How to Build a Church

Yesterday, the Church surprised me by celebrating Pastor’s appreciation day. I have never felt so appreciated.
There were tearful testimonies from the adults as well as a little five year old and a visiting couple who upon seeing the services that morning decided, this was the Church for them stating it was a big family.
As I reflect upon all that undeserved praise that was heaped on me, I remember the verse:

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
So I realize that if our Church is doing great there is only one reason and that is, Jesus, is building it.

I read from time to time, articles about Pastors in turmoil and Churches doing poorly and I try to figure out what their problem could be. It seems quite obvious that if they are in disarray and are depressed and confused, etc… Jesus is not building the Church. They are.

That might sound over simplistic but I believe it’s Biblical.

Last night as usual, we closed Sunday evening service with congregational prayer. First we go through the people asking whoever has a thought, a prayer or a question, to speak. I am the last one to speak and so I thanked everyone for their praises and love for me during the day and then I said to them, …” But I want you to know, I don’t have a clue as to how to run a Church.” I leave it up to God.

Now I guess you might say that also is over simplistic yet I have looked to God on every single decision. I have always given Him the glory and we all have learned not to worry because when we worry, it’s like telling God we don’t trust Him. I study the word but when I teach the bible study (we simply go through the entire Bible and then repeat) I never prepare. I stand and read word by word and we go over it. God gives me the words to say and so many times I was thrilled as I learned something right there as I was teaching.

This is not rocket science because if it were, I couldn’t have done it.
Sure the devil comes to get us and tries to knock us down but he can’t.
The Bible says: Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Pray, ask God’s protection, make the decision and stand. The wind will blow, the storm will come and then it will subside and the sun will come out again.

God has given us people with gifts and abilities to do the task on hand. He has given us Bookkeepers, computer repair, musicians, even cleaning people and of course, the Pastor.
The Pastor is in charge of teaching , preaching and shepherding the flock so they go right.

So let God guide you. Don’t be afraid to discipline. Be less afraid to love and God will build His Church.

How to build a Church? Let God do it!