What would happen if a church arranged its finances and ministry so that half of everything it has and does went to mission outside itself: To feed the hungry, to serve the poor, send missionaries to reach the nations, to care for widows and orphans?
The question just popped out of my mouth as I was talking with a pastor friend.
As the words came out I thought, “I hope this doesn’t come across as an accusation or judgment.” Like so many times before, I found myself wishing I could put my words back in my mouth.
It really was a question in my own mind. I pastored a local church for more than 20 years and I am still struggling with how small minded I was at times (see my post, “Confessions of a Former Pastor”).
My question was not driven by judgment or accusation. The pastors I know want to serve the purpose of God. They are men and women of great integrity. They lead churches in faithful obedience to Jesus. I have tremendous respect and appreciation for them and their churches. Yet, the question still burned in my mind. More than that, it burned in my heart. It still burns. I am still wondering what would happen.
Drastic situations call for drastic measures.
Fearful days call for brave deeds.
Days of spiritual barrenness call for seasons of spiritual boldness.
Today is a day to pray bold prayers,
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest.”
Pray with faith, asking great things of God! Let us ask God for laborers to go into the unreached cities, nations, and people groups of the world.
Today is a day for bold giving.
Generosity is critical to revival.
What would happen if a church arranged its finances and ministry so that half of everything it has and does went to mission outside itself: To feed the hungry, to serve the poor, send missionaries to reach the nations, to care for widows and orphans?
Today is a day for bold involvement.
Get involved yourself. You cannot outsource your obedience. Obedience is intimately personal. Every deed, both small and great, done in loving obedience and Christ-like compassion, moves the world closer to the heart of God.
“What would happen if a church arranged its finances and ministry so that half of everything it has and does went to mission outside itself?”
When my conversation ended with my pastor-friend I was humbled when he said, “I want you to come preach this at our church.” Here is a pastor willing to take bold action. What will happen? Maybe revival.
What do you think?
HERE ARE SOME PRAYER NEEDS:
- Pray for the works that are developing throughout the Russian-speaking nations, Sweden, and among the Romani people (see “Giving Thanks for You”)
- Pray for these upcoming events in February,
- Feb 10, I will be preaching at Tualatin Foursquare Church
- Feb 15-16, Missions Intensive 2013, Pacific Coasts & Valley District, click here.
- Feb 17, Preaching at Worship Walk Foursquare Church, Burbank, CA.
- Feb 22-23, “To the Nations” Regional Conference. For more info, click here.
- Feb 24, Preaching at New Hope Foursquare Church in Salem, OR.
- Pray for our upcoming missionary retreat, April 21-23 (read more about it and how you can help, “Help Us Serve Our Missionaries”)
Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.
Debbie and I serve as the FMI Global Associate Director for MENACA and Europe. We focus on cultivating disciples, leaders, and church planting movements.
