Getting It Right

I'm trying to wrap my head around some opportunities that face churches. While the big churches continue to get bigger, many small churches continue to shrink.

An easy answer (and complaint) is that church members are just moving to churches that offer more activities for their families. If that's the case, then it comes down to budgets, leadership, and innovation. Some of us are definitely at a disadvantage.

The 21st century church may function under a model like this, but the 1st century did not. I know, times are different; I get that. Still, is there something about the early church that works. They accelerated the gospel faster than any other generation. Ever.

I think it goes back to what I call "The Ten Most Important Days in the Life of the Church." In Acts 1 Jesus told his disciples that they would be his witness all around the world when the Spirit came upon them. In Acts 2 the Spirit came upon them and the church exploded onto the pages of history.

Here's what happened during the ten days between Jesus' ascension (Acts 1) and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). (Here's the post where I talk about this a little more. The 10 Most Important Days in the History of the Church)

They were obedient. Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem and they did not. Today's church must be obedient to do everything the Lord says.

They prayed. The Bible tells us that after Jesus ascended the disciples were constantly in prayer. Today's church must make prayer a central part of our existence.

They were focused. During the ten days between the ascension and Pentecost, the disciples chose a replacement for Judas, the betrayer. They knew what their task was and they did not neglect it. Today's church must make the mission of God the priority in everything we do.

They were unified. Preachers like the joke about them being "in one (Honda) Accord," but the truth is that they were together physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, etc. The Holy Spirit gives the church unity and today's church must eliminate anything that can destroy unity.

They took action. They waited, they prayed, they kept their eye on the mission, and they loved each other. Then when the Holy Spirit came upon them they immediately left the Upper Room and took the gospel to the streets. Today's church must act immediately upon the Holy Spirit's leading.

It doesn't matter what size church you attend. What matters is that you join with other believers to faithfully join God in his mission to seek and save those who are lost in sin.

I'm glad so many of the folks at Cross Road Baptist Church get this. We'd love to have a few more who want to join God's mission with  us.