Insight for the Journey

Grace Fellowship is approaching its sixteenth birthday in March. We launched on March 21, 1993. Wow! That seems like an eternity ago!

As we approach another “birthday” I’ve had thoughts lately that I’ve seldom had before. In fact, I don’t remember ever having them. I’ve had the thought, “I’m sort of like a veteran now.” No, I didn’t get that thought because of a receding hairline or pain in my joints some mornings. No, I think it’s because I’ve been at this ministry thing a long time now.

That “veteran” feeling is bolstered by the fact that an increasing number of pastors and other leaders ask for input, advice, and opinions about various aspects of the ministry. On one level that is gratifying, but it is always sobering.

One of the frequently asked questions is, “What do you wish you’d known when you were starting Grace Fellowship?”

So, for the next few blogs I want to reflect on some things I wish I’d known sixteen years ago before planting a church.

I wish I’d known the value of in-depth training.

When Debbie and I started Grace Fellowship, I had been influenced by the school of thought that says, “Because most of us are educated far beyond our obedience, we should not be concerned about enhancing a person’s biblical knowledge or philosophical understanding. When it comes to discipleship training, just keep everything real basic.”

It is certainly true that most of us are educated far beyond our obedience. But one of the reasons some people struggle with consistent obedience is that, deep down, they don’t feel confident of what they say they believe and why it is relevant. Their enthusiasm to obey Christ in every aspect of life would be bolstered if they had better discipleship training. If they really felt they could defend the faith theologically, philosophically, and practically many would be far more courageous and obedient servants of Christ.

From my current perspective, I’d say in-depth training is one of the most valuable, long-term things the local church can provide. The crisis in American Christianity is the overall lack of quality in “the product.” The product I speak of, of course, is the Christians themselves. We are the product. The problem with Christianity is us.

Unless the overall depth of character and quality of spiritual life of the “typical” Christ-follower is enhanced, I feel the cause of Christ will be greatly impeded. Our message will always be heard in context with our character.

That’s one thing I wish I’d known. It would have caused me to devote more effort on in-depth character development and training in the discipleship process.