May 2011
Recently, one of our members asked me, “How do the large, non-denominational churches do it?” The question was asked in regard to the ability of churches like the one that raised several million dollars to purchase the old Saturn dealership along Route 30.
The next day, I picked up a book on my shelf entitled, Church Wake-Up Call by William and LeEtta Benke. In one section on the purpose of the church, they refer to an interview they had with the pastor of a mega church who said churches should never allow discouragement, finances or circumstances to discourage the vision.
Long ago, the author of Proverbs wrote, “Without vision, the people perish.” (Prov. 29:18).
In the ensuing weeks of Eastertide, we will celebrate Jesus‟ ascension into heaven which takes place forty days after Easter. His last words to the disciples, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew were, “Go and make disciples of all nations and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” This is referred to as The Great Commission. It is the mission, purpose and vision the church is charged with carrying out.
We believe Jesus Christ is the head of the church.(Ephesians 1:22-23) We participate in the body of Christ in order to serve the world in His name, not to serve ourselves or our own purposes.
Dan Kotchkiss writes in his book, Governance and Ministry, “A congregation‟s „bottom line‟ is the degree to which its mission is achieved.” The purpose, ministry or vision of any church ultimately goes back to the Great Commission Jesus has given us himself.
Sometimes in our personal lives we have had to make sacrifices of time, talent or resources for our families. As a country we have made sacrifices by rationing food, fuel and material goods for a common purpose. We sacrifice, not for ourselves, but for something greater than ourselves. The same is true of the church. We make sacrifices for the sake of the vision, not for ourselves or institutional survival. It is when the body loses sight of its purpose or vision, that it risks demise.
As the Road to Vitality initiative is teaching us the commitment to the vision of ministry for Mt. Zion and the larger church, begins within each of us as we consider what we can offer in terms of time and resources to further God‟s vision as set forth by His Son, our Lord and Savior.
Blessings and peace, Pastor Cathy