The more members of the church exercise commitment to its purpose and function, the more successful it will be in reaching people for Christ. This is based on the assumption that the inner workings of the church includes a concern for the spiritual needs of community residents. Without this concern, the church is merely a social gathering even though they pray and talk about the Bible. The successful church is aware of the great harvest that awaits them. To make the harvest successful, there are requirements for cohesive teamwork. (1 Corinthians 12:14)
The church needs effective, spiritually minded leadership. Those who accept the position of leadership must do it, not as a matter of honor, but one of responsibility to the whole local body of Christ. Chaos erupts when the leadership forgets their own responsibilities in favor of self-interest. I was dumbfounded at one church where I was the pastor by a comment made by the chairman of the deacons when he said that he did not like the church growing so much because he wanted to be a big fish in a little pond. Chaos can also corrupt the legitimacy of the church when certain people ignore their responsibility of followship, constantly challenging the steps taken in behalf of the church by a duly appointed leader. To be a leader, he must at one time been a follower.
The leader must have self-awareness for his role in relationship to the church. This may originate from the personal style of the one that sets the pace. The steps of the leader must mesh with the goals previously decided by the church as a whole. The pastor and other persons with significant responsibility cannot exercise a personal agenda over that of the direction decided by the teamwork of the church. Spiritual leadership must originate from private interaction with the Lord. Such a person is invaluable to those filling the pews. This person must be respected and supported.
Throughout the life of the church, maybe even on a week-by-week basis, the body of Christ must be willing to examine and critique its own success in the community. Jesus expects us to make an impact on the area where we live. The church is aptly called a lighthouse. It must point the way for neighbors to have a consistent lifestyle supported by the Lord and with the blessing for each one that complies with biblical principles. There must be criteria that the church set for itself that includes growth and outreach on the basis of evangelism. Too often churches are content with status quo, forgetting those outside the walls of the building. It is a legitimate question for each person to ask, “how do I know my church is healthy?”
Attending worship service is first making connection individually with God. Beyond that, each one present must assume their input in worship and service for the general good of the congregation. The Bible calls that edifying the church. It means to build up, enhance, and assure healthy stability. Even a person who does not hold any church positions still has the opportunity which is really an obligation to further the ministry God gave us. Our prayers during the week must include a request for God’s blessing on the pastor and other leaders. The goals and process established earlier by the church must become an integral part for the thinking of everyone who attends. We must remember that the pastor is God appointed. Jesus gave us a commission that when obeyed justifies the gathering of the people.
Christian Writer 