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Pastor’s page |
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Gage’s Measure By Pastor Steve July 2008
We’ve all heard that truism of modern life—“the only constant is change.” Actually, that statement has been true throughout history. Even primitive cultures evolve over time. The thing that is different today is the pace of change, which itself seems to be accelerating. The church cannot afford to be indifferent to this reality.
Now thankfully, the God we serve does not and cannot change, nor can he become obsolete. God’s immutable character is very good news for his people. “I, the LORD, do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” (Mal. 3:6; cf. Js. 1:17). Because God doesn’t change, neither can his word or his gospel. Indeed, the Lord is that unmoved Center around which all of creation spins.
This theological truth leaves us with a paradox, doesn’t it? Though God is unchanged in his essential character and unmoved from his eternal purposes, he still relates to humanity in fresh and dynamic ways. In fact, six places in Scripture tell us God can change his mind! This God on the move calls us to stay in step with his will. If God can do new things (Isa. 42:9; Jer. 31:31; 2 Pe. 3:13), then it stands to reason that his people should not fear change. In fact, effective ministry in today’s world demands constant rethinking of our message and the means of delivery.
Let me share a few things I’ve learned about change in the church. First of all, the spirit of prayer requires change. As we seek the Lord for the renewal of the church and its mission, God invariably directs us to fresh approaches to ministry. As I think back over the years, I cannot think of one exception to this rule of divine direction. In other words, simply to do what we are doing, but do it better, will not do. Concerted prayer will lead us to new insights and to changing the way we do ministry.
Second, the dynamics of the mission require change. Over the centuries the church has adapted itself again and again (often with difficulty) to changes in political fortune, culture, and technology. The fall of the Roman Empire and barbarian invasions solidified the monastic missionary movement. The invention of the printing press spread Protestant reform. Christian missions of the 18th and 19th centuries expanded hand in hand with the rise of Western power and global trade. Radio and satellite TV became effective tools of evangelism in the 20th century, and the church now exploits the Internet as we enter the 21st centuries.
Third, the nature of fellowship requires change. By biblical definition, fellowship is mutual participation in Christ. That kind of “body life” cannot take shape without sensitivity to the needs of those who believe or are on the path toward faith. In such an atmosphere new ministries easily develop and change the face of ministry.
Fourth, the realities of stewardship require change. As newer, more effective ministries produce positive results, what is outdated and ineffective must be given proper burial. To do so is to practice good stewardship of time, talent, and financial resources. I have found, however, that this process can be terribly painful. “Sacred cows make great hamburgers,” or so they say, but that means someone’s beef cow gets butchered!
In terms of ministry method, no one truly knows what the future holds. Could it be that the dependable B’s of church life—buildings, boards, bylaws, and budgets—will even fade away in the coming years? After all, the New Testament mandates none of these. Whatever develops, you can be certain that we will be up to date if we stay in step with Jesus.
Pastor Steve Gage |
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First Baptist Church of Gresham |
