Recently in the last year or so we have trimmed away some things that consumed time and money but really wasn't effective when it came to our true purpose. I realized that at times we were doing things just because it seemed everyone else did them. Before I knew it our calendar was always full which at the time seemed really "spiritual". I soon came to realize that busy was foolish if it was not bringing forth the purpose for which we were called. We could be a church known for having alot going on, none if it really great but we had something for everyone. Or, we could be a church known for being very good at certain things, the right things! We are not a buffet church......there are enough of those all around. Instead my goal is to get Legacy to a place that we know exactly who we are and what God wants us to do and if IT does not accomplish exactly that then we will cut it off and let it die!
I realize that some things are not neccessarily bad things but they don't have to be wrong to not be the right things either. Our people have alot going on between work, family and personal responsibilities. If we are going to ask them to participate in something let's make sure it is the right things and if they are worth doing let's do them well!
Any thoughts?
We sometime let ourselves get so wrapped up in church that we don't take time to feel what God wants us to. If we don't feel God, then how can we be fruitful?
ReplyDeleteRight now our small church is connected to other churches and ministries outside the PCG, but we make sure we can feel Him first.
You are definitely right about things that are not bad being wrong. It would be like if I went to pastor and told her I wanted to teach children's church... it's not a bad thing, just not right for me.
I believe if it is right and you are truly in tune with God then He will make a way for you to participate.
So true Todd! When Missy & I became pastors here in Concord, we had 186 people on that first Sunday. This church had between 500-600 at it's peak; and we felt that we had to offer the same programs, ministries, outreaches, fellowship, cell groups, and more with about 1/3 the people and resources. Talk about a recipe for burnout! If we're not careful, we'll compete with our past, our dreams, our pastor friends, other churches in the community - and ultimately, nobody wins. You're right...we must focus on our purpose, do less, and be more effective and productive with the few things that we do well!
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