As of late, God has been dealing with me on several issues regarding the pastorate. I am currently in a unique situation being that we are starting a church from scratch. It is very challenging, and forcing me to go back to the early church’s simple and primitive roots. Simply put, we need to keep things simple. Listed below are some thoughts I have pondered about this issue. I hope they help you in days ahead!
Keep Salvation’s Message Simple
(Ephesians 2:8-9) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (KJV)
Salvation’s simplicity is amazing. Sinners need to repent of their sins and place their faith and trust in Christ’s sacrificial death, burial, and glorious resurrection. So many denominations and churches seek to bar the gates of Heaven, whether they realize this or not, with baptisms, works, and sacraments, etc.
We must keep the message of salvation plain, simple and clear. To complicate things brings everyone involved heart ache, and, in many cases, eternal damnation because of false, heretical, and man made doctrines. Make much of Jesus and He will make much of you!
Keep The Public Worship Service Simple
Dry liturgical services can embalm God’s children. No matter the type of church, history proves that dead worship spreads like cancer and will kill the potential worshipful atmosphere. What’s wrong with prayer, spirit filled hymns, and old fashioned preaching?
Entertainment, by definition, requires a complicated structure which tries to mimic the real. It is not the REAL thing, but only a mechanism which seeks to re-create the real. You do not need an entertainment driven ministry when you have a spirit filled church!
Keep The Ministry Simple
- Keep the main thing the main thing!
- If it is not broken, be wary about trying to fix it!
- Exalt Christ in all you pursue!
- Take time to enjoy the little things God does in your life!
Conclusion
Much of my problems as a pastor stem from complexity. Striving for and maintaining a simple approach to ministry has helped keep my stress level to a minimum and increased my joy! People tend to enjoy the simple and appreciate it’s refreshment amidst the backdrop of dead formality!
Would you consider purchasing…
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Whatever Happened to Worship? |
By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Publishers
Decrying much of contemporary worship as entertainment, Tozer says, “When we are worshipping…if the love of God is in us and the Spirit of God is breathing praise within us, all the musical instruments in heaven are suddenly playing in full support.” Originally preached as sermons at Avenue Road Alliance Church in Toronto, the chapters of Whatever Happened to Worshipconvey Tozer’s attitude and thoughts on Christian worship.
