gardening, baking, painting, playing, listening music, golfing? Do you like the people you call “brothers” and “sisters”?
When you consider the early Christian Church their innate DNA was pulling them to meet together. Holy Spirit in a believer is a magnet that organically draws one Christian to another Christian. Holy Spirit puts in our hearts a genuine desire for authentic community. Just read Acts 2:42,46 “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Hebrews 3:13 says “encourage one another daily!”
In most churches the only fellowship people get is two minutes when worship leader says “turn around and greet people behind you.” Could it be that we are so afraid of intimacy, that devil so twisted our society that we are afraid to risk relationships? Many people are not interested in a “house church” because it is safer to hang out in a pew, inspect the back of someone’s head for a couple of hours and then retreat home. But the church is not a theatre, it is a Family!
Spend time with each other!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
CHURCH AS THE FAMILY OF GOD. Part 1
Past week you were to ask yourself a question: “Is my church living in the reality of being the family of God?” and also you were to ask yourself “what is my role in the Family?” What are your answers?
Over the next few weeks I will share with you a few Biblical paradigms for the Church as a Family.
First: Members take care of one another. Isn’t it true that you take care of your natural blood? And they take care of you? If your mother, father, brother, sister son, daughter has a problem, do you say “sorry, don’t bother me?” Dysfunctional family doesn’t, it’s selfish, individualistic and profoundly independent. It’s characterized by detachment and unconnectedness. Members do not take time to know one another.
Apostle James addresses such situation: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)
Apostle Paul considered caring for one’s family the first test of faith. “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
The real faith expresses itself in acts of love toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. The action James was talking about is not prayer or Bible study, but supplying physical needs. Consider these words of Paul. “..must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28)
Protestant “work ethic” is not about selfish pursuit of “American dream” but is work to meet needs of others.
Do you care for your church brothers and sisters physically, financially, spiritually, emotionally? The first 6 chapters of Acts show us a picture of the model Christian church sculpted by Christ through disciples. They saw themselves as extended family. Today, when you great each other, say “Brother” and “sister” and mean it. “Carry each other burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)
Over the next few weeks I will share with you a few Biblical paradigms for the Church as a Family.
First: Members take care of one another. Isn’t it true that you take care of your natural blood? And they take care of you? If your mother, father, brother, sister son, daughter has a problem, do you say “sorry, don’t bother me?” Dysfunctional family doesn’t, it’s selfish, individualistic and profoundly independent. It’s characterized by detachment and unconnectedness. Members do not take time to know one another.
Apostle James addresses such situation: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)
Apostle Paul considered caring for one’s family the first test of faith. “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
The real faith expresses itself in acts of love toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. The action James was talking about is not prayer or Bible study, but supplying physical needs. Consider these words of Paul. “..must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28)
Protestant “work ethic” is not about selfish pursuit of “American dream” but is work to meet needs of others.
Do you care for your church brothers and sisters physically, financially, spiritually, emotionally? The first 6 chapters of Acts show us a picture of the model Christian church sculpted by Christ through disciples. They saw themselves as extended family. Today, when you great each other, say “Brother” and “sister” and mean it. “Carry each other burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
REIMAGINING OUR CHURCH
As I look into the future needs and challenges of our church I return more to the Bible for advice and guidance. The chief metaphor for the church in the New Testament is FAMILY!
I believe that we must restore Christ’s intent for our church by becoming family-like. A year ago we had taken a survey on our church development, and the recommendation was very simple: develop more leadership for groups and house churches to increase relational context. At the time we also needed to improve our corporate evangelism. Hence my effort over the past year was to bring training for Evangelism, and to organize an event for members to know that YES, WE CAN!
Now it’s time to get to the urgent need – restoring Christ’s Method for spreading His Message – discipling, and that is possible only by real spiritual leaders in settings of small groups, just like Jesus did it!
The Sabbath School this quarterly is more than ever is fitting to develop this teaching. Just consider John’s letter “I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.” (1st John 2:12-13) Just think about these familial terms!
The church is not a corporation with business meetings and structures, with CEO pastor, but is a family, a household of God, where “brothers” and “sisters, ” “fathers” and “mothers”, “children” represent a way of relation to each other. Regrettably our present day society is plagued with what sociologist call “dysfunctional family.” Many of our churches act as “dysfunctional families,” not knowing each other, living separate lives, not spending time together, and only on special occasions putting on an effort to “get together”
This week I invite you to ask yourself a question: “Is my church living in the reality of being the family of God?” and ask yourself “what is my role in the Family?”
I believe that we must restore Christ’s intent for our church by becoming family-like. A year ago we had taken a survey on our church development, and the recommendation was very simple: develop more leadership for groups and house churches to increase relational context. At the time we also needed to improve our corporate evangelism. Hence my effort over the past year was to bring training for Evangelism, and to organize an event for members to know that YES, WE CAN!
Now it’s time to get to the urgent need – restoring Christ’s Method for spreading His Message – discipling, and that is possible only by real spiritual leaders in settings of small groups, just like Jesus did it!
The Sabbath School this quarterly is more than ever is fitting to develop this teaching. Just consider John’s letter “I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.” (1st John 2:12-13) Just think about these familial terms!
The church is not a corporation with business meetings and structures, with CEO pastor, but is a family, a household of God, where “brothers” and “sisters, ” “fathers” and “mothers”, “children” represent a way of relation to each other. Regrettably our present day society is plagued with what sociologist call “dysfunctional family.” Many of our churches act as “dysfunctional families,” not knowing each other, living separate lives, not spending time together, and only on special occasions putting on an effort to “get together”
This week I invite you to ask yourself a question: “Is my church living in the reality of being the family of God?” and ask yourself “what is my role in the Family?”
Saturday, July 25, 2009
BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS
Last week I shared with you common fears people have about starting small groups. Let me share with you positive side and the purpose as it is outlined in the Word of God.
We are studying letters of John, and the practical expression of love, commanded in 1st John 3:18 “dear children, let us not love with words of tongue but with actions and in truth” is taking place when we are bearing others’ burdens, rejoicing with others, helping one another, listening to one another, sharing goods with one another. This “one-another” concept is impossible in the formal setting of a large gathering. It comes to reality only in small groups, where vulnerability, trust, openness is a reality.
So here are five reasons why groups are necessary:
1. Small groups restore relationships. The command to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31) is Jesus’ invitation to form a horizontal person-to-person (p2p) relationships, broken ever since the fall in Eden.
2. Working together is better than working alone. Combined strength of two is greater than double strength of one (synergy!). Just read the wisdom of Ecclesiastes (4:9-12)
3. Jesus modeled the Use of Small Groups. The legacy of Jesus was twofold – the Message and the Method. For Legacy to work it cannot be separated. We love the Message = Gospel. What about the Method = Group? Discipling is possible only through small groups.
4. God ministers through groups of people. Read stories in Daniel 1 & 2 where young men banded together to maintain their relationship with the Lord and support one another through prayer. Paul’s teaching on “body parts” (1st Corinth. 12:12-27) Jesus teaching (John 13:34-35), stories from the Acts of the Holy Spirit all show that it was original practice of Christian church.
5. The “Body” concept requires the Small Group. Interdependency of body parts to function and the fact that no one has all the gifts, and no individual can claim to be Christ pulls together believers in the community where we become the “Body of Christ” together, ready for His Spirit to fill us and use us.
Over the next few weeks you would see regular blogs on this topic, as we are planning our implementation strategy. Let me share with you what is expected from people in a Small Group. First – Extra Grace! Then – regular participation, consensus, honesty, confidentiality, acceptance, active listening, prayer, punctuality, positive attitude, and love. Listen to God’s Call in your life – go and build the community!
We are studying letters of John, and the practical expression of love, commanded in 1st John 3:18 “dear children, let us not love with words of tongue but with actions and in truth” is taking place when we are bearing others’ burdens, rejoicing with others, helping one another, listening to one another, sharing goods with one another. This “one-another” concept is impossible in the formal setting of a large gathering. It comes to reality only in small groups, where vulnerability, trust, openness is a reality.
So here are five reasons why groups are necessary:
1. Small groups restore relationships. The command to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31) is Jesus’ invitation to form a horizontal person-to-person (p2p) relationships, broken ever since the fall in Eden.
2. Working together is better than working alone. Combined strength of two is greater than double strength of one (synergy!). Just read the wisdom of Ecclesiastes (4:9-12)
3. Jesus modeled the Use of Small Groups. The legacy of Jesus was twofold – the Message and the Method. For Legacy to work it cannot be separated. We love the Message = Gospel. What about the Method = Group? Discipling is possible only through small groups.
4. God ministers through groups of people. Read stories in Daniel 1 & 2 where young men banded together to maintain their relationship with the Lord and support one another through prayer. Paul’s teaching on “body parts” (1st Corinth. 12:12-27) Jesus teaching (John 13:34-35), stories from the Acts of the Holy Spirit all show that it was original practice of Christian church.
5. The “Body” concept requires the Small Group. Interdependency of body parts to function and the fact that no one has all the gifts, and no individual can claim to be Christ pulls together believers in the community where we become the “Body of Christ” together, ready for His Spirit to fill us and use us.
Over the next few weeks you would see regular blogs on this topic, as we are planning our implementation strategy. Let me share with you what is expected from people in a Small Group. First – Extra Grace! Then – regular participation, consensus, honesty, confidentiality, acceptance, active listening, prayer, punctuality, positive attitude, and love. Listen to God’s Call in your life – go and build the community!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
NEED FOR CREATING COMMUNITY…
Last Sabbath evening concerned members from both churches came together to pray and plan for evangelism, and as the discussion unfolded an urgent plea was heard to build more community within. In very specific terms people were sharing their desire to see small groups functioning, to see groups for spiritual mentoring taking place, to see affinity groups for friendship and relationship.
We live in time of transition, uncertainty toward the future places even greater urgency for support groups, and for more leadership.
Even as the leaders of our churches pleading and advocating for house churches, and community groups I want to state upfront – there are fears that prevent this from happening.
Let me name just a few, and offer some perspectives.
1. Fear of change – unknown is intimidating. But, if God is showing you to do this, He will make it work for the best. Growth requires a change!
2. Fear of failure – success is never guaranteed, pride is always a factor here, people don’t want to be seen as incapable, and will try only what they know they can do already. But, God does not lead into failure. If he is leading – he guarantees success!
3. Fear of inadequacy – our personal insecurities, not being sure people want you. Here is a perspective – you are not offering you, but Jesus. You are not the saviour, He is. People don’t need your word as much as they need His word, through you. So, be connected with God, and His sufficiency!
4. Fear of criticism – rejection is painful, we want to be appreciated and accepted. Remember – satan is main accuser. To not do what we know God wants is to let the enemy win. Let God handle your reputation!
5. Fear of others – we avoid conflicts or those who cause it. By ourselves we don’t have to deal with others influence, it’s safe. We don’t want to be vulnerable, giving ammunition against ourselves into hands of other people. Again, do not put other people above God, don’t let a man prevent you from doing God’s Will.
6. Fear of lack of time – everyone is already stretched without margin and time constraints are already tiring you. But. when we follow God’s plan – he will free our time, help us prioritize, and drop unnecessary distractions.
7. Fear of the past – looking at the past as a blueprint for future, “we’ve never done this before” – is typical for most people. But, we are told to forget the past (Philippians 3:13) and move into the future.
Listen to God’s Call in your life – go and build the community!
We live in time of transition, uncertainty toward the future places even greater urgency for support groups, and for more leadership.
Even as the leaders of our churches pleading and advocating for house churches, and community groups I want to state upfront – there are fears that prevent this from happening.
Let me name just a few, and offer some perspectives.
1. Fear of change – unknown is intimidating. But, if God is showing you to do this, He will make it work for the best. Growth requires a change!
2. Fear of failure – success is never guaranteed, pride is always a factor here, people don’t want to be seen as incapable, and will try only what they know they can do already. But, God does not lead into failure. If he is leading – he guarantees success!
3. Fear of inadequacy – our personal insecurities, not being sure people want you. Here is a perspective – you are not offering you, but Jesus. You are not the saviour, He is. People don’t need your word as much as they need His word, through you. So, be connected with God, and His sufficiency!
4. Fear of criticism – rejection is painful, we want to be appreciated and accepted. Remember – satan is main accuser. To not do what we know God wants is to let the enemy win. Let God handle your reputation!
5. Fear of others – we avoid conflicts or those who cause it. By ourselves we don’t have to deal with others influence, it’s safe. We don’t want to be vulnerable, giving ammunition against ourselves into hands of other people. Again, do not put other people above God, don’t let a man prevent you from doing God’s Will.
6. Fear of lack of time – everyone is already stretched without margin and time constraints are already tiring you. But. when we follow God’s plan – he will free our time, help us prioritize, and drop unnecessary distractions.
7. Fear of the past – looking at the past as a blueprint for future, “we’ve never done this before” – is typical for most people. But, we are told to forget the past (Philippians 3:13) and move into the future.
Listen to God’s Call in your life – go and build the community!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Readying for more Evangelism
Tonight all Adventists passionate for Evangelism in London will come together here, at our church to pray and talk about what we must do to lead people into God’s Kingdom.
I wanted to start with a reminder that the local church is God's Plan to offer his Saving grace, especially in the city. It is the hope of each community. Local churches exist to reach the next person. Our primary customer is the person who will not go to heaven unless something changes before the end of his/her life. Those who pay the bills, who are already convinced, and who already attend are the secondary customer.
So, in preparation for tonight’s prayer planning meeting – get it right – you/we, members, are not the customers, but staff. People on the street who do not know Christ are our main clients/customers. Ask yourselves what is it that they need, wants and care for, so we may minister in a relevant way.
For a couple of weeks I asked you to consider that our social interactions are our true Evangelism. I invited you to consider the “Social Life Director” as our main Evangelist. Consider our social gatherings, picnics, camping, swimming, golfing, sight seeing, birthdays, as true Evangelistic venues! Gospel Workers, p.338 says “People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.”
The classic statement from Ellen White’s writings (Ministry of Healing, page 143) says: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." Notice the first word in the last sentence “Then”!
When should we attempt to do “evangelism”? When should we invite people to follow Jesus? THEN, and ONLY then, when we have mingled with people, when we desire good for people, when we show sympathy, when we minister to people’s needs, when we win people’s confidence.
Are we ready for another “evangelism”? Have we mingled enough with strangers and friends who need to come to Jesus? Are we showing sympathy in ministering to people’s needs? Have we won people’s trust?
Tomorrow morning Tony Bell is inviting church members to come and golf together, bring your friends, introduce them to your church family, interact in a social circles to show your true Christian love, care and behaviour. In a month there would be a bus trip, shopping in USA. Remember – it is another opportunity to build relationships and influence people!
Your individual kindness, every one in every situation showing heart will result in hundreds conversion, and if it is not happening, the problem is not in our institution, not in the “church,” but in each one of us. Look at how Ellen G. White continues her thought: “…But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this…” Are we ready?
I wanted to start with a reminder that the local church is God's Plan to offer his Saving grace, especially in the city. It is the hope of each community. Local churches exist to reach the next person. Our primary customer is the person who will not go to heaven unless something changes before the end of his/her life. Those who pay the bills, who are already convinced, and who already attend are the secondary customer.
So, in preparation for tonight’s prayer planning meeting – get it right – you/we, members, are not the customers, but staff. People on the street who do not know Christ are our main clients/customers. Ask yourselves what is it that they need, wants and care for, so we may minister in a relevant way.
For a couple of weeks I asked you to consider that our social interactions are our true Evangelism. I invited you to consider the “Social Life Director” as our main Evangelist. Consider our social gatherings, picnics, camping, swimming, golfing, sight seeing, birthdays, as true Evangelistic venues! Gospel Workers, p.338 says “People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.”
The classic statement from Ellen White’s writings (Ministry of Healing, page 143) says: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." Notice the first word in the last sentence “Then”!
When should we attempt to do “evangelism”? When should we invite people to follow Jesus? THEN, and ONLY then, when we have mingled with people, when we desire good for people, when we show sympathy, when we minister to people’s needs, when we win people’s confidence.
Are we ready for another “evangelism”? Have we mingled enough with strangers and friends who need to come to Jesus? Are we showing sympathy in ministering to people’s needs? Have we won people’s trust?
Tomorrow morning Tony Bell is inviting church members to come and golf together, bring your friends, introduce them to your church family, interact in a social circles to show your true Christian love, care and behaviour. In a month there would be a bus trip, shopping in USA. Remember – it is another opportunity to build relationships and influence people!
Your individual kindness, every one in every situation showing heart will result in hundreds conversion, and if it is not happening, the problem is not in our institution, not in the “church,” but in each one of us. Look at how Ellen G. White continues her thought: “…But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this…” Are we ready?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Evangelism, get it on your mind!
Last week members of both churches enjoyed the fellowship and social time at the Fanshawe park. A concert by all African “Mission” group, three baptisms, a class on reaching out and witnessing to Muslims and Hindus, and much more.
I was saddened to see only a handful group of members from our church attending, some students. Last week I asked you to consider the fact that our social interactions is the main tool of Evangelism. I invited you to consider the “Social Life Director” as our main Evangelist? Consider our social gatherings, picnics, camping, swimming, golfing, sight seeing, birthdays, as true Evangelistic venues! Gospel Workers, p.338 says “People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.”
The classic statement from Ellen White’s writings (Ministry of Healing, page 143) says: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." Notice the first word in the last sentence “Then”!
When should we attempt to do “evangelism”? When should we invite people to follow Jesus? THEN, and ONLY then, when we have mingled with people, when we desire good for people, when we show sympathy, when we minister to people’s needs, when we win people’s confidence.
Are we ready for another “evangelism”? Have we mingled enough with strangers and friends who need to come to Jesus? Are we showing sympathy in ministering to people’s needs? Have we won people’s trust?
Next Sunday Tony bell is inviting church members to come and golf together, bring your friends, introduce them to your church family, interact in a social circles to showcast your true Christian love, care and behaviour. Your individual kindness, every one in every situation showing heart will result in hundreds conversion, and if it is not happening, the problem is not in our institution, not in the “church,” but in each one of us. Look at how Ellen G. White continues her thought: “…But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this…”
Are we ready?
I was saddened to see only a handful group of members from our church attending, some students. Last week I asked you to consider the fact that our social interactions is the main tool of Evangelism. I invited you to consider the “Social Life Director” as our main Evangelist? Consider our social gatherings, picnics, camping, swimming, golfing, sight seeing, birthdays, as true Evangelistic venues! Gospel Workers, p.338 says “People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle.”
The classic statement from Ellen White’s writings (Ministry of Healing, page 143) says: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." Notice the first word in the last sentence “Then”!
When should we attempt to do “evangelism”? When should we invite people to follow Jesus? THEN, and ONLY then, when we have mingled with people, when we desire good for people, when we show sympathy, when we minister to people’s needs, when we win people’s confidence.
Are we ready for another “evangelism”? Have we mingled enough with strangers and friends who need to come to Jesus? Are we showing sympathy in ministering to people’s needs? Have we won people’s trust?
Next Sunday Tony bell is inviting church members to come and golf together, bring your friends, introduce them to your church family, interact in a social circles to showcast your true Christian love, care and behaviour. Your individual kindness, every one in every situation showing heart will result in hundreds conversion, and if it is not happening, the problem is not in our institution, not in the “church,” but in each one of us. Look at how Ellen G. White continues her thought: “…But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this…”
Are we ready?
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