A number of months ago, I asked both Extended Cabinets to go out and preach on the Mission of the Church — knowing it was probably out of their comfort zone to do so.
Weren’t there more exciting and/or relevant things to do than to focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?
Budgets had to be raised. Apportionments had to be paid. Petitions for General Conference had to be crafted.
But they went and preached enhancing the churches knowledge or understanding of the Great Commission. They planted seeds for the kingdom with their lips and lives. St. Francis of Assisi put it this way “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Notice how they used words.
“Like Andrew and Philip, we are called to be bringers,” said one district superintendent. “Most people came to church because a friend invited, drove or carried them to church.”
Another opined that we are called to make “disciples everywhere” and he has done so in Detroit and Liberia.
Still another declared that, “healthy churches have set aside old wineskins for the new by welcoming people of every race, clime and condition has energized congregational life.”
Another district superintendent utilized demographic data to share the same message. Not just decreases in membership were highlighted, but the disappearance of certain age groups. As a result, God “is leading us to step outside our comfort zone” to reclaim them, that DS told me.
Comfort wasn’t the tone of one other missional thrust. It was challenge.
The sermon focused on “Four Tough Words” about the mission of the church. “It’s Not About You” because you are the Church. And the Church is meant to rescue and disciple “others,” not just us.
St Francis of Assisi offers a telling insight about this perspective. “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” God-centered and other-centeredness work is our way to witness.
Two churches raised their apportionment giving as a result of preaching on the mission of the church. A “portion meant for others” resonated with the missional spirit of both local churches and their pastors.
One church paid 100 percent of their 2010 apportionments, while another congregation increased their 2011 pledges by 11 percent.
After preaching on how to “keep open house,” one preacher shared in a meal after service. Then, he stayed and had conversation with folks on developing a healthy and vital congregation.
During one service, a congregation raised $500 for the Haiti Hot Lunch program.
Another district superintendent has his district in a twitter about a High Five Program. They are now seeking a five percent increase in membership, attendance, stewardship and prayer life. That DS said people were hope filled, attentive and excited.
One of our leaders encountered a tearful parishioner after church. Personal problems had taken its toll.
So he offered pastoral care to a person whom he knew not may have been at his best.
Another district superintendent said after the sermon, “a man reported that he had recommitted himself to the work of the church as a man and a father.”
Finally, one pastor rejoiced over the impact and response of an eight-year old in worship. “I love Jesus,” she said.
Her spontaneous testimony touched adults in the congregation. Even a little child shall lead them.
Our founder John Wesley changed his way of doing ministry and he admitted this in several references.
On March 31, 1739, Wesley wrote, "In the evening, I reached Bristol, and met Mr. Whitefield there. I could scare reconcile myself at first to this strange way of preaching in the fields, of which he set an example on Sunday evening; having been all my life (till very lately) so tenacious of every point relating to decency and order, that I should have thought the saving of souls almost a sin, if it had not been done in a church."
A few days later, a bodacious spirit possessed him. Wesley preached outside to a crowd of roughly 3,000 people declaring, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me for he hath anointed me to preach good news to the poor.”
Wesley no longer believed he could grow the church by staying in the church. All I am doing Church, is reminding you of the same.
“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
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