01/07/19 PLANNING FOR THE LONG HAUL

01/07/19 PLANNING FOR THE LONG HAUL

THIS WAS GOOD FOR OUR PEOPLE. It might not interest you, but then again, it may in the near future.

On Sunday, we discussed the possible future of our church. (Let's face it, anything can happen to anyone at any time.) And the fact is, there are other good churches that are having to think about the same thing. SADLY, there are not that many men coming along who have the commitment, the discipline, the spiritual or Biblical background to fill the many needy pulpits and the prospects for the future are not good at all.

We all know how important it is to be part of a Biblically sound and spiritually alive church, especially as the the darkness in this world thickens, and more especially as new believers and young people are in the church.

We know that my health is sometimes precarious, though I hope to make it AT LEAST another decade, if Jesus tarries.

I have led men into the ministry, trained them for ministry and let them work with me in ministry. Sadly, I don't see any of that helping our church in the future.

I believe that the best resources for any church should be within their own ranks. We may have that in our church, but that remains to be seen. We have had it in the distant past, but that has been out of play for a long time (sad).

When the subject came up, our eleven year old grandson, who has claimed to have a call to the ministry for most of his life (and I believe it is probably real) spoke up to say he would hope to be able to be pastor when I am not able be pastor. (yes, I know things, views, circumstances and people can change, but I am just telling you about our discussion).

I pointed out that the future is unknown and that it may be that God will raise him up to carry the torch. But even if I minister it to the age of 80, that only allows a little over 8 years. WOW. I pointed out that it would require great commitment, study, growth in grace and knowledge in order for him to pastor a church.

I also pointed out that our church could possibly raise up its own pastor, but in the years ahead it could build up its own foundational ministry team, from the present day adults to the young people (yes, other grandchildren) in our little congregation.

I said that God can raise up a Philadelphian Church, even in the Laodicean Age, but the likelihood is that most American churches in the future may be very small and find themselves under great pressure and even persecution. (Of course that might not be the case, I know that).

Let me say here, what I did not have the opportunity to say Sunday. If the adults in this church and the young people that are already here, will focus on being and becoming all that God wants them to be, they will not only be have a great church in the future, they will far exceed whatever we have been in the past. They will all need each other more than ever, and they will be better equipped to reach the lost and lead them in spiritual growth.

The Church is built on Jesus, not any man. But the Church and the local church is made up of men and women, boys and girls who are fully following Jesus. Churches can get new leadership, but they cannot lose their light, their lamp-stand, and still be a church. The Church (universal) and the church (locally) is the Pillar and Support of the Truth. When there is no church, then it is essential that the displace believers must continue to follow Christ. This has been true throughout Church history and it is true today, throughout the world.

God help our little church do be and do your will. Help us to build believers in the faith. Help us to reach the lost.