Issue 724 – The Church -April 24, 2022
One of two old churches in Dorothy, Alberta, standing long empty, along with most of the rest of the village. With a population of less than 10, and a peak population of 100, it has never been a booming place. Despite that, it managed to have two congregations at one point, one Roman Catholic and the other United Church.
While it always seems a tragedy to see a church building abandoned, the structure was never the church.
We sometimes forget that God’s people are the church. A building is just a building. No building will ever be raptured up to be with the Lord. All buildings, even the most marvellous and magnificent of cathedrals, will be burnt up in due course.
I’m not against church buildings. I think they are a wonderful thing. We often invest way too much time and money on them when it could be better spent on other things. Sometimes we seem to worship the building, which is idolatry. Yet, when used properly, maintained modestly, and kept in the proper perspective, they are good.
Confusing the building with the church is a mistake.
There is another we sometimes make. In the early church days, God made it clear to people that they were given spiritual gifts.
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12
In recognizing those gifts and callings, the church
allowed certain people to rise up and fill those roles. That makes sense. Over the years, the problem is that we have become so entrenched in someone else filling those spots that we forget that we are also to do those things.
We expect the pastor to provide the “pastoral” care, yet we are called to care for each other. We expect the evangelist to share the gospel, but we forget that the great commission is for all of us.
There is nothing wrong with having (and paying) people to fill these roles. However, we must also rediscover the fact that each of us bears some responsibility in these areas and that while some are gifted more particularly than others, we all have a role to play in getting those things done.
I could talk about worship/music teams that are so professional that it is awe-inspiring that at the same time have killed the place of all people making a joyful noise unto the Lord. I could speak of formalized children’s programs that have allowed us to relegate the care and teaching of our children to a few. I could go on and on.
There is nothing inherently wrong with church buildings, professional pastors and evangelists, great church music or kid’s programs. The mistake occurs when we think that is all there is or that only other people should fill the roles.
You and I are the church. We have roles to play. We have a part in each area of ministry. Let’s use the tools God has given us and revolutionize the church.
God is calling His church to renewal, revival and expansion. All of those things start in our hearts. They don’t come from bigger and better buildings, more articulate pastors, showier evangelism campaigns, a better “show” at worship or more programs. Let’s not make the mistake of maintaining the status quo.
The renewal, revival and expansion of God’s kingdom come one heart at a time, one decision and one act of love at a time. It starts with you and me standing in the gaps and doing the things God told us to do.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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