I’ve just engaged in one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things I do: encouraging Pastors and church leaders. Hundreds of them were gathered this week at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. On Wednesday I did a Seminar for Pastors of smaller congregations on how they can thrive even though facing the particular challenges of a smaller ministry. Today I taught a plenary session on how to build an evangelistic church. This session is particularly exciting for me in that I share a lot of what we do at Grace Fellowship. Finally, I lead the whole group in a brief “Concert of Prayer” where they rejoice in what God is doing and pray for one another. Cliff Barrows, one of the greatest encouragers I know, concludes the school after that with his final challenge for commitment.
To be honest, many Pastors are struggling. Some would start another vocation today if they felt released from their calling. But they don’t feel released. Because the church is God’s plan “A” for changing the world. There is no plan “B”. The happiest Pastors I know are those who serve in churches with people who love them, and who are trying to make a difference.
That’s what Grace Fellowship is to me. No. It’s not a perfect church; but it is a good church. The church body deeply longs to make a difference. Four special qualities quickly come to mind that make Grace unusual:
1. Grace’s members are highly committed. One thing almost all Pastors lament, in their candid moments, is the dismal lack of maturity and commitment that plagues churches across America. Grace has uncommitted attenders as well. But our membership get’s it. They are willing to sacrifice for the Kingdom.
2. Grace is willing to change and try new things. We believe methods are many, principles are few. Methods always change, principles never do. We view methods and styles in a practical way. The question is, “What is God using right now, in this culture and context?” Only Jesus can build His church, but we must keep seeking the best strategies and methodologies possible to be His co-workers.
3. Our leaders are consistent. Some of our leaders have now been at it for years, slugging away in the trenches. But they keep on keeping on. I respect that! I love them for it.
4. We keep the main thing the main thing. As a rule, members of Grace are not quick to fight or quarrel over nonessential matters. That makes for a very harmonious church.
I love the Church. And I love this church. It is filled with real, authentic people who are on the journey together. That keeps me coming back.
