NOTHING DISCOURAGES A CHURCH MORE than not knowing why it exists." ~ Eric Burtness
On the other hand, the quickest way to reinvigorate a plateaued or declining church is to reclaim God's purpose for it and help the members understand the great tasks the church has been given by Christ. What drives Shepherd of the Mountains? What do you think God is calling us to look at? All churches are driven by something. Some churches are driven by tradition; other churches are driven by the personality of the pastor; others are driven by constant talk of money, giving and stewardship. Yet others by programs such social ministry, outreach, youth, or well-developed ministries aimed at specific groups.
One answer that can give a church a sense of why it exists, is to passionately rediscover the biblical purposes that God has set forth in the "Great Commission" (Matthew 28:19-20) and the "Great Commandment." (Matthew 22:37-39)
How might our congregation be different if members had a specific process through which they developed spiritual maturity? What if we had defined discipleship paths that led to deeper commitment on a variety of levels? What if people could become engaged, empowered, and equipped for ministry? What if our congregation grew into a place of learning, growth, teaching and equipping? What if more and more people were Christlike in their character, convictions and conduct? Here are some suggestions of how these things could be done as we develop our goals to move forward with Christ: • Raise each member's level of commitment to Christ, to the congregation, and to spiritual growth. Boldly ask for, and expect, such a commitment.
• Help people develop spiritual growth habits, especially spiritual habits of Bible study, prayer, generous giving and sharing and fellowship with other people. • Build a balanced Christ-centered Education Ministry based on the five
building blocks of spiritual maturity: knowledge, perspective, convictions, skills, and character. In developing these building blocks, ask these five questions:
• Are people learning the content and message of the Bible?
• Are people seeing themselves, other people, and life more clearly from God's
perspective?
• Are people's values becoming more aligned with God's values?
• Are people becoming more skilled in serving God?
• Are people becoming more like Christ?
These are important items for us to discuss and have conversation about. Join us, the church council and pastor, as we follow Christ forward in mission and ministry.
Pastor Allan Schoonover