bits from bob....

A Sense of Mission Parallel to God's Mission

by Robert J. Young
Main and Oklahoma Church, McAlester, Oklahoma
July 14, 2002
©, 2002, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]
"This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed...whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, thought he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain...." (Mark 4:26-28)

In this series of eight articles, we are discussing church growth. Last week's article introduced seven essential ingredients for "automatic" church growth. This and subsequent articles will summarize the quality characteristics.

The quality, growing church understands its identity and its purpose. This identity and purpose is in fact God-given. Who are we? What are we about? Why has God placed us here at this specific time? If we were no longer in this community and in this world tomorrow, who would miss us? What has God uniquely empowered us to do?

Although such questions are not easily answered, the answers are essential. What tasks of the church need more emphasis? What might we be overemphasizing? Of the following list, what are the most important tasks of the church--worship, educational programs, deeper personal and spiritual relationship with God, evangelism and missions, caring ministry, assisting the needy, counseling regarding problems, fellowship, involvement according to spiritual gifts?

Does every member agree on the answers? Do you know what the church leaders think? Do they know what you think? The evidence from church growth studies indicates that seldom do churches grow until they know the answers to these questions of mission and purpose. Let's begin to talk about these items.


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Last updated July 17, 2002.