TRADITION IN YOUR MINISTRY
By Ken Blue
“Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:3.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 .
It is possible, like the Jews, we too have allowed tradition to hinder our outreach and the Word of God. A good question is what would we give up or add in order to win more souls for Christ. I believe our answer may reveal just how strongly we are bound to tradition.
1. Would you be willing to have services on another day instead of Sunday, if it meant you would reach more people?
2. Would you be willing to change the order of your Sunday service, if it meant you would reach more people?
3. Would you be willing to change the time of your service on Sunday, if it meant you would reach more people?
4. Would you be willing to change the style of your preaching, if it meant you would reach more people?
5. Would you be willing to change the decor and arrangement of your building, if it meant you would reach more people?
6. Would you be willing to have your choir wear robes, if it meant you would reach more people?
7. Are there musical instruments you would not use, even if using them meant you would reach more people?
8. Would you be willing to change your music, if it meant you would reach more people?
9. Would you be willing to use background music, if it meant you would reach more people?
10. Would you be willing to face the wrath of the brethren, if it meant you would reach more people?
Now, there is no guarantee that any of the changes would lead to reaching more souls for Christ. The point is, would you be willing to change if you knew it would? Your answer will reveal your value of souls and the ruts of tradition in your ministry.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.