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WHO’S ON FIRST? THE CHURCH?

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WHEN DID THE CHURCH BEGIN?

The ChurchBy Ken Blue

“Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16:7.

One’s view of when the Church, the body of Christ, and the dispensation of grace started will determine how the verses in the above context are interpreted. A few examples of the differing views of when the church began will clarify that point. However, the fact that there are many views on the birth of the church is another issue altogether.

There are those who hold that the church has existed from the time of Adam. They argue that all the people who follow God are the people of God and constitute the church. Thus the church of today is simply a continuation of a long line of believers.

Some believe the church began in Matthew 4 when John the Baptist called his first disciples. Others view Matthew 10, Matthew 16, Acts 2, Acts 9 and after Acts 28! So, there is little wonder as to the confusion about this matter. The position one takes will of necessity determine how all other scripture will be interpreted.

Those who question that the church started with Paul, site the above verse to show that there were those “in Christ” prior to Paul’s conversions. Thus, they choose an earlier date for the birth of the church. However, the above verse does not say anything about anyone being in the church; it speaks of being in Christ. One could have been in Christ, redemptively; without being in the Church which was a mystery; but one cannot be in the Church, which is His body without being in Christ.

If we accept the idea that being in Christ was synonymous with the Church, then we must concede that one can be cut off and loose his salvation. John 15 is clear that Christ is the vine and certain believers are the branches. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:1-8.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The Church revealed to Paul was a mystery from before the foundation of the world and was revealed to him.[/perfectpullquote]

If being in Christ is the same as being in the Church, which is His body, then the brethren must do some Biblical gymnastics with the above verses to maintain an eternal security view. Now, don’t pretend that the above verses do not say He was in them, and they in Him. It won’t work.

The Church revealed to Paul was a mystery from before the foundation of the world and was revealed to him. “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” Ephesians 3:2-9. Note the bolded words.

Finally, we ask, why Paul? If the Church which was the mystery was prior to Paul, and the commission was given to the Twelve to take this gospel into the entire world and to every creature, why was Paul saved, commissioned, given the gospel by divine revelation, and used to write the Church epistles? Why not use the Twelve who were given the great commission in Matthew, Mark and Luke, and Acts 1:8? In addition, they had over three years of personal training by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Believers, prior to Paul were in Christ by identification with Him in John 15. After His death, believers were in Him by redemption of His blood. But, none were in the Church which was kept a secret until it started with the Apostle Paul. The church, which is the body of Christ, is made up of Jews and Gentiles who lose their distinction in the one body. Paul was both a Jew and a Gentile, and no doubt, the first in the Body of Christ. It seems evident to me that the dispensation of Grace and the Church, which is the One New Man and a New Creation, begin with Paul. This in no way nullifies the practice of water baptism.

WHY YOUR CHURCH DOES NOT GROW

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THREE REASONS A CHURCH DOES NOT GROW
Church

 

By Ken Blue

“…. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47.

It may surprise you that there are pastors who do not seek or desire their church to grow beyond a certain number. There are several reasons for their “non growth” mentality; we will give the three we believe to be most prevalent.

Wrong to seek growth-

There are a few pastors who believe that seeking growth is carnal and should not be among any ministry objectives of the church. They believe that prayer, Bible preaching and witnessing is what God requires and all that is necessary. They are opposed to any and all forms of activities, events, or promotions to attract the lost. The church, to them, is intended for the saved only. The only acceptable outreach is door-to-door soul winning.

Like a small church-

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There are pastors and churches who do not want their church to grow beyond a certain number.[/perfectpullquote]

A small church is a wonderful thing, as long as it is large enough to pay you a salary. A small church is like a family; everyone knows everyone, and they all know the pastor. He receives all the attention and praise for things that go well. He is also able to give attention to all the members.

In many cases, the pastor and the people like this arrangement. They practice “doublespeak.” While they speak of winning the lost, they seldom give room to new families. The glue that holds the small group together is the cement that keeps others out. Everyone is happy and content. All that is lacking is a fireplace where this wonderful little family can gather for fellowship.

Fear growth-

There are those who would like for their churches to grow, but fear keeps it from happening. Their greatest fear is their inability to pastor a larger group. I have witnessed a few preachers and Christian workers with this phobia. If you pay close attention, you will observer them sabotage any growth that is threatening.

This fear is based in insecurity. The reason for the insecure is the pastor has not learned the skills of organization, management, and leadership. Ignorance of these is enough to cause fear in the heart of any pastor. That is why it is important to learn how to pastor, in addition to ones preaching ability.

It may be difficult for you to believe that there are pastors and churches who do not want their church to grow beyond a certain number. Believe me, they exist. You may be one of them. If so, tackle your roadblock, remove the fear, and grow for the Lord.

PASTOR, TRAIN YOUR PEOPLE

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TRAIN OTHERS

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By Ken Blue

There are several reasons pastors will not use their people in church ministry.

One, they don’t know how. They might like to use them, but they aren’t sure themselves what really needs to be done. Another problem is a lack of skill in recruiting men and women for service. There is a right and a wrong way to go about this. I have also seen pastors who don’t believe anyone is willing to do the needed tasks. Unbelievably, there are pastors who think none of his members are spiritual enough, or no one is qualified. Some pastors are insecure. They fear others may do a better job than themselves. Any one of the above problems creates mental road blocks to your progress. You must conquer all fears that hinder the training of others.

Pastors must understand that teaching and preaching is not training.

These are a major part of the ministry, but they are only a part of it. Most fundamental churches spend 95% of their time preaching and teaching and the other 5% on soul winning and tithing. We must know the difference between training and instruction. When you train someone, you tell them what and how, and then you show them how to do the task. You then let them do it, and correct or encourage as needed.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]When you train someone, you tell them what and how, and then you show them how to do it.[/perfectpullquote]

There are several areas where people need ministry training.

They need to know how to win souls to Christ and how to witness about Him. Men and women must be trained how to prepare and teach a SS lesson, how to usher, how to preach, how to lead songs, how to visit the sick, how to build a bus route, how to pray, how to study the Bible, how to clean the church. Whatever the need in your church, you can train someone how to do it.

How to train others:

The first thing is, you must be clear on what you want done, and how it should be done. To do this, bring specialist to your church that can provide the necessary training. You can also send your people to special conferences where they can SEE and learn these things. Lead people in all areas where you want them to serve and give all the support they need.

Make a list of everything you are now doing that you should give away.

Pastor, it’s not a matter of how large your church is or how many people you have.  Don’t be afraid. Go through your list carefully and circle every task you are doing that someone else could do. Then make a list of all the men and women who could do the task 70% as well as you. Make a plan and then recruit them. If I only had five men in my church, I would find a job for each one of them. If five needs did not exist, I would create a job for the fifth man.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Know, go, show, and grow![/perfectpullquote]

Remember: information, education, and instruction are all necessary, but alone, they train no one.

I have already stated what training is and how it is done. The following Old Testament story illustrates many of the “how” factors of training others. “And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done. 49 And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.” Judges 9:48-49.

 

THE WATER MARK

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money

Keeping your money tank full

By Ken Blue

“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20.

“He that gathereth in summer is a wise son…” Proverbs 10:5.

“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;” Proverbs 30:25.

Pastor Dallas Dobson was a dear friend of mine; he is now with the Lord. Both of us were from Arkansas and had many of the same childhood experiences. I remember a story he told me that is worth repeating. Hopefully, it will help other pastors.

We were discussing church finances, and he asked me if I remembered the water towers use by the old steam engines that came through our town. I assured him I did. He said, “If you remember, there was a gauge on the outside of the tower to indicate how much water was in the tank.” I told him that I remembered clearly the tower and the gauge.

“Well,” he said, “I look at our church finances like one would look at the water tower. I know how much money it takes to operate our church each month. I keep the tower filled with enough money to keep our church running for at least three months; even if we never have another penny come in during that time. That way, if there is a major emergency, we could continue to operate while we waited for rain.”

From that time forward, I determined that we would maintain enough in the tank to keep our church operating for a minimum of three months. I know many churches are struggling and it is very difficult for them to put anything in the water tower. But, I suggest that you start now and put a little in this special fund until you have an adequate reserve on hand.

Some pastors believe they must spend every penny each week. Therefore, when a special need arises, they are unable to do anything about it. If you work a secular job, you should not attempt to purchase property or build buildings. Also, you should not start supporting missions until you are fulltime, and have started this fund. Missions is not the golden calf, nor should you assume that God will increase your income because you increase your expenses. Many of the special meetings may need to cease until this fund in established.

Beware of borrowing money, and be wise as to how you spend or save it. “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7. Put money in the tank and then keep an eye on it. It is not a lack of faith to save; it is Scriptural, and it is a mark of good senses. In fact, it is an act of biblical wisdom!

THREE MAIN INGREDIENTS OF A GREAT PASTOR

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IDENTIFYING INGREDIENTS FOR GREAT PASTORING

ingredients

By Ken Blue

Of course there are different definitions of what the word great means. Every man has his own idea, and he is somewhat confident he fits its definition. We are confident we know what a great church or ministry is and what it is not. But what is it?

I am not positive God is as concerned about our church and our ministry as we are. God is far more interested in the man than He is the ministry. He always works at making the man first. By man, I don’t mean your swagger, your truck, your bad manners, or your gun rack. We are hearing a lot today about “developing men,” when we haven’t the slightest clue what we are talking about. Regardless of what you think a pastor must be to “prove” his manhood, there are three things that are indispensable for one to be a good pastor.

The first, not the most important, is personality.

The American Heritage Dictionary says personality is, “The pattern of collective character, behavioral, temperamental, emotional, and mental traits of a person: Though their personalities differed, they got along as friends. Distinctive qualities of a person, especially those distinguishing personal characteristics that make one socially appealing”

One of the weaknesses of pastors is their failure to understand the importance of developing a personality that others can identify with. Every pastor would do well to read How To Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I am aware that it will not be spiritual enough for some, but they don’t need it anyway.

A guitar has six strings. You must be able to work with all six of them if you hope to strike a chord. Some people can only pick one string and therefore can only relate to those who like that string. Broaden your personality as much as possible so you can identify and relate to as many people as possible. You must be able to adjust your personality to people in order to relate to them. The pastor with the greatest ability in this area will have the best opportunity to widen his ministry to others.

I’m sure you know good men who have the personally of a skunk or a porcupine. They have a stinking attitude and disposition. Also, they are always trying to stick it to someone.

The second necessary ingredient for a pastor is that of competence.

Competence is the ability to do the task at hand. A pastor must first know the Lord, and then he must know His Word. He must learn how to pastor from the best. Some men are great at soul winning. Learn all you can from them. Others are outstanding teachers. Find out what it is that makes people want to hear them. Competent pastors know how to plan, lead, organize, and control growing church ministries. Learn all you can about management and organization.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Competent pastors know how to plan, lead, organize, and control growing church ministries.[/perfectpullquote]

Again, you must learn these skills if you hope to move forward in the ministry. Competence can be learned. Look to those who are doing the best job in each phase of the ministry, and then learn all you can from them. Don’t be satisfied to just pick one string.

Finally, your most important quality is your character.

A former pastor of mine told me, “If you want your people to jump a foot, you must jump ten feet.” Another pastor said, “Don’t expect people to show up on work days, if you are there.” If a pastor asks his people to give money for a special project, he must be the first to give.

Discerning people can spot the blemishes in your character right away. One major sign of weak character is to excuse ones failures and blame someone else. I have heard preachers lie about matters, they thought were unimportant. I have watched them make themselves the hero of their sermons. Your mouth may be your greatest liability.

Personality, competence, and character are the three indispensable ingredients for the pastor. On the other hand, the following three habits guarantee your failure. One is the “I don’t care” habit. The second is the late habit. The third is the “I quit” habit. The first three will insure your success. The last three will insure your demise.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Personality, competence, and character are the three indispensable ingredients for the pastor.[/perfectpullquote]