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Our final sermon from We Believe In Organized Religion focused on the role of denominations in the life of Christians. Why should local churches relate to other local churches? How should they relate? And is it even possible for a church to choose not to relate to other churches?
While many say we are moving into a "post-denominational" future, there is still good reason to work towards building strong partnerships with other congregations. Call them what you will (denominations, networks, a family of churches, etc.), churches bound together in a meaningful manner is a reason to rejoice. Go here to listen to the sermon.
Here are a few things we learned about denominations from Acts 15:1-41.
The question isn't "Should we relate to other churches?" We are one church under God. Jesus is the head of the universal church (little "c" catholic). We already are related to one another. It's unavoidable.
So then, the better question is "How should we relate to other churches?" And guaranteed, no church is going to devise an effective plan to relate to every other church that has ever existed, currently exists, or one day will exist. That's impossible. Churches come and go and so do their denominational ties. It's ok that today we find so many denominations. You might even say more is better.
Churches have always worked together to preserve, protect, and promote good theology and doctrine. Most of our cherished creeds and confessions were the result of churches coming together...as was our very own Statement of Faith. Add seminaries, colleges, programs, and theological publications (like books) to the list and you will quickly see how interdependent churches are on this point. Every church stands on the shoulders of other churches.
We don't know what we don't know. How's that for a trustworthy statement? God is at work everywhere, at all times, simultaneously...and the view from our church is very small indeed. If the Apostles thought it necessary for churches to know what was occurring in other churches (and this wasn't gossip, it was for encouragement), you'd think it'd be good for us today as well.
What are we supposed to do when a church needs help or a teacher teaches something that's not true? Is each church really on their own or should we do something? The context for accountability is forged in moments of prosperity. We make commitments to one another. We invest in one another. And when trouble arrives (and it certainly will) we draw on mutual trust and history and love and relationship, and rush towards the hurting and needy church. Not away.
Associations are built on the principle of our union with Christ, not pragmatism. Not efficiency. Not practicality. We consider the interests of other churches (where possible) above our own. There are times when it's right to sever your ties, but let's not pick our friends based on the benefits we hope to receive. Let's choose partners we can promote and bless and love...in good times and bad...like Jesus does for us.
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Our first sermon from We Believe In Organized Religion focused on the role of pastors in the life of Christians. Do you have a pastor? Do you want a pastor? Could it be that you are struggling in your faith and life because you are part of the pastorless-church? You can listen to the sermon here.
Pastors aren't the solution to every problem. Sometimes they are the problem! However, we can't ignore what the Scriptures say. Pastors are men given by God to us, the church. And when a church government functions properly, pastors are a manifestation of God's kindness and care towards us. They are one of the primary way in which God cares for the church.
Here are a few of the things we know about pastors from 1 Peter 5:1-4.
They feed, tend, lead, and protect. They aren't priests or kings. They don't own their own flock. Jesus is the Great Shepherd, pastors are under-shepherds, and shepherding is the predominate motif describing pastoral ministry in the Bible.
They are Christians who love Christians, and this love (not their gifting) is what distinguishes them. Not every gifted man is called to pastor and neither is every man who loves the church. But there is no such thing as a pastor who loves his books and loves to preach but isn't interested in the welfare of a particular congregation.
We don't draft our pastors. They are willing volunteers, who desire to do the work of a pastor. They labor gladly for our good, as friends and fellow brothers.
They lay down their preferences and priorities for the church. This doesn't mean we shouldn't compensate them, but their compensation doesn't motivate them. They don't work for money. Pastors aren't professionals. They serve at personal cost.
You need to know your pastor and his life. This is how he leads you. He is an example for you to follow. If you don't know him or all you know about him is his preaching, you're missing out. Pastors establish patterns every Christian can follow.
"Would you sign up for Little League if you knew you'd never go pro?"
Annalise strikes again...this time with a wedding program. Thanks for using your gift to make our world a little more beautiful.
Thanks for praying for Pastor Eric and the students of CCM Irvine this week. It was so encouraging to see this group loving Jesus on the campus of UCI.
Which reminds us...
We are surrounded by universities filled with students from all over the world. They are cities within our city.
Please join us in praying for more opportunities to bless and strengthen campus ministries. Ask God to use us as he saves students and faculty.
We might not have any grand plans to establish our own college fellowship, but we do have the gospel and a church full of people who love people!
Please join us in praying for Pastor Eric this week. He will be out of town on a private study retreat, returning this weekend.
On the agenda: preparations for our upcoming sermon series in the Gospel of Mark, extended times of prayer for us, and lots and lots of reading.
