Still praying… but, I see the Holy Spirit at work.
We had a great Celebration of Ministry at our annual meeting Sunday night – It was worshipful and informative. We enjoyed the testimonials that were presented highlighting the difference that MPBC has had in the lives of folks inside and outside our church family.
The book that Marie had mentioned. “I am a Church Member”, in a recent notice through the shepherd’s ministry was well received and our entire board is reading it. I had read portions of the book over the last 18 months but the Lord impressed my heart to encourage the leadership of our church to read it and to make them available to anyone who would like to read it. I would like to offer it to all new members as a policy from here on.
We are in a very tender time, spiritually, at MPBC. We’ve mentioned our struggle financially, but the real struggle is spiritual. Through the first 19 days of our 40 Days into the new year in prayer, I have been asking the Lord to help me in my leadership with our church. He has encouraged me through my family and many of you. As always, when we take a forward stride toward commitment to the Lord in our lives we get a reaction from our enemy. A cloud of negativity has been the enemy and when disagreements arise they are tainted by misunderstanding and the enemy goes to work and plants animosity, resentment and anger in the path of believers. If Satan can’t possess believers, he tries the art of persuasion and uses our sensitivities to divide. Don’t let him win that battle!
A book was given to me (thanks, Janice Hynes) this past Sunday morning that I have wanted for several months now – “Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore”, by Thom & Joani Shultz (Thom is the founder and CEO of Group Publishing). As I have been looking through the suggestions of what makes the Lord’s church irresistible, 4 ACTS OF LOVE.
Act number 2 seemed to leap at me this morning: FEARLESS CONVERSATION. Here are the Biblical marks of fearless conversation:
1. Seek to Understand Each Other – beyond our personal feelings, put the feelings of others ahead of ourselves. That’s is so like Jesus!
2. Listen, Really Listen Before Speaking – James 1:19 has listening speeding to the front of our minds, leaving speaking far behind. If the Holy Spirit is truly influencing our conversation we won’t mind letting Him have control over our conversations. Listening provides that priority.
3. Ask Great Questions – People want to engage with their brains and their hearts so ask questions that bring both into the conversation.
4. Ask “Wondering” Questions – Especially when disagreement is in tow, responding with “I wondering about the origin of that idea?” Diffusing the personal aspect of disagreement and keeping respect and relationships in tact, fearless conversation engages Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right to respond for everyone.”
5.Allow Others to Share the Conversation – By listening we are earning a right to be heard and all parties feel connected to the subject.
6. Offer Non-Judgment Responses – Eliminating shutting others down or out.
7. Trust the Holy Spirit; Believe that God is on the Side of His Children and His Work – Plan for His presence in during the time the conversation begins and offer to pray together to invite Him to guide your minds and words.
I love you guys! Practice Biblical patterns of living and you will be blessed – and our church will be as well.
Pastor John