A purpose driven church seeks to fulfill the "Great Commission". It is motivated from an overwhelming sincere desire to see others come into fellowship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. It encourages its members to spiritually grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ through His WORD. It fosters a healthy environment for developing an ongoing forever-growing intimate relationship with Him through the power of His Holy Spirit. Biblical principles are applied when dealing with life situations. When you actually begin to implement God's principles in your daily lifestyle you will see a definite change. A surface relationship is no longer acceptable. An ongoing personal relationship with the Lord will sustain, lead, guide and direct you through your life's journey. It is virtually impossible to have a true encounter with God that doesn't have some type of impact. Your desire to live a life pleasing to God increases as you grow spiritually. Your life will have purpose. It is a journey like no other. This is not a journey like the hamster on a treadmill. Just merely spinning your wheels and not ever getting anywhere! Dark old habits, lying, envy, strife, coveting, addictions and heartaches are allowed to come to the surface to actually dissipate in His penetrating yet convicting Light. A purpose driven Church will teach you that our lives and heart are open and exposed to God. There is absolutely nothing that is hidden from God. Acknowledging, confessing and actually experiencing repentance from sin should become welcomed companions. It does not merely encourage one to enlist in a barrage of activities. God truly is recognized as the central focus. Families are encouraged to foster healthy nurturing home environments. A healthy ministry is composed of healthy families. Being a Christian becomes a lifestyle rather than a weekend activity. This helps the old nature to become continuously harnessed and brought under self-control. God's illuminating Light begins to brighten your path. His abiding Holy Spirit is there to comfort in sickness, distress or grief.
A purpose driven ministry is a place where everyone actually is someone.
The old, in between and young are equally welcomed. They are encouraged to participate utilizing whatever gifts they have to offer for the furtherance of God's Kingdom. Mutual respect replaces discriminating favoritism. Manipulation massed as compassion is unacceptable. A cult cliquish mentality is consciously not welcomed. A sincere effort to establish a balanced spiritual Body is indisputable. True freedom in Christ through the knowledge of His WORD is realized. The elders of God's flock consciously encourages God centered relationships rather than dictating control and domination. Only God receives the preeminence!
The Church body of a purpose driven Ministry openly recognizes that Jesus Christ is the only "Great Head of His Church". In many congregations the pastor is often thought of as "the head". This misconception is abandoned. The Church is actually His Bride! John clearly and carefully affirms that he himself was not the Light! That he came to bear witness that Jesus Christ was the Light of the world. John 10 tells us that there will be one Shepherd and one flock. The pastor is actually one of many overseers of God's flock. They are charged to feed God's flock with wisdom and understanding through His WORD according to Jeremiah 3. Although there are many members in the body not one is more important than the other. God puts the members in the body as it pleases HIM! A mature pastor does not feel threatened He knows His position in Christ. In order to have a healthy spiritual environment we must give God His proper respect. God is a God of order. A secure pastor equips the saints through the WORD. This empowers the members to recognize "truth from error". He abandons the need to abuse or manipulate the congregation. He instead encourages the members to be lead by the Holy Spirit. A purpose driven ministry recognizes the need for the saints first to be equipped themselves. Then they are willing and able to go forth confidently fulfilling His "Great Commission". A fulfilling effective ministry seeks to acknowledge God in all of their ways. All of God's children are equally welcomed by sincerely acknowledging all nations. They realize "Flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven." The membership is represented by every walk of life. God is Sovereign and Father of all.
Ask yourself is your current ministry purpose driven? What is its purpose? Is it to merely solicit funding to maintain the building? Is to grow in numbers? Is it to equip the saints? Is it to restore families? Is it to enlighten others no matter what their color and introduce them to Christ? Is it actually filling the "Great Commission" Christ died so we might be free. He and He alone is the only one to walk in the flesh and actually conquer sin in the flesh. He is our perfect example. Each and every one of us needs a Savior. His precious blood is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is worthy of all the glory and the honor. Just know your freedom has been purchased. God's resources are inexhaustible and available to you. John tells us " that the kingdom of heaven is at hand". Which means it's right here! There is nothing in the world that even compares to what God has to offer. Know without a doubt as His child "He will never leave you nor forsake you".
A purpose driven ministry will encourage you to do your homework. Psalms tells us that we will be blessed if we "meditate upon His Word day and night." Life brings joys, sorrow, and grief, with much spiritual warfare. We must realistically be prepared. How much of your time is really spent in prayer and meditation? Why not commence to bathe in the warmth of His Word? It has cleansing power. God has the ultimate design for your life. How will you know what it is if you don't spend time with Him?
Acknowledging God, as Creator is optional from the world‘s perspective. This is why it is very important that God becomes the focal point of our worship services. We live in the world but we are not supposed to be like the world! "It is in Him we move and live and have our being." His principles of balance and harmony are indispensably visible. His heightless firmament is a constant reminder of His awesome presence. His grace displayed adorns the sky in the form of tender clouds. Suspended high above like soft billowing cotton. Although His omnipotent power is ever present He won't force His way into your life.
A purpose driven ministry actually implements Biblical principles. The praise and worship harmoniously complement one another. It should ultimately be a place where the children of God can unload; refuel, recharge, and leave refreshed and ready to proclaim the Gospel. When and if desired unbelievers are readily encouraged to choose adoption into the "Family of God". The main focus of a purpose driven ministry is committed to reconciling souls to Jesus Christ. We as His children actually become His ambassadors! An ambassador is sent to fulfill a duty. Ask yourself? Are you fulfilling your duty? Is Christ really the center of your ministry?
About the Author:
DeBorrah K. Ogans is a licensed Pastoral Counselor and ordained minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master's Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. DeBorrah is a Co-Founder along with her husband Randall of " Alpha 7 Ministries ". She is the author of a pre-marital guide "How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do", and just released her second book "Holy Matrimony: Now That You're Married".
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