The Preaching & Ministry Journal, Vol. 2, Number 2, Healthy Churches

Church Health

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e have been passionate about church growth all of our lives. It would be easy to assure that this grew out of our dad’s passion for the church to grow - and no doubt that had a powerful affect on our own ministries. Every church dad preached for grew. We’ve both been blessed to work throughout our ministries in congregations that grew and we have done all we could within the boundaries of Scripture to encourage that. But do not be mislead, that was not born out of a love for numbers, but for souls. Biblical church growth comes about only when “the Lord adds” a soul to His Kingdom.

But there are things that congregations can do to promote an environment that helps to attract and that nurtures appropriate outreach to bring those souls in.

While we have often spoken of church growth, what we are really talking about is church health.

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The good news is that we are seeing more and more healthy churches out there. These seem to be good days for the Lord’s People. Whether it is simply a renewed excitement brought about after a prolonged period of in ghting and lethargy, or it’s a proactive approach coming out of the recent pandemic which caused many

to revalue the church in their hearts, the fact that as our culture becomes darker God’s Light becomes more powerful, or just a new generation who seem to focus more on the main things. Yet, we know that the church can’t be numbered and most anything we talk about it observational and if the congregation you are a part of is not growing, all the success stories in the world make it hard to be optimistic about the future.

So in this edition of The Journal we invited ten ministers who have all worked with growing/healthy congregations to share some speci cs of work they believe have been fruitful in helping the congregation they are with to grow. And, most will share a brief followup focus on how the area they have written about has been executed where they are. We believe this will be a useful tool. Please share the articles with others.

We thank each of our contributing writers.

We are thankful for your interest in the growth of the church, but remember God is more interested and invested in the growth of your congregation than you are! Blessings to you and the congregation where you are as you grow to and for God!

In His Service, Jeff & Dale

The Power of The Pulpit That Preaches the Bible

By Chuck Monan, Little Rock, Arkansas pigskinpreacher63@gmail.com

A friend in Little Rock attends one of the largest United Methodist churches in the country.

Knowing that this denomination has been rocked by disagreements over what they would do with LGBTQ issues and the pressure to capitulate, I asked him where his congregation was on al this. "Oh, it's not a problem at all at our church," he explained. "Our minister told us that God loves everyone, so it isn't an issue."

When people presume to know what's better for us than the Creator who made us, we have become idolaters. The apostle Paul's description of the ancient Gentile world rings true of many today: “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21).

The destination of such a journey has been well-documented by When people presume to the example of know what's better for countless churches whose disinterest in the us than the Creator gospel of Christ has who made us, we have been replaced by the become idolaters. social gospel of wokeness. Whenever pulpits stop It is not a mystery how proclaiming the Bible it some churches have is inevitable that changed from standing something will rush in for biblical doctrine to embracing unbiblical and ll the vacuum. Pop psychology, bland heresy. Their pulpits have drifted away from the moralisms, or political posturing are but a few of clear commandments of God. the ditches preachers fall into when they leave the narrow road of truth. In his farewell to the fi

Words fail me. But not the Lord, whose commentary on biblical ignorance in Hosea's day was "My people are destroyed by lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).

Ephesian elders Paul declared, "I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:26-27).

element of pious legend here, there is little doubt that Scott, Alexander Campbell, and scores of other men and women knew much of the New Testament verbatim.

According to Paul, preachers who fail to deliver the whole counsel of God have blood on their hands. Any who substitute anything for the Bible in their preaching imperil their hearers, and rob them of the abundant life Jesus offers (John 10:10).

I've known plenty of preachers who've gone to be with the Lord who come readily to mind as examples. Recently I preached the funeral of a dear Christian brother whose journey stretched across 95 years. He preached for seven decades.

Asking him about his study habits, he acknowledged reading through the Bible over and over. How many times? "I tried to read it through three times a year."

A common temptation in preaching is to simply tell people what they want to hear. Paul's warning to Timothy is "Preach the word...For the time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Timothy 4:2-4). To gain popularity, ingratiate yourself with powerful allies, reap a nancial windfall, or draw away disciples after yourself are but a few of the reasons preachers bail on the Bible.

But my brother...what can you give in exchange for your soul? (Mark 8:36). One of the insidious ways in which this biblical drift occurs is denigrating the church and preachers of the past.

Whenever you hear these critics mock, ridicule, and trash the church they frequently cite the simplistic, unsophisticated approach to Scripture of these brethren.

Having built a straw man and then proceeding to attack it, they feel justi ed in supporting all kinds of changes that their unique, keen insights have led them to share with the brethren.

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Sadly, they are as historically mistaken as they are biblically mistaken. Restoration giant Walter Scott believed that no one was quali ed for the of ce of deacon who had not memorized the entire New Testament. Even if there is an

Are we really going to assail the study habits of those who have gone before us when so many of them built their lives on the unassailable word of God? In these days when Supreme Court nominees are afraid to answer What is a woman? we shouldn't overestimate the familiarity of the masses with the Bible. Neither should we yield an inch in our proclamation of the Bible.

Marshall Keeble said that preaching the word in season and out of season meant "when they want to hear it and when they don’t.” Exactly.

Our responsibility is clear, brothers. Preach the Word.

A Healthy Church Provides Opportunities for Members to Reach out to Others Keith Harris, Lewisville, TX keith@lewisvillecofc.org

For centuries, healthy churches have played a critical role in communities by providing spiritual guidance, support, and a sense of belonging. The challenge that we all face is to understand the full scope of in uence we have on the people around us. Collectively, as a church, we impact the community in either a positive or negative way. The question that every congregation must ask itself is, “As a church, how are we impacting our community?”

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I suppose that most people would agree that, as followers of Jesus, we are called to bring glory to God and help others come to know Christ. This is the “missional mindset” to which Paul alludes in 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”(ESV). Very simply put, Paul says, “Give fl

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glory to God in all things. Avoid being offensive to others and to God. Seek the advantage of others rather than your own. Why? So that they may be saved.” This missional mindset ought to be part of who we are as the people of God. But not only do healthy churches provide spiritual guidance, support, and a sense of belonging to the community in which they reside, they also offer valuable opportunities for their members to reach out to others. Those opportunities may include community service and outreach programs, small group activities, mission trips, or local evangelism efforts. Many churches organize programs to help feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, and care for the sick. Bible studies, prayer groups, support groups for people struggling with cancer, addiction, or mental health issues are a great way to impact the local community in a positive way. Some churches offer classes and training on how to share one’s faith with others and invite them along on our journey of faith and spiritual growth. There are countless possibilities for engaging the broader membership in reaching out to others.

However, it is important that we acknowledge the reality – it is easy for us as individuals to become comfortable, complacent even, with the status quo. As leaders within the church, it is easy and tempting for us to be so satis ed with the current ministries of the church that we fail to seek out new opportunities to engage others.

As individuals, we get so involved in our various friend groups at church that we begin to focus inwardly. We feel quite comfortable in our holy huddle, and if we are not careful, we may miss those opportunities that we have to connect with those outside of our circle. We contribute nancially and may feel like we are doing enough. But healthy churches, healthy leaderships, challenge and motivate members to understand the importance of participating in the mission to which we are all called.

Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision International and Samaritan’s Purse, once said, “My single greatest concern is the growing inertia I see, inertia born out of our luxury and materialism. People are

fooling themselves when they say the job is done…The vast body of people in the world today have never been given enough information to know if they accept or reject Jesus…Most people think what the gospel needs is more clever, skilled people, when what it needs is more people who are willing to bleed, suffer, and die in a passion to see people come to Christ.” Healthy churches,

healthy leaderships, remind their members of the urgency of reaching out to those outside of Christ. But they don’t stop there. They provide meaningful opportunities for their members to reach out to others. This is accomplished not merely through words, but through actions, modeling a deep desire to serve others and a passion to see the lost brought to salvation in Jesus.

As a church, we cannot lose sight of the ministry to which all Christ-followers are called. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in Letters and Papers from Prison, wrote, “The Church is the Church only when it exists for others...not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for

others.” In Scripture, we see that the Church is public; the Church is active; and the Church is missional. Because of that reality, with respect to engaging in the ministries of the local congregation and in seeking to reach out to others, I would say to all church leaders that we need to encourage all members to be present and do something for someone else. We must all take responsibility for ourselves, making sure we are living in such a way that glori es and honors God and bene ts the whole congregation and the community around us.

Healthy churches, healthy leaderships, provide a supportive and encouraging environment for members to make a positive impact on the world around them. By getting involved in the various ministries and outreach opportunities provided by the church, members can develop a deeper sense of connection and purpose, as well as continued growth in their spiritual journey as they seek to serve others. My prayer is that we will all understand the importance of reaching out to others.

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LIVING IT OUT! “Be the Good” At the Lewisville church, we are blessed with a great number of people that are eager to engage in the ministries of the church. This is due in large part to the wonderful leadership throughout Lewisville’s history. There are many ways through which our members are encouraged to reach out and share God’s love with others.

As a straight-forward way to emphasize our call to be set apart, we have the ongoing theme of “Be the Good.”

This is an easy reminder that the way we live our lives can either draw others closer to God or push them farther away from Him. All our outreach opportunities ow through this lens. We have encouraged our members to connect with the community through providing a drive-thru breakfast to our local police department, delivering appreciation baskets to local schoolteachers, and giving away bottled waters and Bibles at a local park, among other outreach opportunities.

One of the most well-received outreach opportunities has been our monthly Service Sundays. We have focused service opportunities for both adults as well as our Lewisville Kids. These service nights are a great way to grow our relationships with one another while engaging in a meaningful outreach opportunity. The focus of these projects is always outreach to those outside of our Lewisville family. Many of these service opportunities involve making items or bagging speci c items that will be delivered to people within the community. Our members take them and deliver them to neighbors, rst responders, co-workers, etc. This provides them with a great way of making a connection to someone outside our walls. One regular project is our “Smile Bags.” These bags include notes written and colored by our Lewisville Kids, treats, notepads, a smiley stress ball, a card with information about our Lewisville family, and a mylar smiley balloon. Our members take these smile bags to someone outside our church family that they know needs encouragement. Again, the intent is a focus on reaching out to others.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us. In Titus 2:10, Paul urges Titus to teach the people of God to show “...all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” The word that is translated here as “adorn” means to adorn, garnish, or trim, to ornament, or to embellish with honor. Essentially, it means to make something attractive. So, through our conduct and character, through the way we live and interact with others, we are to make the Gospel attractive to those outside of Christ. In our example, in our deeds, and in all we say, we must live in such a way that displays God’s love and the hope that is found in Christ, our Savior. We must let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us. We must strive to “Be the Good.”

A HEALTHY CHURCH UNDERSTANDS THE NEED TO USE MEDIA & OTHER SOURCES

Chris McCurley, Dickson, TN ckmccurley3@gmail.com

Picture this scenario: Jesus makes His way through the busy marketplace. All the sudden, He reaches under His robe and pulls out His iPhone 14 Pro Max and snaps a picture of all the people. #theharvestisplentiful. Then Jesus signs on to His Twitter account and posts where He will be speaking next. A Pharisee leaves a comment— “Heretic.” Jesus replies, “Come and see.” As numerous people gather on the hillside to hear Jesus speak, Peter shows some of them a video he took on his phone of Jesus driving out a demon. Andrew says, “Dude, you’ve got to put that on YouTube. It’ll go viral.” Have you ever considered how Jesus would respond to social media or technology in general?

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Jesus valued going to places where large numbers of people were gathered. In our day and age, there is no larger gathering of people from all walks of life than social media. It’s the modern-day marketplace. People of all different races, backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures nd a connection on social media and through technology. Lives are shared, relationships are fostered, news is broken, and, unfortunately, worldliness and immorality run amuck. Because of this, some Christians would say that we have no business being on social media and that we

need to avoid the internet altogether. I totally disagree. While you can choose that course of action if you prefer, I feel strongly that the church needs to be a presence where so many people are gathered.

The question becomes, how? How can the Lord’s church effectively reach folks through technology. Here are a few thoughts.

• BE RELEVANT. Let’s be honest. The church has a history of holding onto, perhaps even worshipping, the past. Some of the old things we cling to are good things; however, some of them are outdated and no longer effective. For example, the church website isn’t up to date, the church’s Facebook page isn’t current, the graphics on our materials are from the 50’s. We need a fresh coat of paint and, in some cases, a complete overhaul. We don’t connect today like we did 40 years ago. In fact, things are constantly changing; therefore, we can’t remain stationary or stuck in the past. The rst church was a movement and, sadly, today’s church is often a monument. Being relevant means nding new ways to connect and using the tools available to connect. Relevance requires renewal, rethinking, and reworking.

• BE INTERESTING. I feel like I fail at this one on a regular basis, but my goal is to approach topics that people want to tune into and hear a discussion on. Like transgenderism or abortion or other hot button topics that are polemic. Of course, there are tamer topics that can still be interesting. One of my favorites has been my discussion with Mike Rogers on singing. Not a controversial topic, but one that was interesting, nonetheless. Interesting virtually always equates with relevance. Topics like suffering, for example, will always draw a crowd because everyone seems to deal with it. Interesting is also largely based on who the guest is. Some people are just not that interesting to listen to, even if the topic is worthwhile. So, it’s important to have guests that people want to listen to. What’s the topic and who’s doing the talking? Those are the pertinent questions related to being interesting.

• BE CONVICTED. While our methods can and should change, the message does not. The goal of any message, whether it be a sermon, a blog post, or a tweet should always be to share the truth of God’s word. At the end of the day, the audience needs to know where we stand. You’ve got to land the plane, and the plane must land on the runway of scripture.

• BE COMPASSIONATE. Conviction must be married to compassion. What’s the rst rule of being an effective disciple? Don’t be a jerk! If winning souls to Christ is our primary concern, then sharing the truth in love will be our primary method. Care more about winning souls than arguments.

It's not easy connecting to an audience that’s not in the room. In fact, it’s not always easy connecting to an audience that is in the room.

But talking to a camera or pounding out a message on a keyboard is way different than talking to a group of people in the same room as you. With that in mind, here are a few more practical suggestions.

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• Engagement is key.

• Be personable. For example, if you use Facebook Live or streaming your services on YouTube, acknowledge those that are tuning in.

• Invite feedback. Ask for comments or questions.

• Don’t be stiff. Create a casual atmosphere. Be a regular person that people can relate to.

• If you’re churning out regular content, be consistent. Pick a day and time and stick to it.

Like an appointment, they can count on you to be there for them. For instance, if you’re posting your sermons online, have them up by a certain day and time each week. If you’re posting devotional videos, have a designated day and time each week to air them.

It is my belief that the church should view Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., as platforms.

Platforms to glorify God, to display the character of Jesus, and to promote the gospel. As children of the King we need to redeem the screen!

Living It Out!

HOW THIS WORKS AT WALNUT STREET

At the Walnut Street Church of Christ where I serve, our approach to social media and technology is three-pronged and involves reaching in, reaching out, and reaching up. We want to reach those within our church family and bring them closer to God and closer to one another. We want to reach those outside of our church family through content that presents God, Jesus, the gospel, and the church in a way that piques one’s interest and, hopefully, opens the door to further interaction.

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How do we do this? At Walnut Street, we want our online presence to re ect a church that is warm, loving, and inviting.

Our branding and imaging seek to be modern and relevant. We utilize video and pictures to display smiles, handshakes, and hugs. We want our content to promote family and glorify God. Whether we’re talking about the website, the bulletin, Instagram, Facebook, etc., our goal is for viewers to see joyful people who love the Lord and each other. Oftentimes, the rst impression someone has of your congregation is what they glean from your church’s website. Therefore, we make certain that our website is clean, up to date, easy to navigate, and accurately portrays who and what we are about. All other content is meant to highlight our mission—MAKE AND GROW DISCIPLES.

God. God, the Father. God, the Son. God, the Spirit. God. What is left? Everyone and everything. A level of emphasis has been established.

"A Healthy Church Emphasizes Worship"

Everyone is important. Each of us has value, value such that God Himself determined us worth the life and even godship of God the Son. Yet we are still the created, and He is still God! God is still the emphasis of our lives!

There are various important and exciting and needed programs and activities that receive different levels of emphasis such as bible school, mission programs, youth events, and pantries. In your personal life, where do you rank your emphasis on the worship of God? When considering your church family, in what place would you attribute the worship of our God in the hierarchy of emphasis?

The goal of this article is to encourage the reader to consider honestly the level of emphasis their home congregation of God's Family places on the worship of our awesome and wonderful God. It is also hoped that via this consideration, the reader will consider their personal emphasis on worshiping God.

Larry Arnold, Worship Minister, larrytnusa@gmail.com Spring Meadows Church of Christ Director Diana Singing

The mentioning of programs and activities of various congregations is not to denigrate in any way or amount said activities. While agreeing with the activities and the needed

emphasis on them, it is desired to use their examples as comparisons to the amount of emphasis and energy assigned to the worship of God. Again, a sincere and honest approach is needed to answer this speci c question: In relation to such other great programs and activities of your congregation, where is His worship? Does it obviously receive the greatest emphasis, shown by word and deed of the congregation and her leaders? Or does it seem that one or some of those needed programs receive more attention than worship? If we played Word Association and your congregation's name was mentioned, would you name the worship service rst? Or maybe the youth group instead? What say you?

hire, and leave every other in uence on worship to remain as-is or to chance. A minister with a true heart of worship will also desire more from an eldership, not wanting to carry the burden of the service solely on his back. Consider the following non-exhaustive list of in uences on worship addressed by some elderships:

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• Deciding the best time for 'come-together' worship, based on congregational demographics; • Separating announcements from the welcome.

Make the welcome energetic and warm but brief, giving way to worship quickly; • Reduction in quantity and length of verbal announcements from the pulpit, instead, using Facebook and email and general technology, Who of the church determines the priorities by and moving most announcements to the end of which she serves? Her Elders. Her Shepherds. service; Tellingly, if worship is the unquestionable • Temperature and lighting of the auditorium; priority of an individual elder's life, he will make • Seeking and hiring a good song leader, as he worship a priority in his service as an elder. generally sets the tone of worship. Placing on Better, if worship is this role an expectation of unanimously agreed by …if worship is unanimously agreed by themed services and word and action by an word and action by an eldership as that obvious worship planning; eldership as that which which receives the greatest emphasis of • Having an expectation receives the greatest that church, they will invest in it as best of all leading in worship to emphasis of that church, they can to the end of having 'come- have sincerely prepared they will invest in it as best together' times of worship that provide the for their assigned role, not they can to the end of church the best atmosphere for worship 'off the cuff' comments/ having 'come-together' and edification possible. Their zeal does prayers; times of worship that • Service planning with not wane. They will not settle. provide the church the the intent of removing best atmosphere for 'dead air' between roles on worship and edi cation possible. Their zeal does stage; not wane. They will not settle.

• Moving away from 'rutted' services, instead changing the order of worship from week to An eldership intent on emphasizing worship will week, helping people stay attentive; convey the importance of worship to the • Always looking for ways to eliminate congregation. Their personal involvement in distractions to worship; worship, both from the pulpit and from their • Separating the roles of presiding the Lord's audience seat, will be seen by the congregation, Supper and the Collection; living the words they teach and emphasize.

• Allowing more time for worship, and not letting the service be limited by a clock.

How might an eldership and congregation invest in their 'come-together' worship? The rst These ideas and more have proven themselves to thought of many people is nding the 'right' various congregations as ways that worship has preacher. While this is certainly very important, been more focused and meaningful. Such too many elderships end their investment and congregations have found that with greater in uence on worship at that point, after that emphasis on worship, with an improved

atmosphere that allows those attending to worship our wonderful God, with a better ability to encourage each other, those still very important and needed programs and activities will also ourish and grow.

eminent. He is the Author and Finisher. He is our only hope. He is the ultimate champion. He is our Savior. He is God! No one else is worthy of our worship, and no program or activity is as important as our love and worship of our Father.

Above all else, a healthy church will make her greatest emphasis her worship of Almighty God.

Everyone and everything, no matter how valuable and important, is still subservient to HIM and the worship of HIM. God is rst. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is Creator. He is pre-

- Larry Arnold, for the Shepherds and Ministry Team Spring Meadows Church of Christ

Living It Out! How Does Spring Meadows Strive for this Emphasis?

Around 2010, the Elders of Spring Meadows Church of Christ unanimously determined that the worship of the congregation was to receive more emphasis than any other program, activity or event. Loving (worshiping) God is our number one goal; loving our neighbors follows (Matthew 22: 37-39).

Making such a determination is easy. Putting such a decision into practice is a never-ending work, as there will always be challenges from programs and people with other ideas. In fact, some in the congregation may choose to leave as a result of the elder’s decisions related to this decision.

The following is a list of some of the decisions made and actions that were taken to help greater emphasize our worship of God above all else: • Sought out and hired a worship minister tasked with planning biblical, worshipful, encouraging, meaningful, well-planned times of ‘come-together’ worship: o Works with the preaching minister as a team; o Selects songs based on a theme for each service; o Changes the order of worship weekly, avoiding ruts, to help keep the focus on worship; o Reduces the ‘dead air’ time between those leading in worship, as it can be a distraction to worship; o Utilizes men who sincerely and seriously prepare for their various roles in the service; o Separates and emphasizes the Lord’s Supper and the Collection individually by having a different man preside each one each Sunday; • Broke from the traditional Sunday schedule to both emphasize worship and Bible study by moving Bible study to the evening gathering time. This released the time constraints on the Sunday morning gathering time so that there is no in uence to rush through worship; • Invested more into the audio system; • Invested in larger and more video screens as attendance increased.

As a result of this emphasis on worship and the actions taken to that end, Spring Meadows is blessed with a wonderful atmosphere for the love and worship of our marvelous God and the encouragement of those attending. Our Sunday morning ‘come-together’ worship is usually 80-100 minutes. In the nine+ years of this emphasis, only one complaint has been received… that one particular service was not long enough. Members are frequently inviting guests. Guests are inviting guests. Several families are traveling 30-45 minutes to be a part of this congregation. The Spring Meadows Family is demonstrably stronger and closer to each other than in 2010. The improved spirit of the members/congregation bubbles over into other programs and activities, helping strengthen each of them. Bible study attendance, as a number and as a percentage of Sunday morning attendance, is higher. Sunday morning attendance is now double what it was.

Chuck Morris, minister of Spring Meadows as of June 2022, made this statement: “One of the greatest blessings in the life of a Christian should be our time of worship together. Through the years, my life has been blessed by the gift of worship, but this last year at Spring Meadows, I have grown in my appreciation for worship tremendously.”

All this said, Spring Meadows has been and is very blessed by this uni ed emphasis on worship. The effort continues, ever aware that detractors or even personnel changes can bring distraction from this focus.

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- The Shepherds and Ministry Team, Spring Meadows Church of Christ

by Ferman Carpentar, Round Rock, TX fermancarpenter@wscoc.org

A HEALTHY CHURCH SHARES THE GOSPEL THROUGH INDIVIDUAL BIBLE STUDIES In Mark 16:15 Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” and they did. Before the end of the rst century Paul said, the Gospel was “preached to every creature under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). How did they do that? What caused the rst century Christians to take the Gospel all over the world is the same thing that can cause the Lord’s church in the 21ST Century to take the Good News all over the world.

Evangelism is the answer. While preaching the truth in love is essential, and youth ministry, single and couples’ classes, and visitation programs are all good, nothing can take the place of evangelism—Nothing. Only obeying Christ command to “Go…” can restore faithful worship; give every program of the Lord’s church purpose; and help the Body stay healthy and alive.

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Though most Christians believe Evangelism is important, many have a hard time making it part of their life. When the Great Commission is not followed in the Lord’s church, it becomes dif cult to motivate ourselves and others to be involved in saving souls, restoring the fallen, and building up the body. Resulting in the Lord’s church becoming unhealthy and dying.

To bring us back to the growth and focus of the Lord’s church in 1ST Century, we must look to God’s Word. The scriptures are clear that every member of the Lord’s church should be involved in evangelism. Every Christian should be a vital part of individual Bible Studies to help strengthen the Body and help the lost surrender their life to Jesus and put Him on in Baptism.

There are three major roles in the Bible-Model of evangelism, and every Christian should be involved in at least one of these roles.

A. 1ST THE INVITERS Inviters are evangelist and they are vital in helping the lost to trust and obey God. In fact, the invitation is where conversion starts. An “inviter” is not necessarily someone who conducts a Bible study, but an “inviter” is someone who invites their friends to worship.

Many Christians admit that they would not have obeyed the Gospel had it not been for their friend who invited them to church. The Bible gives us examples of those who invite. Andrew went and found his brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus (John 1:41-42). In Acts 10, Cornelius invited his relatives and close friends (Acts 10:24).

When we invite our friends, to help prevent any anxiety they may have in accepting our invitation, let them know that they will not ever be made to feel uncomfortable, that we are simply non-Denominational, using only the

Bible as our only guide, and trying to be like the church that Jesus established.

Here are a few suggestions to help the “inviter” be successful when inviting their friends to worship: 1) Bring them or tell them when and where to meet you. (don’t be late) 2) Stay with your friend, introduce them to your friends, preacher, and elders.

3) Call others the night before and tell them you are bringing a friend.

4) Let them know what to expect in worship and sit with them.

5) Take them to class, let the teacher know you brought a friend.

6) Tell them about upcoming events.

The number one reason most people become Christians is because their friend invited them to worship. The inviter is an evangelist who plays a major role in helping the Lord’s church grow and stay healthy.

B. 2ND THE TEACHERS To help the Lord’s church to stay healthy and ful ll the Great Commission, there must be teachers.

An Evangelist or Teacher understands that God: 1) Has given us instructions to: “Go…and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20).

2) Is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).

3) Wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).

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Teachers should try to make the prospect their friend before asking them to study. Being a friend cuts through so many barriers - friends listen to friends. As part of the process, encourage the candidate to attend at least one worship service before each Bible study. By attending worship, they get to hear a message from God’s Word and experience what they are being taught; they get connected with other Christians; they get in the habit of coming; etc.

By coming to worship every week the candidate gets to witness rsthand that the Bible is our only guide. Sometimes they will get their questions answered and are ready to obey the

Gospel before the Bible study is nished. That is wonderful, the study can continue after they become Christians.

Teachers should have an organized plan of study to share with their prospect. A word of advice: do not start off trying to baptize them or arguing about worship. In His great commission, Jesus said rst for us to “ Go…make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). When someone becomes a disciple of Jesus, they will gladly do what Jesus says, whether it is how to become a Christian, or how to worship, or how to live, because disciples love the Savior and want to do His will.

There are lots of organized Bible studies that can be use. Ask your preacher or one of your elders, what Bible study method do they use, and nd out from them the most effective way to use that study.

C. 3RD ENCOURAGERS Like Inviters and Teachers, Encouragers are also evangelists, and they play a huge part in helping the Lord’s church stay healthy and visitors feel welcome. Whether it is before someone becomes a Christian or after, encouragers are vital. Before one becomes a Christian, encouragers offer friendliness, kind words, a

Encouragers continue to show their love and support by a deeper genuine friendship.

warm welcome, and friendship. After someone becomes a Christian, encouragers become the fertile soil by which the new Christians continue to grow. Encouragers continue to show their love and support by a deeper genuine friendship. An Encourager may take the prospective Christian or new Christian out to eat, or have them in their home, or check with them when they are not at

worship, knowing that it can be easy to fall away.

An encourager may not be good at Inviting or Teaching, but they are essential in helping build up the Lord’s church to stay healthy and promoting an atmosphere of friendliness, care, and love.

Next to one of our own family members becoming a Christian, there is no greater joy than to have a part in helping someone in becoming a Christian. To know that you helped someone change their life for eternity is the greatest joy in the world. And those you helped, will never forget you.

So, to help the Lord’s church grow and stay healthy, every Christian should be part of Individual Bible Studies. We can all have an essential part in helping someone become a Christian by being active in inviting the lost to come, or teaching the lost, or Encouraging the lost or new Christian.

If you would like to be in the Mentoring group send us a message at TJI@TheJenkinsInstitute.com and we will seat you in the next group

Living It Out HOW TO MAKE IT WORK BEST All Christians can be involved in evangelism by inviting, teaching, and encouraging. However, many times it is hard to get the local congregation involved in making it happen, but it can be done. When the Lord’s church gets involved in evangelism, wherever it is, evangelism will change everything for the best. Our singing, our prayers, our preaching, our giving, our friendliness, will be more uplifting because we are focused on saving souls. Older Christians will be excited because people are surrendering their lives to Christ, and the new Christians will be excited because they KNOW what they came out of, and they are excited that they are now part of the Lord’s church.

The most effective way for the Lord’s church to get involved in evangelism, is for the leadership to lead the way. Elders are shepherds and sheep follow shepherds, not the other way around. When shepherds do not lead, the sheep will go in circles or not go anywhere, and the body will become anemic and die. When evangelism is not our focus, our songs, our sermons, our prayers, our giving, our friendliness loses its joy and passion, and our concern for the lost disappears.

The best way to get started is for all the elders and preachers spend an uninterrupted day together and discuss goals for evangelism. Plan and discuss how the Lord’s church can become evangelistic in every work, and how to abandon any “work” that is not focused on saving souls. When the plans are prepared and written down, have a special Sunday morning where the preacher brings a sermon on evangelism, and afterwards the shepherds address the congregation and explain the direction the church has been going, repent, then explain the new focus to seek and save the lost, and the plans for making it happen. From that time forward every sermon, every class, every work of the church should be focused on making and growing Christians, and every Sunday at the end of worship, the elders should thank everyone for coming and invite anyone who is interested in learning more about becoming a Christian, to meet them after services. The elders should let the church know that they want to meet their friends, especially if they are not Christians. While the elders may not teach every Bible study, they should expect the minister(s) to teach them and teach others how to conduct Bible studies.

This process works and it does not require an Evangelism Seminar or spending a lot of money. It only requires a leaderships willingness and desire, for the Lord’s church to be healthy and lead others to share the Gospel through individual Bible studies.

A Healthy Church is a Loving Church

by Cory Collins, Keller, TX coryhcollins@gmail.com

“Oh, so you must be members of the patient’s family, right?” the doctor on duty in the emergency room asked. It was a Sunday evening in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. After worship that night a sister in Christ had fainted and had fallen on the front steps of the church building. Nurses and medical technicians from the congregation immediately rushed to her side to offer professional aid.

Some Christians stood nearby and prayed silently. Others went to the woman’s home to notify and comfort her elderly parents who could not get out at night. A crowd followed the ambulance to the county medical center, where they waited for news. In the days ahead, Christians made visits, prepared meals, sat with her parents, and assisted in countless other ways.

That doctor’s “family” assumption was biologically wrong yet genuinely right. Those who follow Jesus have the same Father and the same birth; the same blood gives us life.

Members of a loving church family, like those in a loving physical family, stick together in a crisis and stay on the scene, no matter what cost may be required.

How can we nurture love in the local church and improve its health? Let’s consider ten speci c principles noted by James, the Lord’s brother, in his inspired letter.

In a loving church …

James 1:19-20 – Members listen to one another eagerly and control their temper patiently. They attend to each other thoughtfully and give advice sparingly. With their nodding heads, attentive eyes, warm smiles, and physical affection, they say: “I cannot wait to hear whatever it is that you want to tell me, and I will not interrupt you or become defensive or angry.”

James 1:27 – Members rally behind their weakest members. They treat each widow as if she were their own mother who had lost her husband, and each fatherless child as if that child were their own brother’s offspring (1 Timothy 5:1-8). They measure “pure and unde led” religion in this way. They become involved at the hospital, the funeral home, and the children’s home. How could they neglect their own family members?

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James 2:1-10 – Members offer unconditional love and welcome new additions. In an open

atmosphere, they do not keep score based on externals such as ethnicity or economic, educational, or social status. All seats are equal at the table, and all are welcome. Nobody ghts for the head seat, which belongs to Christ alone.

Rather than send the “unworthy” to the back, they go to the rear themselves to promote others.

No one is screened out. The hymn, “Come Share the Lord,” highlights this attribute.

James 2:15-16 – Members supply each other’s physical needs. On the giving end, they know each other well enough to recognize areas in which help is needed, and they give generously to provide it (Acts 4:32-37). They know that they are ministering to Jesus Christ by serving the least of His brothers (Matthew 25:40). On the receiving end, they do not hide their problems or pretend to be invincible. They are not ashamed to reveal their needs and to receive assistance. After all, that is one of the primary purposes of a loving family, to share our struggles and discouragement.

James 3:1-12 – Members hold each other accountable. Out of their deep love they warn each other and check on each other. They know how hard it is, for example, not to sin with one’s tongue. It is so easy, yet so wrong, to bless God and to curse man, made in His image, with the same mouth. They ask one another, “How did you do last week with that temptation you and I discussed?” “Are you still praying for me regarding the spiritual challenge I am facing?”

“Have you been faithful to your spouse, your employer, and your Lord?”

James 3:17 – Members resolve con icts. Loving peace, they refuse to ght. They do not ignore small cracks in the foundation, because they know that such cracks can grow to destroy the entire house. As Jacob and Esau had con icts but overcame them, so it can be with Christians in the local church.

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James 3:17 – Members yield the right-of-way.

Knowing it’s wise to be considerate and submissive, they preserve relationships rather than their rights. As Abram told Lot when he gave him the rst choice of land in Genesis 13:8-9, they say: “We are brothers.” Satan cannot destroy the love of any church in which

each person adopts the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11).

James 4:11; 5:9 – Members do not smear or malign each other. While they correct each other privately and lovingly, they defend each other to the death before outsiders. They refuse to gossip or grumble. They choose words that edify and bring grace (Ephesians 4:29). They go to the root of rumors and slander, and they destroy that root. They prefer to suffer loss rather than take each other to court and dishonor those they love before the public (1 Corinthians 6:1-8).

James 5:12 – Members tell each other the truth.

From the elders or fathers to the youngest child, they exhibit absolute integrity and constantly con rm their credibility. They need not say more than “yes” or “no,” because the other family members trust them implicitly. They never lie or mislead. After all, how could one deceive his own mother or precious child? As it is in the family, so it must be in the church.

James 5:19-20 – Finally, members bring the “lost sheep” back home. They do not sit and wait for the stray to return; they go after him relentlessly.

Their happiness as a family just cannot be complete without him. They offer him, not further pain, but acceptance and forgiveness.

They nd their joy, not in repeatedly condemning the guilt he has already confessed, but in celebrating his homecoming.

Who wouldn’t want to be part of a church that practices these behaviors? When the world sees these ten qualities in our homes and congregations, these traits will serve as a powerful magnet to draw those without Christ into the best family of all, God’s family.

On the opposite side, in a weak or declining church family, it is virtually certain that one or more of these attributes are either weak or absent. Diagnose the church’s health using these as “vital signs,” correct what is detrimental, and then see the church thrive!

Strengthening Love in the Local Church Preacher Features – Preachers, be warm, personable, and conversational in your preaching.

Highlight and commend members who show a genuine interest in others. Congratulate long-term anniversaries and other accomplishments. Express concern for the sick and the bereaved. Show slides in your sermons of members serving, giving, and sharing. Include all ages. Incorporate examples you have witnessed in members’ lives. Always get their permission rst.

Before and after Bible classes and worship assemblies, talk to people. Look for those who are lonely, who are sad, who are new, and who have guests with them. Kneel to talk to children and even more so to listen to them.

Learn people’s names. Write them down on paper, placed in your Bible. Phone them when there are special events in their lives, such as a birthday or anniversary.

When you meet new people, introduce them right away to other longer-term members. This will help you remember their names and motivate others to do the same.

Enlist the “pew patrol.” Help members identify others who sit near them in Bible class and worship.

Urge them to introduce themselves, talk with each other, and follow up with those who are new or absent in their area.

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Make your funeral messages always biblical but also as personal as possible. Meet with the bereaved families and learn to retell their stories of those they

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Living It Out!

love who have passed away. Choose Scriptures that t the personal traits that you share.

People Power – In addition to the spontaneous and natural growth of love among those who rst love the Lord, the leaders can plan and promote activities and events as well, especially in areas where some mechanism is needed to help make things happen.

Train friendly greeters at the doors. Cultivate encouragement teams or visitation groups that meet monthly, build connections with each other, and reach out to newcomers, absentees, shut-ins, etc.

Highlight the various deacons and their ministries, and help members participate with them.

Faith and Fellowship – Develop each Bible class into a fellowship group. In person and by group texts and emails, nurture communication regarding the things going on in class members’ lives. Send cards as a class. Keep a prayer list. Have a plan to contact newcomers and absentees. Share meals at least monthly, in homes if possible.

Assign one or more elders to each adult class, which then becomes a shepherding group. An elder, whether he is the teacher or not, can give the welcome, share class news, and offer a shepherd’s prayer. He then, with his wife, can personally contact class members through the week, and they can also get in touch at any time.

Generation Integration – There are four generations in the local church. Plan opportunities for them to mix and serve together, rather than separating them so often. Help needy families for Thanksgiving, and let all ages bring food, pack the bags, and deliver them. Connect young and old, the single and the married, and all ethnic backgrounds, in the work of the Lord.

A HEALTHY CHURCH MINISTERS TO ITS FAMILIES

Brandon Pressnell, Madison, AL brandon@madisonchurch.org

I remember when I rst started in Youth Ministry some 28 years ago I had little-to-no real training in youth work outside of my own family’s experiences in doing local church work. My Dad was a “Do-It-All” type of minister and we were all on board plugging gaps. Though I had a Bible degree almost completed, what I really thought was important was to create a calendar of events and activities that would keep good kids involved in great things . . .all the time! You know, make a parent’s life easy. Make the family stronger by keeping kids rocking along with activity that would stimulate their personal spiritual growth. Being active in these things would “just bring it about,” and the parents would thank me! Seemed “Devil-Proof” to me.

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Then, it happened.

A mother came to me one Wednesday evening asking for some time. We immediately went to my of ce because I could tell she was on the brink of an “ugly cry.” She began telling me that she didn’t know her son anymore, that he was always gone, always distant, and was not talking to them at all. She was hurt but as far as I could tell, her son was a leader in our youth ministry, with me every day, praying, learning to lead. I said, “That’s weird. I see him every day!” Light bulb. Don’t miss this point. IN MY QUEST TO FILL STUDENTS’ HEARTS WITH GOD’S WORD, KEEP GOOD KIDS BUSY DOING GREAT THINGS, IT HIT ME THAT WHAT I HAD EFFECTIVELY DONE WAS REMOVE THAT CHILD FROM THE INFLUENCE OF HIS PARENTS, THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN CHARGE OF HIS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION. I needed to repent . . .and I did, right there, in tears, with this young man’s mother.

I began immediately to contemplate ways to alter the ministry. What can I do to perpetuate the good without sacri cing relationships at home? What can I do to return the teens to their families and be a reinforcement to them, not the other way around? What are the best ways to strengthen the families of our church? These questions helped open my eyes. From that point forward, my aim was to build them up through ministry to their families.

In my view, it is no wonder that often our children struggle with their faith as they grow older and move away. Perhaps we have unintentionally undermined the family by promising spiritual results in youth ministry outside of their in uence. Our intentions were good – provide in uential spiritual leadership for students at a time in life when they begin listening to others more than their parents.

Our execution of this, however, has caused parents to relax, disengage spiritually, and to trust young adults who have not typically raised a child or had a teenager in their home. Families got left out but were okay with it. Don’t get me wrong, young people need healthy spiritual relationships with adults outside of mom and dad but there should never be a time where those in uences become primary and parents become secondary. Healthy churches minister to families by spiritual reinforcement.

How do we do this? I believe the rst step in ministering to families is to adopt a family life cycle mentality. This mentality compels us to address all the stages of life from young couples to empty nesters, from families with infants to those who are caring for aging parents. In identifying the various stages of family life, we can begin addressing the unique challenges that face our church family in each stage of life and design programs to help them navigate every new experience.

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Healthy churches minister to families by providing good marriage enrichment. This kind of support can be offered in multiple ways.

Consider how helpful a quarter of lessons on the

husband/wife relationship could instruct new couples while at the same time refresh seasoned couples. Churches can impact couples by providing marriage resources to newlyweds for their enrichment as they begin their new relationship. Marriage Retreats that are out of town, without the presence of children, utilizing marriage experts to present biblical and practical guidance can also strengthen both new and experienced marriages. Perhaps the church could seek out experienced couples to mentor younger couples, discuss challenges, offer support, and provide godly advice for their future.

Healthy churches also minister to families by providing practical and biblical parenting support. Not unlike our attempts to strengthen marriages, the church should empower families with Bible studies that address the various dynamics of parenting – discipline models, instilling a strong foundation of faith, a healthy view of sexuality and boundaries. The church can host parenting seminars, provide family devotional guides, and offer programs that support children of special needs.

Healthy churches can strengthen the security of the home by providing good nancial counseling. Strong churches help provide guidance in how to lead our children to Christ through dinner table conversations, when we are at the park, in our bedtime routines, and when we greet each morning. Deuteronomy 6 should have a clear application to a parent’s purpose and the church should help nurture this development.

Healthy churches help us honor our fathers and mothers with resources and programs that inform and support those who are elderly.

Consider what a blessing a church would be to a family by providing good educational resources regarding elder care and end of life preparations.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are becoming more and more a part of every family’s experience.

There are many ways to address this but perhaps making an elder care specialist available to families to discuss how to introduce the conversations with our aging parents, the various

Healthy churches are alert to the struggle of its members when it comes to grief and loss.

Whether it is the loss of a spouse or family member, a dream job, a house through some unforeseen catastrophe, or even the loss of good health, there is and will always be a ministry opportunity to help our people through their grief. One way to do this is through a grief recovery seminar or even the creation of a support group for brothers and sisters to relate and support each other. Another opportunity that could thrive is a bereavement ministry where funeral costs are lessened by the support of a loving church family. Memorial services, visitations, and comfort of the church family can often provide services that funeral homes provide at a much less impactful cost. Healthy churches are present in these dif cult situations.

Finally, healthy churches minister to families by offering leadership training. This can be accomplished in numerous ways but a good strong Lads to Leaders ministry can really provide a practical structure to build not only leadership in our children, but also encourage parents and grandparents to engage in the training. Providing opportunities for development go beyond leading with a speech or song. Offering jobs within our churches so young leaders will learn responsibility and accountability will not only ll perceived gaps in ministry but will also nurture one’s desire to serve in the future. Future leaders need to be developed early so that our families and churches in the future are stock-piled with responsible, invested, and spiritually motivated Christians. Healthy churches are a blessing to the family.

…so that the

multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known

through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the

heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which

He carried out

in Christ Jesus our Lord…

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levels of care available, living arrangements, nancial guidance, and legal considerations would be so helpful.

Living It Out!

PRACTICAL WAYS MADISON CHURCH OF CHRIST HAS MINISTERED TO FAMILIES

Brandon Pressnell

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One of the greatest blessings to the family is the presence of faithful shepherds who not only teach the value of family investment, they actively pray about it, and engage in the ministry of it by providing resources and opportunities with regularity.

As mentioned in the previous article, there are many ways in which to address the many nuanced challenges in each life stage. In general, our Bible classes on Sundays are divided by life stages and so each quarter, the material is presented in a targeted way to that life stage with practical applications from scripture. That makes each class a relevant topic for each group, even if the material is a textual study. Also, we have held classes to address culturally driven challenges. For example, we conducted a class called “THE TALK.” This class was designed to address two speci c things. 1) How do I lead my child to Christ? and (2) How do I engage in conversation with my child about sexuality? These two subjects go hand-in-hand since helping our children accept authority, trusting God’s word, and submitting to Jesus go a long way in helping us submit to God’s word on a healthy view of sex.

Our youth ministry utilizes parents as their major work force for teaching, mentoring, chaperoning, and new ideas.

Because parents remain engaged, their input keeps the family budget in mind while also providing balance in activity.

Our leadership team values service,

worship, leadership training, and fellowship and they actively engage parents for everything.

Madison has a special needs ministry called S.M.I.L.E.S. where our youth group volunteers provide a “buddy” system to sit with, encourage, and relieve anxiety to our special needs children. We host two or three large events for them a year that are appropriately set up for all the various needs.

Madison hosts several types of enrichment seminars and retreats that bene t the family. We have a Family Retreat, several youth retreats, marriage enrichment seminars and retreats, nancial seminars, parenting seminars as well as a “Caring for Mom & Dad” seminar to address the unique challenges we face when our parents need extra support as they age.

We also engage in congregation-wide family service days, mission trips, and outreach efforts to our community. In each of these items, our families are joined together to build spiritual experiences and active learning in how to be God’s people together.

One of our favorite things is what takes place after Bible study on Wednesday evenings. Rather than use our staffed ministers to deliver a short devotional thought and use our regular song leaders and prayer leaders, we began an effort to keep leadership training a year round effort by utilizing our smallest of children along with others who may not be willing to teach a class but can put together a brief biblical message. Our numbers of children no willing to lead has grown exponentially along with the desire of many of our men to enlist their talents to share from God’s word. Very family. Very encouraging.

A Healthy Church is Connected to the Community Logan Cates, Durant, OK logan.cates@yahoo.com

A uni ed, healthy congregation breathes together in one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32).

She will give up sel shness in order to engage, empower and employ her members to reach the lost. In Acts 4, the early church was not merely satis ed with inward survival, they understood in order for the church to grow, people’s needs must be met. The Eldership must evaluate priorities with an awareness that true conversion-growth will not occur without connections to community, and providing the means to connect one-on-one. When members live and breathe the message of Jesus Christ in the community, it’s just a matter of simple organizational needs before new souls will emerge. None of us are perfect in this area, however, the aim of this article is to practically provide direction, ideas and options for congregations to use the talents of the members to be more outward in the community. Every leadership ought to present a community vision before the congregation.

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Assumptions often stop us before we get started.

I have struggled before at times with resisting the devil in this area. More than once I have assumed the community holds a negative view of the church simply because of the past or because they may disagree with our theology. So many times, I have been proven wrong. We must not assume the community will not work beside us in assisting the needs of people or even bringing people to know Christ. We must not assume someone else is providing what we know we could. We must not refuse to speak to people who disagree with us, and we certainly must not retreat at a time when we need to march. We also must not assume the members of our churches have already evangelized to their co-worker(s). Not long ago, I went to Lowe’s and purchased a lightweight door and put it on a wooden stand. I offered a few classes

for our congregation on, “How to speak to your Neighbor.” Over 80 were present for these classes. I let the class practice knocking on their neighbor’s door and practice how to respond to some of the comments they may hear. How often do we get to practice what we preach? We must not assume the members of our congregation are not con dent, eager and evangelistic! Sometimes we all just need to gather together and talk about “how.” Christians always have community tugging at our hearts, yet sometimes we lack the courage and boldness to act on it.

Another roadblock to building relationships in the community is the lack of interest in guests walking in the church doors on Sunday and Wednesday. These are individuals from the community interested in the Lord’s church, and rarely have I witnessed a congregation very interested in them. These are families or individuals searching, thirsty, and they’ve appeared before us as if to say, “Can you help us know the Lord better?” Imagine if at Pentecost, Peter and the rest of the Apostles were so busy they didn’t have time to answer the question, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). What do we have in place to reach them? Are they being overlooked? What do we have in place to contact them? If reaching the community is a priority, then we all as the body of Christ would be writing down their contact information. If it is not a priority, then we have turned inward.

Christ must have an active presence in the heart of every man and woman. One of the greatest compliments in scripture was in Jerusalem when the crowd said of Peter and John, “they recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The community must see the same in us.

We all must have an active presence of Christ with us at all times. Our members also must be

trusted and given creative opportunities to use and to nd any trace of someone interested in the Lord. Maybe it’s the lady taking your order in the drive thru, maybe it’s the casual conversation in a waiting room. Maybe it’s taking cookies to your neighbor and asking them if they love the Lord. It’s a constant longing, not a brief plan.

I’ve heard from my own family members that my Great-Grandfather used to be a lost man, drinking heavily, and far away from the Lord. A kind neighbor named A.J. Rhodes had Christ in his heart, and spoke to my Great-Grandfather across the fence. He told him about a much better life and the Lord’s church. It wasn’t long and he and his wife, and four kids were attending church, and all of them later became Christians. All three of His boys (one of them my Grand-father) became preachers in the church. The synergy produced a combined effect which led to today, and now my own son just became a minister in the church in Texas. One advance in the heart of AJ Rhodes led to nine Gospel ministers in my family.

Community outreach or evangelism is not a conference meeting with some objectives for a few people to go out and invite people to Vacation Bible School. Evangelism is lived. We live it in gratitude for the Great Redeemer and that we have in our hearts, which is the greatest work in the whole world. lawn of the police department and had a prayer with everyone and the same for the Fire Department. We have fed breakfast to the whole school Administration Of ce and also the Waste Management team thanking them for all they do for our community. We have supplied gallons and gallons of hot chocolate during the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of City Hall. Just recently, the congregation made and lled over a hundred bags with all kinds of church information and goodies for new home owners. We have a Deacon who is building hundreds of homes in our community and now he can put a bag on the front door handle as people move into their new home.

Living It Out! Adopting A School in Durant, Oklahoma This year our congregation adopted the new Elementary School a mile away. We chose a man in our congregation well known and respected by the community to ride with me to the school and meet with the principal. The meeting went fantastic! The congregation has already fed all sixty staff members breakfast on a morning when they didn’t have students. The congregation brought speci c sized clothing to donate for kids when the kids have accidents (most schools are on their own when this happens). The congregation has supplied snacks during tests, breakfast for teachers in the break room, and just recently the school asked us for a key to our building. They needed a location to bus students if a danger presented itself at the school. I am con dent we would not have been asked, had we not proven to them we appreciate what they do.

We also started a GroupMe account where we could privately connect with seven of our strong families for the sole purpose of giving them new names of guests to connect with in a three-week period. We can all discuss the new guests on this app and do so in our own time. This allows us a way to plan and make sure the new guests have someone across the table in the rst few weeks they attend.

The opportunities for a congregation to gather together and serve the community are only as limited as a congregations’ creativity. The church will never survive without a community presence and we are thankful to be in a place where this vision is put before us repeatedly. fi

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Our congregation has established communication, friendships, and they know we are interested in helping them with any of their needs. Our congregation has fed breakfast to the service men who helped get our power back on in storms. We have fed Special Ed Teachers, Pregnancy Center Staff, and have taken meals to teachers on the days when they are in school without students. We have stood with our congregation on the front

A Heal y Church Loves and Takes Care of Its Minis rs

Robert Tipps, Hattisburg, MS roberttipps@gmail.com According to studies by The Barna Group, Focus on the Family, Fuller Seminary, and the Institute of Church Leadership Development:

- 1,500 ministers leave the ministry

- Over 50% of ministers are so discouraged

permanently each month in America.

they would leave the ministry if they could but have no other way of making a living.

- 80% of ministers feel discouraged in their

- Over 50% of minister’s wives feel that their

- 70% of ministers do not have a close friend, con dant, or mentor.

- Only 1 out of every 10 ministers will th

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actually retire as a minister.

husband entering ministry was the most destructive thing to ever happen to their families.

- 71% of ministers stated they were burned

out, and they battle depression beyond fatigue on a weekly and even a daily basis. te

roles.

While these polls are predominately made up of denominational preachers, I imagine the numbers are similar in the Lord’s church.

Perhaps, some of our best warriors are on lifesupport. Beloved, never forget, that we are the only people in the world with “resurrected news.” There is an overarching statement that effects every aspect of our topic and these statistics: A Healthy Church responds to the Gospel as the most rewarding, and in uential blessing we can possess today. The way a congregation handles the greatest news in the world in their personal lives, will be a great litmus test of how they will also treat their minister. That word “Gospel” or “the Good News,” is never mentioned in the Old Testament, yet is used 100 times in the New Testament (NKJV). The Good News of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection is the most remarkable, and liberating thing that ever came out of heaven, may we treat it and those who dedicate their lives to teaching it accordingly.

While I could paint with a broad brush, I have been speci cally asked to give a report of how Kensington Woods Church of Christ (KW) displays evidence of being a healthy congregation. It is a joy to share with you how KW loves and cares for its three evangelists.

My goal is to offer some practical solutions to help all the people on the winning team. I’ve heard horror stories of preachers treated poorly by congregations, and congregations treated poorly by preachers. I’ve witnessed the tears from both sides. Personally, I can tell you that it is painful, and life altering to many. Church members and preachers have walked away from the faith or are bitter over this very issue. The “collateral damage” is still negatively affecting many souls. My intention of expressing to you the evidence of a healthy church and minister relationship is to neither boast of nor to hurt anyone. My intention is to shed light and attention on a subject that needs grace, truth, love, and healthy doses of encouragement.

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First, KW truly treats the gospel as the most rewarding, and in uential blessing we can possess today. While not perfect, we press the

importance to live and breathe Mark 16:15, “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” It is a remarkable thing, to witness people plan, build, and dedicate who they are and what they control to the cause of Christ.

“Together, we are more,” is a statement we live by. One of the best ways that KW supports and cares for its minister is by creating an environment that is very conducive for discipling new converts and families. Christians here are friendly and welcoming. Racial division is such a divider in our nation. In the history of mankind there has not been anything more liberating or inclusive to all people than words that say, “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The gospel does not discriminate on gender, race, nancial status, profession, body size, or geography. KW is very diverse and enriched with people that love each other from all walks of life. Preaching in a diverse environment that is welcoming and loving, is priceless and supportive.

Averaging 200 on Sundays, KW is currently served by three full- time evangelists. Two of us share the preaching rotation, but we all share the evangelism load. I am truly blessed to work with guys that are all-in for the Gospel.

Our Shepherds set the standard and tone in the way they lead. They all are active in personal evangelism, both at the building and outside the building. They are engaged in domestic and foreign mission work, teaching Bible classes, and they hold personal Bible studies regularly with church members and the lost.

Our Shepherds request and allow us evangelists to use practical ways to evangelize. While we work at the building from time to time, we are not required to keep set of ce hours. We are truly blessed to be allowed to live out the words “go into the world” and live lifestyles of meeting people, serving people, and building relationships for evangelism. Elders have allowed us to use shing boats, hunting camps, beach houses, machine shops, chain saws, and lazer tag to evangelize and strengthen souls.

You know you have the best job in the world when you are paid to go to the gym and work out, attend a Ju-Jitsu class, operate a tractor, all with eyes toward reaching and teaching.

While we have meetings, we are not micromanaged.

Our church has a Nex Tech machine shop class that teaches the next generation skills and the Gospel. Every class begins with the kids having to defend their faith.

Our Southern Christian Student Center on the University of Southern Mississippi has produced and developed many Christians over the decades. In the past 4 years KW has helped to develop four young men who are currently in ministry full-time. When they came to us ministry work was not in their sights.

Mississippi. Ladies welcomed our family with loads of gifts and groceries. Then men moved everything inside in twenty-eight minutes.

We are cared for nancially. We have generous salaries, and do not need to search for part-time jobs to sustain. Apart from 2020 I have received a 3% cost of living raise every year (More on salary later).

Wisdom is used to keep tensions down over preacher salary. In our quarterly and yearly budget publications to the congregation, all three evangelist salaries, plus bookkeeper and publication salaries are lump summed into one number.

All of our personal ministry areas are supported personally and nancially by the church. Church members attend our studies, retreats, camps, Our benevolence program offers temporary work days, disaster relief trips, mission trips, housing to homeless church events, people. We require programs, classes etc. them to attend services, Church members cook Show me a heal y church and I wi and have a Bible study food for college show you a church at shares in daily. We teach them students on Mondays the Gospel and offer and for the homeless on evangelism.

It’s simple: we plant seeds, them personal spiritual Tuesdays. We have a care, help them get $25,000 youth budget, wa r seeds, and repeat. God gives e jobs, and permanent and a $15,000 increase. housing. benevolence budget.

Our congregation weekly produces “the Unscripted Podcast.” We get feedback of strengthened souls regularly, and a few baptisms have occurred across the US since 2020.

The church and shepherds care for us ministers and our families spiritually and personally. Our wives and children have a core church family that wants us to go to heaven above anything else. Encouraging words, cards, texts, hugs, and prayers are present regularly.

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When I was rst hired, “moving money” was provided to move my family, from Tennessee to

Show me a healthy church and I will show you a church that shares in evangelism. It’s simple: we plant seeds, water seeds, and repeat. God gives the increase.

Outside of our regular assembly times, over 7700 Bible studies have taken place since January 2017.

Outside regular meetings, one day a month we get one-on-one time with a shepherd for personal growth, concerns, challenges.

There is a private yearly review for each evangelist with our shepherds. After my work ethic was established in year one, those reviews

Beyond vacation, we are allowed 21 days a year with three additional Sundays to attend seminars, do mission work, hold gospel meetings, or attend marriage retreats etc.

- To the struggling minister, we are not all

treated the same. I have been that guy who made $50 a week for four years.

Despite a 1,300% increase in youth group attendance, never once did I receive a discussion about a raise. It was still a joy to labor for the Lord and it’s our duty regardless of earthly appreciation (Luke 17:10). Our identity is not in a paycheck, it’s in the death burial and resurrection. (Romans 6, Galatians 2:20).

I encourage you to be a faithful steward with what the Lord has placed in front of you. Never forget, both the two talent and ve talent servants were told the exact same thing by their lord. “Well done… you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many.” Note that Matthew 25:21 and 25:23 are identical.

- To the bi-vocational preachers holding

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down that regular job and lling the pulpit, you are great heroes in the church.

Many of us have been there burning the midnight oil to secure that fourth lesson of the week. Our brother Paul was a tent maker too (Acts 18:3), and he was debatably the most effective and in uential gospel preacher. His sermons and letters are still affecting souls for eternity, and I’m con dent that yours are too. Keep holding that line and preaching the truth, you probably have more respect from your congregation than what they could ever pay you. fl

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stopped being performance based. Year two they became reviews of my family situation and care.

These were words my elders used, “we want to implement things to promote longevity for you and your family with us here at KW.”

- To the Christians that support and care for ministers personally and nancially, you don’t know how much you mean to ministers and their families. Many of your generous words and blessings come right on time.

- To the elders who might be reading, please prayerfully consider this paragraph. Not every preacher is treated the same. I believe my case is not the standard but the exception, because of how generous my elders and congregation are. However, I want to share this for the bene t of the Kingdom.

- I did not go to a school of preaching, nor do I hold a degree of any kind. When I was hired for full-time evangelism I was a Sheriff’s Deputy for 13 years with 8 years of bi-vocational ministry experience. The total nancial package offered to me was in the $80,000 range. That’s a congregation that averaged 172 and had 5 elders at the time. Please don’t compare your preacher’s salary to mine or the church down the road. Please consider viewing his salary through the lens of the Resurrection, because that is what he represents. If you have a good preacher, please hold on to him, and implement things to help him be effective long-term.

And don’t be afraid to go all in with the “untrained and uneducated” guys like Peter and John (Acts 4:13). The Lord “turned the world upside down” with ordinary guys like them (Acts 17:6).

A Healthy Church responds to the Gospel as the most rewarding, and in uential blessing we can possess today, and it’s evident in the way they care and love their ministers.

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ur youth programs should have two main purposes. First, we want to help our young people remain faithful to God through His church. I know that sounds wordy and obvious, but healthy churches understand this need. Each generation has dealt with its own struggles and Gen Z is no different. However, for them, they deal with a disproportionate balance of access and availability. Temptation and sin are more available now, possibly than ever in modern history. Not to mention the deterioration of the perceived effects of sinful behavior. We want to help our young people with faithfulness through positive moral options in their developmental process.

Second, we need their faithfulness for church preservation. The church needs young people who grow up knowing truth and have been helped navigating dif cult times in the lives as smoothly as possibly. There is always a “back and forth” concerning the young people being the church of today or the church of tomorrow.

They fact is they are both! There is a reason we do not give them control over the treasury, assign them to lead visitation teams or teach adult Bible classes. Their lack of experience and knowledge is not their fault. But we need to prepare them to be the church of tomorrow. If we do not, many congregations will fade into obscurity and irrelevance because of an

accidental under-appreciation for the doctrinal preparation of our future leaders. Many youth programs are reactionary and not proactive.

Even though youth programs can quickly shift and adaptability is vital, a clear path to biblical exposure is necessary to ensure our elders, deacons, preachers, youth ministers and bible class teachers of tomorrow are ready.

Taking care of our young people involves more seriousness and intentionality than putting some devos together and taking them to camp. Some families view the youth program as, what I call, “intra-parental.” Intra-parental families view the ful llment of their spiritual leadership as bringing the kids to church and making sure they are at youth events. There may be no Bible studies at home, no spiritual discussions and very little moral guidance. While this may sound like a negative, each family is different and there may be times where this is all they can do. A newly converted family, for instance, may rightfully view the church and youth program as intra-parental out of lack of experience and knowledge. Still others view the youth program as what I call “para-parental.” If some families lived on a deserted island or a little house on the prairie, they are going to be faithful. They are going to teach their kids about God and His word and help them mature into strong Christians. These families use the church

A Healthy Church Takes Care Of Her Young People

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by Reed Swindle, Corinth, MS reed@footestreetcoc.org

alongside (para) their families as a supplement to what they are doing. Healthy congregations are prepared to be of assistance in both situations.

WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW Sometimes our Bible classes are watered down and weak because we do not think teenagers are interested in the tough things. I once asked a speaker to present a lesson for teenagers on what happens after a person dies. He was reluctant and convinced teenagers would not come to hear a lesson on such a deep topic. When the class was packed all hands went in the air when the speaker asked how many of them came to hear a lesson on this topic. If we do not teach them the truth, they will be taught lies.

Four categories healthy congregations should focus on as it relates to what we are teaching our teenagers are Spiritual Development, View of the Church, Biblical Understanding and Doctrinal Awareness. These categories provide a basis for a balanced curriculum and higher probability of church preservation. If we ever nd ourselves walking in a class, picking an underlined verse in our bibles and asking what this verse means to the teenagers, we are failing our teenagers and the church. Teenagers do not need to view the bible as a list of verses we try to interpret solely based on our personal experiences.

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Spiritual Development should take our teenagers through a growth pattern that moves from selfpreoccupation to understanding their connection with God and others. Churches may use a mixture of teaching and experiences to help connect our teenagers to their God. Healthy churches are able to mold the View Of The Church for the youth group. The priority of the church, the boundaries of the church, the structure of the church and worship of the church are just a few of the topics our young people need us to help them comprehend. Biblical Understanding stands out above simply memorizing facts. Healthy churches will not allow a teenager to leave their youth program with a vacation bible school view of biblical narratives. Rather, they will purposefully show them the importance of the church in their lives while promoting a lifelong connection.

Lastly, Doctrinal Awareness is vital to the maturity of a young Christian. They need to know why we sing with no instruments, take the Lord’s Supper each week and use male leadership in the

congregation. They may not be prepared to win a debate on a big stage, but they need to know why we do what we do so they can be faithful to God by doing them correctly.

THE ATMOSPHERE WE NEED TO PROVIDE It is the role of a healthy congregation to provide the right atmosphere for our young people. This pace is set by the youth leader and other adults who assist in youth activities and bible classes.

We have a responsibility to make sure our atmosphere is one of Inclusion. Teenagers with different colored hair, black, white, fat, short, athletes, band kids, good parents, divorced parents all feel welcome with us! Teenagers are internally begging for someone who can answer these three questions. Do you like me? Can I trust you? Will you help me? If we can answer those questions correctly, our atmosphere is working.

Next, we need to create a safe atmosphere for them to develop their Identities. Teenagers are usually exploring with the intent to commit. This means teenagers want to try different things in a place where they won’t get made fun of. They are trying to gure out who they want to be. Some have forced identity and are a product of the things their parents have placed emphasis. A baseball player might be a baseball player because his parents told him he was going to go to baseball practice. But, maybe their parents never pushed them to try sports and they would like to try basketball. Come on and play basketball with us!

We will be nice and this is a safe place for you to have fun and you can mess up without unnecessary embarrassment.

There have to be limits to our view of inclusion and identity development. The environment has to be based on Integrity. If she wants to dye her hair pink, we will be kind and friendly. If she wants to cuss and break rules, she is not welcome. With the intent of providing a strong atmosphere for our young people, we must protect the group. Our inclusion has boundaries based on retaining a consistently moral expectation.

Healthy congregations have the ability to be relevant in their teaching, engaging in their relationships and intentional with their programing for young people. They need these things for their faithfulness and we need these things for church preservation.