Three Questions: Four Churches

Churches in Action: Four Churches 

I visited two churches in Virginia and two near Atlanta, Georgia that are thriving while so many others are declining. All four contain many families and young adults. At each church, I experienced generous hospitality, stimulating worship and numerous opportunities to be involved in helping others. But there was "something" more. “Something" that had nothing to do with size but everything to do with attitude.  

For me, these four churches were representative of what it means to faithfully pursue living out the three questions. How bold is your dream? How committed is your team? How firm is your foundation? The answers displayed by these four churches led to a certain “something” that clearly defined them as enthusiastically fruitful. 

I saw this "something" in action as I drove into one church parking lot, The attendants were standing in a circle praying. One saw me, hustled over and walked with me to the entrance, sharing how much his church meant, especially the men’s group. They were living out a “bold dream” of reaching others for Jesus. Thy were a wonderful example of a “committed team” in action and it was obvious from their prayer circle that they were enthusiastically working on building a “firm foundation.” 

But I saw many more examples: In Atlanta, a couple sitting beside me at one church talked about their Bible study group and how their faith was strengthened. A woman in the "Welcome" area of another church shared how her life changed through a divorce care group. That group became her family when she needed them. She described her church as "a home for the hurt and hurting." 

Another worship service featured an interview with a police officer and his family and their small study group. At a routine traffic stop, he was shot seven times. Members of their small group were at the hospital and their house within minutes. For over a year, this group provided meals, child-care, chores and loads of prayer and encouragement.  

So, what is the "something" that these four vital churches seem to have in abundance? 

The "something" is a passionate belief that everyone from deeply committed members to brand new attenders have been radically transformed by God through their church and they can’t wait to share that experience with others. In addition, each of these four churches have a carefully designed and repeatedly emphasized process that begins with worship but then leads to various "next steps" such as a Bible study, a small group experience or a mission outreach. 

• All four churches expressed their “bold dreams.”  • All four churches demonstrated “committed teams” in action.  • All four churches emphasized the importance of continued next steps that would further strengthen and enhance a “firm foundation.” 

All four churches emphasized continued spiritual growth and participation in a small group community as an essential part of following Jesus. “Circles are better than rows: Sustained life change happens best in the context of community."   

Jesus said in response to a question: What is the greatest commandment? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being and with all your mind." A church should help you love the Lord your God, discover your unique gifts and talents, and use them toward a ministry of serving others and transforming the world.

“Digging Deeper: Three Questions for Pastors and Church Leaders” will challenge all of us to walk away from the habits and practices that prevent our churches from being fruitful and effective.