Growing Deep, Growing Daily

I’ve read the books and heard the stats on the decreasing effectiveness of the church and thus the growing disinterest of our culture… And, if we aren’t careful, we will start believing every disdainful word and criticism the world has for these places we serve. I just can’t buy all of it. With the many churches that aren’t on the right track, there are just as many that are…and frankly, God loves all of them, and His passion for them is what caused the most dramatic and historic giving of gifts ever: the five-fold ministry of the Church. The book of Ephesians chapter 4 lists them - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The person who's called to any of these offices can begin to fill a little puffed up and overly significant. The same passage of Scripture tells us that these positions are not for any other reason but that the body of Christ may be built up.
The church does not exist to build our ego or a business on the side… It’s not a platform for developing professional speaking, or a plethora of connections and friendships… We are here to build Christ’s kingdom by building Christ’s church. Period! The five offices are legitimized by the purpose for which they are called… It’s not about territorialism or honor. The day of the superstar is long been over. There is only one superstar, the One who loved the church and gave Himself up for her…JESUS CHRIST!
We can fall in love with the Church again when we realize who it's about. We can pick up on the good points in local congregations, capitalizing on the positives when we are not out to impress or perform for selfish reasons. Sure, there will be time for critical analysis, but let's spend more time on what God is doing and has done among us...all for His glory. Amen!