I have been given opportunity to reflect, as of late, upon what exactly defines "success" in a church. If the answer to this question is to be in any sense of the word "Christian," then of course this definition must originate in the person and work of Jesus.
How would Jesus define "success" in a Church?
I'd love to hear your feedback...
(don't worry, I'll post the "correct" answer later)
Okay. I’ll bite…
ReplyDeleteSuccess in a church avec Jésus…to cooperatively pursue growth in the pursuit of His commands –
SEVEN POINTS TO SUCCESS
Love and obey God
Love and obey Jesus
Love one another
Forgive one another
Invite Jesus to be close to you
Believe Jesus is who he claims to be
Have faith (trust – ‘ruthless trust’ if you happen to have some laying around) in God
We are not called to success but to be faithful to Jesus himself.
ReplyDeleteI'd agree with the comments already made, and put in my little embellishment...
ReplyDeleteI believe success would be... a group of true disciples of Jesus who are increasingly seeking to live out ALL of what He said (which I doubt can be condensed into 7, or 12, or any number of points - well maybe two: love God & love each other).
I also believe the fruitfulness Jesus spoke about to be increased evidence of the fruits of the Spirit in His disciples, not necessarily numbers of followers, converts, programs, or church plants. Jeremiah had a very "successful" ministry that probably included very little in the way of those numbers, but I'd say the success he achieved was staying faithful to God's leading in his life.