Growing In Grace

 As a fellowship we are focused like a laser beam on what we consider to be the marching orders of the church. Evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. This is the legacy of pastor Mitchell. He labored for years to keep the main thing the main thing in our churches. This sets us apart from mainline denominations. They believe it, we do it.

One problem that comes from an ultra-focused ministry is that, as we get older, we come to realize that not all ministry is for everyone. When you are a man but not striving for ministry or getting "sent out" the men's discipleship services are meaningless. We agree in principal, but in practice we are on the outside looking in. When you are widowed, marriage sermons are trips down memory lane at best. When you are dealing with the ravages of aging, outreach is something the young people do.

One thing that we find in the Scriptures is that the grace of ministry is not one size fits all.

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1Peter 4:10

Manifold can be understood as many faceted. There are many layers to God's grace that He has invested in a local church.

"...Therefore, every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:52

Not only are those who minister instructed to be wide ranging and speaking to a wide audience, the saints also involve this new and old idea.

That the Christian life is not static or unchanging is clearly spelled out in the Bible.

"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principals of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God," Hebrews 6:10

There are doctrines that are irrefutable and steadfast. There are structures that are subject to the culture and personality of the local time and place. While we do support the vision of evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, I think there needs to be a wider and fuller ministry to the rest of us. Ministry to people where they are in life. Whether they are young or old. God calls us to grow in grace. He will help us do that.