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

Playing Church

So maybe you've heard the phrase, "Playing Church?"

I suppose it comes from the idea that when we were kids, we'd often dress up and "play house," or "play cowboys and Indians" (as politically-incorrect as that may be today), or "play cops and robbers," etc. The idea is that we weren't REALLY cowboys or cops or mommies having a tea party--we were just kids using our imaginations to picture something we hadn't really experienced. Now, we had likely watched others either on TV or in real life (such as our parents in the case of "playing house"), but we ourselves hadn't truly done what we were "playing" or acting out.

Role playing using our imaginations is cute for kids and we certainly don't discourage it. In fact, Psychologists and Sociologists tell us that kids need to use these imaginary times of play to learn, grow, and properly develop. Still, like every other developmental stage, there come a time to grow up and grow beyond the "play" to actually live our lives and pursue our calling/career, etc. If we never moved beyond that stage, teachers, family and friends would worry that our growth and mental health had stalled or even regressed.

In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, the Apostle Paul writes, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?"

I'd summarize the problem in Corinth this way--they were only "Playing Church."

Why Do CHRISTIANS Suffer?

Find more videos like this on Pond Place


OK, so there's evil and pain in the world because man chose sin over God. But why do good, Christ-followers suffer through no fault of their own? Why doesn't God stop it every time?

Why You Should Leave The Church

Find more videos like this on Pond Place

People normally leave their church for the wrong reasons...what are those and, if there's a right reason what is it?

"The Best Prayer Request Ever"

In 2 Chronicles 1:7, we read...

"That night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, 'Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

Wow...can you imagine? What an opportunity! What a blessing!!

So what would you ask for?

Most people, if they're honest, would probably ask for money or a better job or good health. How do I know? Well that's what we always pray about isn't it? And prayer is a time of asking God for things as well as praising Him. So, if God manifested in a powerful, visible way, why would we "change our tune" and ask for something else?

But should we change how we pray? Should we ask for other things instead?

Solomon was not a typical guy--nor was he a typical leader at this point in his life. What did he ask for? Verses 8-9 tell us...

"Solomon answered God, 'You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place...Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

The end result is that God now only gives him wisdom, he gives him all the other stuff he DIDN'T ask for as a bonus. It's like the Matt. 6:33 promise that "all these things" will be added if we seek the right things first. My point in all this is simple--try asking God for what matters most. In this crazy, mixed-up, chaotic world we live in, it would be GREAT to have a bunch of people being granted the spiritual gift of wisdom. I know I need more, so if you're not going ask for yourself--ask for me so that I can do a better job of leading MPC. (Is that selfish--maybe, but ask anyway OK?)

And may our loving, gracious God grant your requests, bringing more blessings than the selfish pursuit of the physical ever could!

In Jesus,
Pastor Joel