Love to you in Christ ~ Kenneth M. Hoeck
Mt 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that
the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are
great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you:
but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever
will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man
came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom
for many.
We know that the word minister denotes one who serves - rather
than an overlord. Here are some helpful tips on a certain way to serve the
brethren in one regard ... that of promoting personal evangelism.
How a COG pastor
can
ENABLE his
flock
When a Church of God pastor supports a ministry of its members, he is
exponentially multiplying the outreach of God's ministry in the world. You
see, church members are in an ideal position to minister to the world. For
when they go to work, help out strangers, talk with neighbors, volunteer
in their community... they are already doing the things their God-given
talents have best prepared them to do. Each of us is instructed by the word
to show the love of Christ dwelling in each of us. What is the sign of true
followers of Christ? That we show love one for another. We must be
conscious of preaching in deed, as well as word, as we approach the world
with the gospel. Let The Light Of God Shine Within You.
What should a supportive pastor
be doing to ENABLE the
church:
*
Encouraging. Teach them to not deny Christ when with others
outside the church. Truly believe that the church is to minister in the world.
The Church is its members ... the Church is not only its stewards or ministers
but the true church is made up wholly of the brethren. They have been called
to speak about the coming Kingdom of God ( and to live their lives as examples
) not just render tithes.
*
Nourish. Read from the bible. The Word of God should be Daily
Bread to a New Testmament Christian. Make sure the word you preach and the
worship they experience each Sabbath Day will nourish them for the week
ahead.
*
Affirm that their evangelizing by both word and example is
important to God . They have been raised in a church that told them only
ordained ministers were to preach. Let them know that their personal ministry
matters to God and that, more importantly, that their actions are louder
than their words. People would resond to a sermon they SEE with their eyes
before one they just HEARD with their ears. Affirm them to exhibit the fruit
of the spirit (peace, joy, patience, self-control, etc.)- for it is the fruit
which contains the seed which you are desiring to sow. Be sure to affirm
continuously. Little things that we do can prompt questions and it is much
easier for some people to talk about God when the other party makes the initial
inquiry of you. Just eating a meal with people outside the church can open
up opportunities to turn the conversation to God
(...like when you ask if the meatballs are
made of all beef or a beef-pork mix and those with you ask why you don't
eat pork.).
*
Be patient. It will take time for some of them to recognize
their ministry talents. After all, being a passive pew sitter is safe and
comfortable. How is that any different from the world's religions? Extending
God's ministry from the fellowship groups and churches to overflow into the
workplace is somewhat scary to most. Many have been treating Sabbath and
services like a fast food drive-thru or a "McChurch" (you know, let me
get 3 hymns, an opening prayer, and a Super-sized sermon to go, please )
and directly after services seem to slide right back into talking of the
world. It will take time and loving reminders to keep them focused on God.
Don't let their spirit be quenched...stoke their love for God as a fire.
*
Listen. God gave you one mouth but intentionally gave you
two ears - maybe this shows we should listen twice as much as we talk? Ask
your members to tell you what they do in their daily routines. Once they
believe that you are truly interested, they will tell you. You may spot some
opportunities to speak of the kingdom and salvation that the member can focus
on.
*
Equip them. Have them put on the whole armour of God through
intimate prayer to the Father and daily scripture reading. Together with
them find the ways they can best carry the Gospel into the world. Help them
to establish the connections between their Sabbath behavior and being a light
the rest of the week. Give them understanding that they may only be planting
seeds...and they may not immediately see the fruits of their labors so they
should not be discouraged if people don't instantly repent
( how long did you hear about the Truth before
you
repented?)
Again, emphasize that their actions speak louder than words- Equip them
to be DOERS of the Word rather than just hearers and the love that is in
them will shine brightly outward into a world of darkness.
Love to you in Christ ~ Kenneth M. Hoeck
©1998 Truth On The Web Ministries: All the articles originated by Kenneth Hoeck or Brian Hoeck may be freely distributed or mirrored as long as presented in there entirety, attributed to Truth on The Web, and that proper author credit is given.