My parents started Pastor-ing a church about 5 years ago and at first, we were thinking that we were going to change ourselves to accommodate the church we began to take over. And now that I think of it, we didn't really "take it over" but pushed ourselves around it over the past 5 years, never really taking ownership of the titles we had as the Pastor's kids.
Now, the starting of 2014, is our time for change. God has been talking to our whole family this past year (2013) and now, we are putting our plans into action, accordingly. The problem with that, is the fact that his church has been around for more than 30? years. So the people of the church are pretty stuck in their ways.
With that in mind, we don't want to hurt anyone and we don't want to push them out of the way but how can we do what God says when those of the flesh, or our flesh, go against us?
I saw this movie that my dad bought, Facing the Giants, and it gave me some perspective on this subject, mainly told by a Faithful Follower of God: Mr. Bridges---here told by me:
"There were two farmers, both desperate for rain. Both of them prayed to God that they would receive rain but only one of them went out into the fields and prepared his field for it. So who do you think, trusted God that He was going to send rain?"
"....The one who prepared for it."
-----End of story-----
Here we were, praying for people and blessing but we never prepared for the rain. So we started to change things, Not allowing drinks or food in the sanctuary- which I have never felt comfortable doing- officiating people as church members to give them special and certain roles in the church, taking over the overseeing of the finances, redecorating the church and updating the roof, carpets, and overall building, opening ourselves to the community and helping those for the sake of helping in the name of Christ.
Sounds pretty good right? Simple things that take time? Well, not quite.
While we have many ideas and are doing well to plan only enough and not too much, and with time, there are some things we need to overcome.
These problems, which I can't quite remember all of them, are the boulders of the church, the ones we have to push in order to gain the blessings from God and do His will.
That is what is hurting the Churches from growing, they don't want to hurt feelings and offend anyone and while I believe that that should be prevented, it can't always be avoided. Some people look for a reason to get angry at pastors who want to change what has already been set in stone and this is when we need to pray and do what we need to do, in hopes that those people will see how the changes will cleanse and give revival in our lives, church, and community.
A majority of people would say that churches now a days, are too comfortable with themselves and the people thy know, rather than accept people they don't know or even make them feel welcome. They go against God's principles and example of showing love by sitting in that same chair/pew, claiming it.
I have been to churches that have never even said "hello" to my family and I felt out of place and even nervous, which is against my personality. I was saddened to see people talking amongst themselves and not giving us a second glance or even a smile! I was determined to makes sure that no one would feel that way when they walked into our building and I still try, even if I have to send someone else to speak to them.
So back to what I was saying previously, as Christians, there is no easy way to doing things and that includes running and creating a new foundation for a church. Following God will test every portion of your life and the results are so beautiful and rewarding, the troubles will seems like they were of the ancient past, the feelings will feel fresh, and the destination will be uplifting and so indescribable that you will never be able to keep it to yourself.
This past Sunday was great as a result of finally getting everyone on the right page.
It takes time, effort, and prayers to get things the way they need to be.
Just listen to God, even when it seems hard to do or if you become worried what people will think of you, just remember that God has His reasons and the rewards are amazing!!!
A majority of people would say that churches now a days, are too comfortable with themselves and the people thy know, rather than accept people they don't know or even make them feel welcome. They go against God's principles and example of showing love by sitting in that same chair/pew, claiming it.
I have been to churches that have never even said "hello" to my family and I felt out of place and even nervous, which is against my personality. I was saddened to see people talking amongst themselves and not giving us a second glance or even a smile! I was determined to makes sure that no one would feel that way when they walked into our building and I still try, even if I have to send someone else to speak to them.
So back to what I was saying previously, as Christians, there is no easy way to doing things and that includes running and creating a new foundation for a church. Following God will test every portion of your life and the results are so beautiful and rewarding, the troubles will seems like they were of the ancient past, the feelings will feel fresh, and the destination will be uplifting and so indescribable that you will never be able to keep it to yourself.
This past Sunday was great as a result of finally getting everyone on the right page.
It takes time, effort, and prayers to get things the way they need to be.
Just listen to God, even when it seems hard to do or if you become worried what people will think of you, just remember that God has His reasons and the rewards are amazing!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment