Life Church Newsletter
July/August 2010
It’s All About the Numbers
It is not uncommon for “numbers” to get a bad rap in church circles. For ministry leaders to focus on the number of people they minister to is often viewed as having misplaced priorities or even missing the heart of God and not valuing more important issues. It is assumed that if someone is always talking about size, then quality is diminished and it becomes somehow about ego and reputation. E.g. My church is bigger than your church and therefore I am superior to you or this validates our doctrinal position.
Let us consider the Lord’s position in this matter. Is He interested in numbers? Does it matter to Him if we minister to five or five thousand? Contrary to the opinions of many, God is counting. He knows exactly how many people are getting saved, filled with the Spirit, discipled, and were in attendance last weekend. He sees the size of the offerings, the number of relationships nurtured, and even the missed opportunities to touch another life. In the book of Acts we get the progress of the early church via numbers. There were 120 (Acts 1:15) in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost. Then 3000 people were saved when Peter preached (Acts 2:41). In Acts 4:4 we are told that the number of men came to be about 5000. Certainly these numbers could have been left out and replaced with more generic terms like, many or even multitudes but no, we see that to the Lord and the early church, reaching large numbers of people was something to be valued and recognized. Jesus even taught that the very hairs on our heads our numbered (Luke 12:7).
Do we have to lose quality to gain quantity? Not if we value both. Is it more work to reach more people? Absolutely. Is it worth the effort? The answer must be a resounding yes to us who have given our lives to accomplish God’s purposes. Why are numbers important? Because every number and statistic represents a life. They represent a person that was lost but now is found. They tell the story of individual lives that have been transformed by the love and power of God. In our celebration of a single life changed, let us not forget about the next person. God has called us to reach the one and the many. Jesus died for the sins of the world and so we must be all about the numbers.
So, knowing this, we should understand that God is working in us to be able to get greater numbers of people. If it were all about His power, the world would be won. It is about His power working in and through us. With our minds renewed to this truth, we can begin to recognize even more His leadings, creative ideas, and inspiration to build His church numerically. So think. What can you do to increase the numbers in the areas that you have been given charge? Pray. Strategize. Act. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Let’s get this done. The coming of the Lord is at hand.
I am blessed to be working with a great team!
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May/June 2010
Together we can!
Together we can! The Word of God teaches us that potential is greatly multiplied when people will work together. One example is Deuteronomy 32:30 which speaks of the fact that one can chase a thousand while two can put ten thousand to flight. Knowing this, why would we ever want to go at something alone?Together we can! The Word of God teaches us that potential is greatly multiplied when people will work together. One example is Deuteronomy 32:30 which speaks of the fact that one can chase a thousand while two can put ten thousand to flight. Knowing this, why would we ever want to go at something alone?
The Body of Christ was never designed to be a picture of individualism or that of a one-man show. We were put together in order to work together. We were joined to one another so that we could accomplish great things, things that would be out of reach if attempted by just one person. We have not all been gifted in the same ways and so do not all have the same functions. But one thing is certain, all parts must work together to achieve the results that God intends and gave us the abilities to accomplish. At the same time, no one person gets the credit or the rewards.
Let me encourage you today to adopt a “team” mentality in your life. Whether it is your career, family, or church, this approach will surely enhance your ability to do much more, and in a more efficient way.
Here are a couple principles to keep in mind for your next project:
1. Identify what only you can do. There are certain parts of your project that it would be unwise to allow others to take control of. They are things that need your personal touch because without it, the flavor and main thrust would be lost. In my case, one thing I cannot turn over to others (on an ongoing basis) would be the teaching/ preaching/vision casting that takes place at our regularly scheduled services. If I did, much of what Life Church is would be lost. That doesn’t mean that others couldn’t do it, it would just dramatically change who we are and what God has called us to do. In your case, what is it that you must do? It may be something that is required by your position or those that gave you the assignment. Knowing this will help with the next point.
2. Identify what you don’t need to do. It is very common for leaders to have their hand in everything. They are not only doing what they must, but they are doing many things that others can and should be doing. This heavy involvement hinders them from giving full focus and attention to those main parts of the project that need their direct attention. Also, it robs others of a chance to use their time and talents to positively affect the outcome of the overall effort. Sometimes, there is a fear of not being in complete control that keeps this from happening. You must realize that to involve others in the process will actually improve the final result, because the gifts inside of people must be utilized.
This team approach to ministry is really what God planned for the church. We can do so much more when we act this way. Whatever you are doing today, stop! First go get someone else who can do it with you. Find someone with a heart to serve, learn, and contribute to the success of the team – the Body of Christ. God is glorified as we work together!
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March/April 2010
With all this talk of newness, why is there such a tendency for people to live in the old? Why is it that, after receiving new life, many hold so tightly to the old way of living? These issues were addressed by Jesus when he taught about unshrunk cloth and the old cloth and the old and new wineskins. In Matthew 9:16-17, Jesus said, “No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” What He is referring to here is the old covenant and the new. There was the old way of doing things and now He was bringing in something much better, but it would not work with the old set of rules.
Today there is much discussion about the Ten Commandments and other parts of the Law of Moses. These things had there place, and still do if understood correctly, but if we try to live our lives in accordance with them, we undermine this new covenant of grace. It is this mixture of the old and new that becomes detrimental to the success of Christians today. Many so-called worship songs only serve to re-enforce the thinking of an Old Testament believer in the mind of a new creation in Christ. An Old Testament focused church will make you feel bad about your life and show you everything that is wrong. A New Testament church will show you what is right about you in Christ. The former will call you a sinner and emphasize how unworthy you are. You will begin to live as if God comes and goes from you based upon your performance. The latter will call you the righteousness of God in Christ, emphasizing the reality of the new man and your acceptance in the Beloved. You will be reminded again and again of God’s love and the assurance we have of His ever indwelling presence.
Although it is true that God, in His love, will correct us at times. It is never about reminding us of our failures or bringing up sin. He wants us to live with a consciousness of the finished work of the cross. In every weakness, we are to apply His grace which makes us strong. We should not feel beat up but lifted up. We are to be knowledgeable of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus, not every bad thing that was a part of our lives without Him.
Let’s purpose today to live in the newness of all that God has provided for us. This is far more attractive to the world than living like a bunch of condemned sinners seeking God’s acceptance. Thank God that all things are made new!
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January/February 2010
The Word of God tells us to redeem the time, or make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. How many people get to the end of their lives with many regrets? We know that our sins are washed away in Christ, but many still wish they could go back and do something more important with the time and resources they were given in life. Although you may feel like you have wasted some years of your life – whether you were completely not living for God or simply more focused on yourself than the Lord, it is not too late to make your future right. You can begin to make quality decisions that make your life count in what really matters most.
We all have natural goals to attain certain levels of success in this world, and, of course, it is good to always keep your faith working. Believe God for bigger and better in all areas of life. It is, however, important that we keep all of this in the proper perspective. Many natural things that are viewed by man as great achievements simply don’t carry much weight in the big picture. We must be mature enough to recognize the difference.
One thing that has been stirring in my heart in recent days that I want to challenge you with for this new year is (or should be) the most basic for all believers. Are you ready…it is doing the will of God. Slow down as you read this. Think about it – the will of God. What does He want you to do? Not, what do you want to do. Not what does your family want you to do. Not what do others expect you to do. This is all bout God’s plan – His will for your life. I believe that the Lord wants us to be consumed each day with living in and doing what He has in mind for us. Our prayer lives should be, in part, a pursuit of the knowledge of His will (Col.1:9). How can one do what they do not know? Because we will all be held accountable for following God’s plan for our lives, He will make His will clear to us as we seek His face.
Jesus made an outstanding statement in John 4 saying, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” Food is one of our strongest desires and necessary for sustenance. Jesus made His Father’s will the thing that kept Him going. It was more important to Him than anything else in life. What matters to you? What will your year be like? Will it be one of waste and regret or one where the will of God is accomplished?
I pray that as you follow God’s plan, His blessings will abound in you this year!
November/December 2009
Some schools have changed the Christmas break into a “winter break” because they fear the voices calling for the mythical separation of church and state even though Christmas is a national holiday. Some businesses forbid their employees from expressing the traditional greeting, “Merry Christmas,” although the vast majority of Americans do celebrate it and it is the reason they are shopping. We also deal with the common distractions such as Santa Clause and all the other stories and traditions that hinder us from focusing on the true reason for the season.
So, what should we do? How should we act in the face of a deteriorating culture? We should remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12 and not be conformed to this world.
We have been changed by God’s power. Our sins have been washed away and we will never again be of this world. In accordance with our new life in Christ, we should honor Him in all we do. Take every opportunity to express thanks to God for everything from each breath we take to eternal life. Realize that those who speak and act contrary to the ways of God are doing so because their minds have been blinded lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Are there some creative ways that you could share God’s love with people during this season? You could be very intentional about the message in your Christmas cards. Facebook posts could express the goodness of God. You could buy gifts for those who would never expect something from you. How about making cookies, pies or other treats to take to a neighbor? As we recognize the many opportunities that abound, we can take advantage of them and be a major blessing to those around us.
In the world, things are getting worse and worse. However, in the church life just keeps getting better and better. As the Word says in Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.“ So, take time to enjoy these last two months of 2009 knowing what Jesus has done for you can never be taken away. In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation we shine as lights in the world.
September/October 2009
There is, however, the ever-present desire to see each member of the church engaged in sharing the gospel with unsaved friends, family, casual acquaintances and even strangers.
We all know that the great commission of preaching the gospel to every creature and making disciples of all nations was given to each of us as believers. When a person gets saved, they not only join a family, but also an army. They not only partake of many great blessings but also receive an assignment from heaven to be a part of kingdom expansion.
If you think about it, God really has a great plan to get this gospel out to the entire world. If each person who receives would also give, it wouldn’t take long until the whole world is won. It is kind of like the multi-level marketing approach to growth. If we could just get a couple people in our “downline” and then train them to do the same, the cascading effect would be colossal.
Many times people feel as if the task is too great or that they are ill-equipped to do a very good job. These thoughts often de-motivate the average Christian from ever accomplishing anything for eternity. After all, when compared to the likes of some well-known evangelists and the multitudes of people they have led to the Lord, what they can do doesn’t seem to even matter. This kind of thinking on a mass scale makes the church idle when it comes to what we should all consider to be the main purpose of our efforts.
The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of us have more than enough knowledge to lead another person to Christ and get them started in becoming a disciple of the Lord. It is just a matter of having realistic personal goals and then the resolve to get something done. Consider how the church would grow in so many ways if each person would reach just one other person in the next year.
I want to challenge you today to set a personal goal of making one disciple over the next year. This means leading them to a personal relationship with Jesus and then getting them established in the church. We have our “Authentic Life” program that makes it easy to take a person from A to Z, so to speak, in their new walk with God.
What many will see over this time period is, not only were they influential in changing another life, but, in the process, they themselves were changed too. This is a time to celebrate as we bring life to life!
July/August 2009
We are all called to “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6). The life of Jesus was one of reaching out to others. If He had to miss a meal or a night’s sleep or any other personal convenience in order to minister to people, He would do it in a second. There is no doubt that this is contrary to our culture but we, of course, are not to conform to this world but be transformed to think – and then act like Him (Rom. 12:2).
I’ve been in countries where the people would walk for miles through rugged terrain to get to a church service. Here, it is not uncommon for people to miss church for the most trivial reasons. Why do I bring this up? It’s simply a heart check. It is wise to examine ourselves to see if we are living a changed life or if we have just squeezed Jesus into our schedule.
There are many today who are living with a sense of eternity in their hearts. They realize that the time is short and don’t want to waste time doing things that don’t really matter. They are continually seeking ways to influence others; to put the Lord on the throne of their hearts.
Let me encourage you to use the “double I” approach. First, find a lost person and INVEST into his or her life. Look for a way to help, give, or serve them in some capacity. Second, now that you have some inroad with them, INVITE them to receive the Lord or to come to church with you (they can get saved here, too). Beyond that, consider going with them to the Legacy classes held on Sunday mornings at 9:30 – even if you have already completed them yourself. Think about how it would affect our church if each person did this just once a year!
As I pray and hear from God concerning the direction of our church, let me encourage you to pray and let the Lord speak to you about being a part of our efforts to reach out to the lost and hurting. You are a valuable part of the kingdom of God and can make a big difference. Blessings on you the rest of this summer!
1803 S Maple Grove Rd