Church Life | Christian Ministry Training Blog

Does True Fellowship Need to be Restored in the Church?

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 5 Comments ↓

If we sense a need to restore true fellowship in the church, it suggests the decline of true fellowship. Hence, to restore true fellowship start by considering what might be leading to its decline.

Reasons Fellowship May be on the Decline

We live in a high tech, low touch world. Could this lead to the decline of true fellowship?

Wait, you might say, because of the Internet and cell phones, you are more in touch with people than you ever have been. I know that is true for me.

The question is, how deep do these contacts go? How much do they enable you to live out the “one another” passages of Scripture which certainly are a big part of true fellowship?

We live in a world where so many people seem to be doing life on the fast track. Could this lead to the decline of true fellowship?

But, you might say, life IS demanding. You barely have time to invest into your own family. How do we live out Hebrews 10:25 which says “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing …”

The bottom line is who is in control of you. Is it your schedule, the expectations of others, or the Lord? Would God lead you in ways that violate His Word?

We live in a stress-filled world with all its economic woes, crime, natural disasters, and many other anxiety producing events personally or globally experienced. Could this lead to the decline of true fellowship?

Hold on, you might say, you have enough concerns of your own. How are you supposed to take on other people’s problems?

The reality is that the closer we get to the Day of the Lord, the more we will experience these kind of events. Hebrews 10:25 says that we should meet together and “encourage one another” but do it “all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

We live in a world with corruption and self-centered politics everywhere, including in the church. Could this lead to the decline of true fellowship?

Of course, you might say, you are disillusioned with the institutional church. You expect these kinds of attitudes and ambitions in the world, but shouldn’t the church be different? If the church is no different, why bother?

The truth is, despite all its flaws, the Church is still the beloved Bride of Christ. To hold in contempt something He loves and designed to be His means of working to advance His kingdom today, is to be out of line with Him. First, let’s make sure to distinguish between the “institutionalized” church and the living organism which is His true Church. Second, let’s remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Because of the tremendous impact of true fellowship, especially as we “see the Day approaching,” Satan will piggy back on any other possible cause for the decline of true fellowship.

Restoring True Fellowship in the Church

In light of the possible causes for its decline, how do we restore true fellowship? — Topics for more posts which you’ll find if you scroll down to related posts. Also, here are some additional articles and resources on the MinTools.com site about fellowship:

True Body Life Results in Fellowship

The Church’s Purpose to Love People Is Expressed Through Fellowship

Resources to Help with Fellowship

I Know Some Servants … with the Spiritual Gift of Evangelism

Posted on May 7, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 7 Comments ↓

The Spiritual Gift of Evangelism Defined

to be a messenger of the good news of the Gospel

Examples of Being Driven Due to Gifting

Servant #1: He was a Senior Pastor with gift of evangelism. Almost everything done in church was through grid of outreach. Bible classes primarily focused on how to witness. He wanted the worship service and small groups to be geared to seekers. He expected that everyone should have as much passion toward reaching the lost as he did. When they didn’t, he worked even harder at motivating people toward outreach.

Servant #2: She worked with youth, in nursing homes, and in her community all with the hopes of having opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who didn’t know Him. She was always sensitive to the fact that there might be unbelievers in her midst.

Wherever they are, people with the gift of evangelism seem to have their spiritual radar up, eager to tell people about Jesus.

Lesson to be learned:

People tend to have more passion and invest more time into areas for which they are gifted. We need to guard against projecting our gifts onto others who are not gifted like we are, expecting them to react the same way we do, to have the same passion and time commitment we do, to make it as much of a priority, or to do so with as much ease.

Yet, those who are not so gifted must guard against using their lack of gifting as an excuse to neglect their responsibilities as believers.

Though not everyone has the spiritual gift of evangelism, all believers are responsible and privileged to share Jesus with others. Timothy did not appear to have the gift of evangelism but the Apostle Paul told him to nonetheless “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5).

The same could be said for almost all of the gifts. For example … We are all to encourage one another, yet we do not all have the gift of exhortation. We are all to be kind and compassionate toward those in need, yet we do not all have the gift of mercy.

You might not be gifted in these ways but you are still to “do the work of an evangelist” … an encourager, a mercy-giver, etc. You just won’t tend to be as impassioned or spend as much time doing this kind of ministry as people who have those gifts. You might find a greater level of difficulty doing it. Sometimes you will simply need to step outside of your comfort zone through the power of the Lord.

Get this example of the spiritual gift of evangelism in use, along with 20 other gifts, in the Ministry Handbook: Spiritual Gifts in Use. In addition, the handbook suggests spiritual gifts most typically used in 16 broad ministry areas and 27 specific tasks that may need to be accomplished in most of those areas.

Looking for help with outreach? Click below:

Online Outreach Ministry Training on MinTools.com

Outreach Ministry Manual Download

More Outreach Ministry Resources

If the Bible is God’s Word, Then What?

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

A previous post listed results from a Barna report on how young people today view the Bible differently from other generations. The fifth point was that they have . . . LESS ENGAGEMENT.

If the Bible is God’s Word, then we should want to be reading and studying the Bible.

If the Bible is not God’s Word, then it doesn’t need to be a priority in our lives.

Failing to engage oneself with God’s Word betrays people’s true heart toward it. Either they don’t believe it to be true or to be from God or they don’t understand its eternal benefit. Previous posts looked at its sacredness, accuracy, uniqueness, and origins. Let’s therefore consider some of the benefits:

revives our souls (Ps. 19:7)
makes us wise (Ps. 19:7)
gives us joy (Ps. 19:8)
helps us see clearly (Ps. 19:8)
prevents us from sinning (Ps. 119:11)
equips us for good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

The reason Scripture is so powerful and life-changing is because of its source. God-breathed words impart energy, strength, wisdom, joy, light, comfort, peace, grace, and so much more into our lives because HE is all these things. It’s about Him!

Consistent Bible Engagement Won’t Happen Without the Right Motivation Growing Out of a Belief that it is God’s Word

Have we been communicating the right message of the Bible?

The Bible is about God and His desire to have a relationship with man. Too often in preaching and teaching we make it about the stories or concepts. We need to get beyond precepts to the Person.

Have we been communicating the right reason for them to engage?

Give a good reason to study: not merely something they “should” do … to fulfill a duty, a spiritual discipline; not merely to learn about the Bible … to gain knowledge; but a means of connecting with the living God who loves them and wants their best … to nurture a relationship.

Have we been communicating the right outcome of engaging in God’s Word?

Will it merely lead to head knowledge or is there more to it? Have we been showing the life impacting results of God’s Word? It changes lives. Here’s a workbook to help teachers work toward this goal: Teaching for Changed Lives

The last point on the Barna Report is that young people do have a Bible appetite so let’s give them a reason to dig in.

Resources to help communicate how to study the Bible.

If the Bible is from God, Then What?

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

A previous post listed results from a Barna report on how young people today view the Bible differently from other generations. The fourth point was that they have a . . . SKEPTICISM OF ORIGINS.

If from God, then its words hold absolute authority and we are accountable.

If not from God but of man, then it words can be ignored and we can choose whether to believe or act upon it without consequence.

Difference It Makes If We Believe the Bible is from God or Some Other Origin

Divine origin changes everything. By definition, God is the one of whom there is none greater, none higher. If God authored the Bible, albiet through human writers, then it has supremacy over anything else, including our own opinions and lives.

The Bible describes itself as having divine origin. Consequently, if that part is a lie, then none of it can be trusted.

2 Timothy 3:16 refers to Scripture as “inspired by God” or “God-breathed”. Let’s back up: The verse says “ALL Scripture is inspired by God” … all parts.

1 Corinthians 2:11, 13 emphasizes the Spirit’s involvement, stating that it is not from human wisdom.

2 Peter 1:20-21 informs us that men were merely the instruments through whom God spoke. God spoke by His Spirit. Man recorded.

If God is not the author, then it would have to have been written by evil men or demons. Why? Because the claims within it to be from God would all be lies. But, the likelihood of evil men or demons writing a book that condemns themselves is unlikely. So, then, what is the origin of Scripture if not God?

Can we absolutely prove its divine origin? Probably not, but the evidence sure does stack up for it being from God.

1) fulfilled prophecies that man could not have made happen
2) historical facts proven to be true through archaeology
3) consistent theme and unity throughout the Bible unlikely if sourced by a variety of people
4) moral excellence of which is unlikely to find its origin in sinful, depraved man
5) indestructibility of the Bible through the years of which no other book so protected
6) ability to transform lives

In reality, skepticism of the origin of Scripture could be even deeper. Perhaps the question is more about God Himself. Is there a God out there who so loved the world that He left a written manuscript on how to come into a relationship with Him? Let’s make sure we are answering the underlying questions. Feel inadequate to answer these difficult questions? — Apologetics Resources

If the Bible is Unique, Then What?

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

A previous post listed results from a Barna report on how young people today view the Bible differently from other generations. The third point was that they hold to . . . MORE UNIVERSALISM .. which means it lacks uniqueness.

Many believe that the Bible “teaches the same spiritual truths as other sacred texts.” It is basically another way to say that all paths lead to the same place. So, is the Bible universal or unique?

If unique, then the Bible holds a unique message that must be viewed in a different light. And, it must be kept unadulterated or uncompromised.

If universal, then you can mix a little of this and a little of that and be okay. Hence, you develop a theology of your choosing.

Choosing if the Bible is Unique or Universal

To those who hold a more universal view of Scripture, my first questions would be, “Have you actually read through the Bible and compared it to the texts from other religions?” If you do, you will find that there are some fundamental differences that would inhibit a universal approach. Consequently, you must make a choice on which you will believe.

That leads to a series of questions:

Which text most answers the soul-searching questions about life … satisfies the seeking and fills the void?
Which text provides the most hope for immortality … assurance of life after death?
Which text offers the most rational view of the universe … why things are the way they are?
Which text gives the most meaning and significance to life … explaining the conflict between the ideals and reality?
Which text is the most systematically consistent … lack of contradictions?
Which text gives us a reliable standard of truth … not leaving us in a constant state of flux?

If you want people to understand the uniqueness of God’s Word:

1) Help them work through the above questions. Show them how the Word of God passes the test.

2) Provide resources that point out some of the fundamental differences of world religions and their texts.

If the Bible is Accurate, Then What?

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

A previous post listed results from a Barna report on how young people today view the Bible differently from other generations. The second point was that they see it as . . . LESS ACCURATE.

The Inerrancy of Scripture: total accuracy, no mistakes

If inerrant, then it becomes an absolute standard that can be considered reliable and trustworthy.

If some errors, then its words cannot be fully trusted and we have an excuse for not living by it.

Factors that Affect If People Believe the Bible is Accurate

What people believe about the Bible’s accuracy boils down to two factors:

1) Our view of God:

Is God sovereign enough to use fallible human beings to get it right and to pass it on through the generations and countless translations in a form that maintains its integrity as God’s Word?

2) Our view of man:

Is man capable of completely understanding Scripture? Is it possible that man, in his finite state, simply can’t piece together the perceived inconsistencies? Or, is man equal or superior to God in his ability to comprehend eternal matters, capable of judging its veracity?

If God is viewed as sovereign and man as limited in his ability to understand, then we step out in faith … not a blind faith, but a faith in a God who is all-knowing and all-powerful.

If God is viewed as limited and man as all-knowing, then we become skeptical and doubt that He can accurately communicate through His written Word.

Do you want to convince people that the Bible is accurate?

1) Present to them a God who is sovereign.
2) Help them gain a more accurate view of themselves.