Tonight’s blog for Sunday, April 7, 2013

Last night I introduced you to a friend from South Dakota, who asked a good question: “Can you tell me, what benefit will I receive from this church when I join?” I think I honestly answered him, but that is for another time and place. Last night, I received another response to the question that I want to share: “it seems to me the better question, or the one I would ask is “ Can you tell me, what benefit can I be to this church if I join?” 

I am so blessed! I always end up with friends who are gentle and wise, and who ask good questions. I thought it would be wise to pose the question to you: “What benefit can I, or you, or anyone be to this church if joined?” If

you were asked that question, what would you say? Do you realize what a special question that really is? Instead of seeking “my benefit”, this question asks us to show the ways that we can be of real value to the local church, or whether we can really be of any value to the church. This wonderful question comes in direct opposition of those who would see their greatest benefit in sitting in a pew, or taking an “entry level ministry” like passing out bulletins or something that is “building based” but not too challenging. 

So, do you see my dilemma? How can we increase our value to our church, when we are already valuable to each other and to others in our circle of friends? Here is part of my thought process. Joining a church or any other organization shouldn’t limit our gifts or keep us from expanding the use of our gifts. Joining has benefits for all involved, but that isn’t the point to me. We are working for the same LORD, who loves the church enough to call her HIS Bride. He will choose us and allow us to be useful and give us gifts to share.

Maybe I can help you to understand what I mean by sharing a question I was asked by a church two years ago. The question was asked to see how I would respond and to see if we were compatible as partners. I shared it with the leaders here at MCC. It speaks to my dilemma about church membership and discipleship. 

Here is the question I was asked, “We perceive growth to be both numerical and spiritual, if we achieve one and not the other would you still be contented in your ministry?”

My answer speaks to my values and heart:  “Contented” is not an easy word to use with ministry, since by the very nature of what we do together, there are always people to teach, jobs to do, folks to love, books to read, and Bibles to study. I have come to terms with human frailties in these areas. I have seen that it is possible to grow “deep and not wide”, by making our personal growth and study of higher value than our task to win the world for Jesus. In this case, our discipleship is overshadowing our too little evangelism. I have also seen churches that are “an inch deep and a mile wide”. This is done by making converts without taking the time to disciple them. The four ways that Jesus grew in Luke 2:52 can become our pattern.  Remember, Jesus grew in WISDOM, in STATURE, in Favor with GOD and in Favor with men. The four areas of growth include mental growth in the area of WISDOM, and physical growth in the area of the BODY, and SPIRITUAL Growth in my relationship with GOD and SOCIAL Growth in my relationships with PEOPLE. These four areas of growth must be fully balanced and healthy. We can’t focus simply on one or two areas. We could spend years fully understanding this one verse and the necessity for finding balance. So, growth will happen when we find biblical, solid health in all four areas." 

GOD Bless you tonight. I am enjoying this chance to share my thoughts. What do you think? “what benefit can I be to this church if I join?”  big marv