So What Can We Do? Part 2

What are some practical things we can to to see our churches grow? In our last post, we focused on our identity as kingdom people on a mission. Today we continue that thought with some more suggestions.

Third, worship God (both in life and in corporate services) with the zeal, passion, and earnestness that God deserves. Our identity is change in Christ for the purpose of commending God to others. Peter reminds us, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)." One way that we do this is worship. But worship is not limited to services; rather, it encompasses the totality of our lives (Rom. 12:1-2).

That does not mean, however, that services are not important. The way we worship is a living testimony--to all who might see--of the value of God in our lives. When we worship God in stale ways, when we seemed uninspired with the whole process, we belittle God. We paint a picture to all who are there that God is less exciting than our favorite T.V. show or sporting event. When that happens, they feel no need for this kind of God and will go in search for a god who inspires. That is why we need to take the necessary time to prepare for worship. We need to come to worship with engaged hearts so that we commend God as worthy of all our worship.

Fourth, place yourself in a position to grow in grace. We are commanded to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 4:18)." Nothing is as repulsive as hypocrisy mixed with a strong helping of judgmentalism. At the same time, nothing is as winsome and attractive as God-exalting humility and sacrificial love. None of us are naturally humble or loving. We tend to be self-satisfied with our spiritual life and begin to coast. That is why we need others to point out our blind spots and encourage us in the faith. Such work takes small groups of believers who are radically committed to the work of grace in each other's lives. Sadly, however, most believers are content to attend one service per week, where people are safely distant from us. We do this to our own hurt. Without the sharpening of others, our witness is less effective because we are cut off from an important means of grace. But when we are engaged with others and growing in our faith, our friends, relatives, and neighbors notice our love, which opens doors for faith.

In other words, the combination of worship and growth that takes place in a community of faith promotes a vibrant faith that is noticeable to others. More thoughts tomorrow.