PRAYER PARTNERS--A KEY TO SPIRITUAL SUCCESS

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How do we grow? We grow best one-on-one versus in larger groups. This video looks at Proverbs 27:17 as an indicator of the best means of spiritual growth and discipleship.

 In our recent church survey, we learned some things. Actually, the survey confirmed some hunches the elders and I have had for some time. About 25% of our average Sunday Morning attendees responded to the survey--a good representative sample. Interestingly, most of those who responded have been at Mill Pond for over a year and attend small groups, etc. So, they are involved, committed, and probably most are members of the church as well.

Yet, even though many of the respondents are core members, 88% read their Bible only 5 minutes or less a day, 83% pray less than 5 minutes a day, and 88% reach out to only 3 or fewer unchurched friends/family. What that means to your pastor-dude is, "I'm not getting it done!" In other words, attending a church we like with messages we learn from and music we say is inspiring, going to small group, having lots of friends in church, and/or believing that most of our friends would like the church and its people--all of this--isn't enough to generate spiritual growth.

That's exactly what we've been hearing from God over the last few months...

You see we know we've been missing something. Just having good meetings and classes and sermons and worship isn't producing spiritual growth and transformation. So what would produce it? I think part of the answer is individual attention. The pieces of the proverbial puzzle we need to consider all center around 1-on-1 discipleship. This could be mentoring, coaching, prayer partnering, accountability partnering, role modeling, etc. In our context, (and the context of most evangelical churches by the way), this rarely happens. But I believe we've got to change that or we'll ultimately suffer the same fate of 80+% of all American Churches which are now in decline.

Are You a TRUE Disciple?

Most teachers and scholars agree that the model for modern discipleship is Jesus and his interaction with the 12 original disciples. But what did he tell them, "right off the bat?" In Matthew 4:19, he tells them, "Follow me and I'll make you fishers of men." Jesus fished for men by drawing them to himself and the Father. He told His disciples to follow or mimic or learn and model their lives after his. So, originally, a disciple was one who reached and taught others.

Are you a disciple?

It's interesting that today, 2000+ years later, discipleship in most churches simply means transferring information. In some few, it might go one step further to mean that the disciples/students/apprentices actually DO what they've learned such that their lives are transformed. But where do we find churches or leaders defining a disciple ONLY as one who actually teaches and helps others to walk the walk of faith? Almost nowhere...yet isn't that what Jesus did/taught?

Let's take this down to the practical level. What if, we didn't define someone as a member/disciple unless they were sharing the faith and the habits of Christian life with at least one other person. So if I lead Shelly to faith, she's not a disciple until she's either led someone else or is in an intentional relationship with someone she's trying to strengthen spiritually. That could be a friend, co-worker, fellow Christian, family member, etc.--anyone, but she's not yet a disciple/follower of Jesus until she's mentoring or helping someone else grow.

Wow--would THAT change the face of Christianity or what?!

The leaders of MPC are prayerfully considering this. While it's hard, the powerful implications of each person helping someone else spiritually excite us. What if everyone had a prayer partner and someone they were helping learn to pray, study the Bible, fast, hear from God, etc.? What if everyone saw it as his/her responsibility to reach others and help them be transformed by God? Can you imagine?

I can...please pray that God will help us make it a reality....

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel

Making Church Better

Everybody who goes to church wants theirs to be "a good one." Most would define this as a church that is friendly, has good programs, presents uplifting and powerful worship services each week, has (a) nice pastor(s), etc. They want a church that's not "too big," or "too small," one that serves in the community, and a place they'd be proud to bring their friends to visit. So, as long as the church continues to meet the criteria and priorities on their "list," they keep coming and may even ask a friend to join them once in a while.

Now, this is OK, but there's an inherent problem with the paradigm behind it. In other words, while we all should want a church that's "good," and matches this description, the problem with this perspective is that it's totally consumer-driven. That is, when we think of church this way, we're the recipient of what church offers, not the cause of it. Now, lest I get lectured here, I KNOW that God is the creator/cause of church and its power. Still, does He not use us? And, if that's His will and purpose, where is our responsibility for creating and sustaining a "good church?"

What is church anyway? It's people right? Not a place, programs, traditions, etc.--it's people under Christ and biblical leaders who fulfill His purposes and bring Him honor. So when church is only "semi-good," or "OK" or even when it's "bad," who is responsible to make it better?

People--(that would be you and me)! We are the church. Thus, we are responsible to improve its programs, outreach, giving, facilities, leadership, worship, etc... Take some time to read Ephesians chapters 2-4 and I think you'll agree.

Now, I know there are times when this is impossible. Sometimes the leaders aren't open to changing things to make it better. But usually, in my experience, people don't make an attempt at this, they just leave. I've had folks come to and leave from Mill Pond and every church I've ever pastored in the past based on this flawed foundation. Instead, we ought to at least attempt to improve things before we "bolt." Hopefully, the leaders are open to and ready to change things and better serve Christ.

At Mill Pond, we're committed to change. We've always said, "We have no sacred cows here...and if we ever find one, we'll have a barbeque!" Thus, we're not only open to change, we like it! As such, in the months ahead, we'll be surveying the church regarding some things we think may need to improve/change. We already know of a few and are implementing those changes, "as we speak." Further, I'm going to pursue another long term fast seeking God's direction to make things better. Our goal isn't to please people as in facilitating emotional whims. Our goal is to honor God and reach people who become fully devoted followers of Jesus. The question is how can WE (yes, We), do that together?

Please join us in prayer and labor to make MPC even better won't you? Stay tuned for more on this....

Thanks!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel