The Local Church has an Appetite | REV3 = Revitalize, Energize, Visualize

One gentleman I have had lunch with at a local restaurant often chooses a meal which they simply call “3 Ingredients.” It seems to be his favorite and satisfies his hunger. The removal of one of the ingredients would change the meal. The fact that it is called
“3 Ingredients” does not minimize that this meal surely contains other less-mentioned and savory contributing inclusions. In comparison, for the appetite of the local church to reach its potential, (as God created it to be) it can be satisfied by three main ingredients as they were fleshed out in Jesus’ ministry: evangelism, discipleship, and shepherding.

One of the first things Jesus did was to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As His forerunner, John the Baptist paved the way for Matthew 4:17. Shortly after that, He sent out His followers with very little instruction or understanding of the message He told them to proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven has come near,” Matthew 10:7. What kind of training did they receive? He simply sent them out with His words and power expecting them to go. Jesus also said that He would not leave them or forsake them. These words generally reflect support in times of trouble. In this case, the meaning could also be Jesus giving a spiritual adjustment or discipling. Jesus’ followers received an adjustment of their spiritual framework through discipleship. Like in chiropractic care, a misalignment of the frame causes damage to the supporting parts of the body adjoining the problem area. Similarly, the skeleton needs to be lined up so the unseen can work in concert with the flesh. Additionally, discipling requires a proper understanding of the eternal spiritual world in order to create long-term effects in His followers and enable them to continue to minister in His name in the future.

Jesus’ ministry came to a quick close. He anointed His followers not only with a command but also with a challenge to care for His sheep who would enter His flock. In addition, the earthly life of Jesus clearly portrays the final element of “pastoring” or “shepherding” by passing on the mantle of leadership. For example, He committed this duty to His followers such as Peter in John 21:17. Of course, Jesus’ life of self-sacrifice from conception to its earthly end clearly portrayed the characteristics of the third element of a healthy church. Observing His walk was the disciples’ training. Inclusively, the discipling they received from Him and the application of all He taught began with preaching the “good news” and never ended. Therefore, He set the example of being a vital part, but not taking any glory. Yet, he was always working but not always visibly, like internal organs which are so important in the function and purity of the body.

Continuing, the necessity of each (evangelism, discipleship, and shepherding) working in concert with each other cannot be overstated. The blend of these three ingredients is a necessity if you want the base of the Church to be palatable. Any church that over or under emphasizes these will see long-term or even sometimes short-term effects of that error. Thus, when you raise the level of one, the other two automatically will need increased. If one is deemed less important, the other two will fall to that level as well. They are inseparable. So then, joy within the church can depend on mutually working together on evangelism, discipleship, and shepherding. Let me explain: Jesus is the cornerstone. Now, picture the three facets of this God-hewn rock. Each face of the cornerstone dictates the next block to be laid which is plumb, true, and square. Jesus clearly said, “on this rock I will build my church” in Matthew 16:18b. Peter may have been inferred to, or maybe Jesus was pointing at himself. Peter’s name, although meaning rock, had to be graciously strengthened after his denial. Christ is the builder, and He has dictated the three faces the building is projected to grow by.

Is your church a growing, vibrant branch of the Vine (Christ)? Are you nourished and expanding your footprint by the Spirit of God? These questions could cater to the thoughts that, “We are adding campuses, growing in numerical attendance, and bringing in more money every year.” Although these markers could be signs of growth, they may also be burying hints of problems. If outward manifestations are lacking, a church can still be growing. My son is now in his early 20’s, he has been the same height for a few years, he makes about the same money every year and is experiencing some minor health issues, but thankfully he is still growing. As long as his network of nerves, his circulatory system, and his heart functions, he will have impact on his culture. Loss of health in any of those areas will lessen it. If God decides to further his physical growth, it will be through his offspring. So, a church plant will have similar characteristics to the sending church. No matter what size of the car, body, or church, the main principles that keep them functioning need to be maintained or reproduced if healthy growth is in their future.

Growing spiritually is a common desire of those who recognize the value of the free gift of salvation. Christ’s love compels us on a path that progressively matures us to fully enjoy Him. All who truly love must have evangelism, discipleship, and shepherding as the common cord for themselves as well as others. At creation, God said that it was not good for us to be alone. We are communal beings needing to be tied together with His cord of love. Loving each other demands discipleship. Not wanting anyone to die spiritually demands evangelism. Loving God requires obeying His commands. He appoints and gives His authority to church leaders requiring them to give an account of how they shepherd His sheep. We will share His vision to maintain health in the body of the Church ff we keep these core principles in sight.

Reflections

What is Your Church Hungry for?

Attendance Growth Yes No
Sustainable Finances Yes No
Larger Church Building Yes No
Spiritual Maturity Yes No
Accomplishing Goals Yes No

What are You Hungry for?

Attendance Growth Yes No
Sustainable Finances Yes No
Larger Church Building Yes No
Spiritual Maturity Yes No
Accomplishing Goals Yes No

How has the Cornerstone been Spiritually Built upon in Your Local Church?

How do you Love Your Community?