We tend to honor those ventures that are big and impressive by outward measurements. We are impressed by Apple and Microsoft for starting in garages and becoming giants in their industry. Those companies that do not succeed (anyone remember the Commodore 64?) are simply dismissed as ‘less than’ and their contributions virtually ignored.
In many ways, this ‘success’ mentality is still part of how we evaluate the church. Outward growth in numbers has been a key marker. Size and fame of a ministry is considered an indicator of its effectiveness.
But are these the true markers of the church of Jesus Christ? And does this mentality keep us from appreciating the true, everyday heroics of those who daily seek to follow Jesus, bring Him glory, care about others, use what gifts he/she has without looking for recognition?
Doesn’t the truly ‘big’ impact come from the way that God orchestrates the daily obedience of every believer into a tapestry that glorifies Him rather than the superstars of faith? Isn’t the true church really about the Head who leads and works through every single follower of Jesus having daily, simple impacts on His world?
This changes the focus from size and success of ministry to the, truly, important things that Jesus’ followers are called to do:
Provide relief to someone in need
- Show love to a neighbor
- Share God’s love in word and deed
- Share someone else’s burden
- Visit the sick
- Care for the one ignored by others
- Pray for the lost
- Etc, etc, etc.
Perhaps the most important change still taking place in the church today is from this mentality of ‘big’ ministry to the everyday, every-person minister being unleashed right where he/she is using whatever spiritual gifts and compassion he/she has to work with… right now… today.
Side Note:
Sometimes I am asked: How is the house church movement going? But what they really seem to be asking is this: “Is the house church movement going to explode into something really ‘big.’ Because if it is, then I might want to pay attention to it.”
Maybe, in time, it will explode into something measurably ‘big.’ Or maybe it already has. I don’t know. But what I do know is that the house church movement is celebrating the gifts and calling of every believer, known and unknown, who is seeking to quietly, daily serve the Kingdom, bring glory to God, love on a neighbor, reach out to someone in need. And maybe, considering the big Orchestrator who is in control, it doesn't get any bigger than that!
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Categories for this post include house church, simple church, organic church
Comments
3 responses to “Unleashing the Everyday Believer”
Amen. Recently wrote this note as Patti and I discussed being the Church simply and organically.
Surrender & Abide –
June 26, 2014 at 6:46pm
My word, her word; keys to discipleship in Christ Jesus, and contentment in God.
It’s taken us a while, and some trials too, but over the past couple years we’ve learned how to do these two things more deeply.
Prayer; the quiet communion with God kind has brought us to this place. Oh for sure we are still on a journey of faith, but it feels like we are somehow in a different countryside, on different and more pleasant roads these days.
No longer are plans mine or hers. No longer is there personal striving for what we think should be our goals. We are leaning into “following” as individuals and as a couple, as parents and grandparents too. Yes, we still have concerns and worries, even dreams, but surrender of them all, then abiding in Him has led to a realization that this is indeed the “abundant life” He promised. The mysterious contrary “lose your life to gain your life.”
We do “church” in a small assembly in our neighborhood that we can walk to, and in our home too. Informal, simple, humble and comfortable, and yet vulnerable too. No temple glitz and glamour, no performances, just us ragamuffins and God. And yet too, we are part of all the other assemblies, the “Body”, partnering in all the beautiful and varied ways of living Kingdom life.
We “serve” in simple, intimate ways, while also being part of larger efforts via our resources.
I wish I could give everyone the plan, the program for successful following, but there isn’t one! It’s all about personal surrender and abiding, and it will be different for each one who chooses to follow. However, rest assured that when you do these two things God will guide and direct your steps . . . “a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.”
Be in His Word every day, keep soul friendships (anam cara), find mentors; people, authors, etc., practice the “spiritual disciplines” as best you can for your particular season of life.
This is the same journey my family and I have been on the last couple years. We are also learning each day what it means to lay everything down so that all we are and do is Christ and glorifies Him. His yoke is indeed light!
Thanks for sharing. It is an encouragement to us. Grace and peace be yours as your follow the Master Jesus where He leads you.
Keep going in Him