One Church...Multiple Locations One Church. . . Multiple Locations
The US has earned a reputation: the land of lawsuits. Only in America would someone spill hot coffee on herself in the car and decide that someone else is responsible. Only in America would someone sue the owners of the World Trade Center because airplanes flew into them and a relative was killed.
One of the craziest suits ever had to be one by two guys against Sears. Seems they decided to together lift up a running lawn mower and use it to trim a hedge. After they cut off a finger or two, they sued Sears because the instruction manual failed to warn: "Do not use mower as a hedge trimmer!!" Probably to protect themselves, manufacturers of power equipment should just put on something in bold letters that says, "Do not buy if stupid!" Some of us are so bad about reading manuals that we even have a saying about it: If all else fails, read the instructions.
When it comes to what we call "doing church" we too often fail to read the directions. We mostly just plot and plan the form and function of the church to suit our needs or desires or tradition.
So, if we’re biblical, we conclude that the Church isn’t a cozy club or comfortable place we can re-invent or re-define for our generation, the Church is a building work of the Son of God, to which He invites us to participate. And if we’re serious about His work of building the Church in our time and place, then we need to closely and regularly examine and re-examine the NT concept of Church, and how Christ builds it. And, we need to realign with His concept.
How does the NT define Church? There are two key ones: they give us real insight into Christ’s vision for His new community. The first one is the called out people: the Greek word is ecclesia.
When the NT refers to Christ’s Body as the called out people, it refers to the fact that part of Christ’s mission on planet earth was assemble a great and distinct community of worshippers who would be God’s for all of eternity. There is an eternal calling on your life if you’re part of that company.
It means Jesus staked a claim on our lives -- He transferred us from one loyalty to another. We’re called away from allegiance to the world and all the lifestyle choices that that loyalty entails, and we’re called to allegiance to Jesus and His Kingdom. Jesus calls us to buy into His Kingdom agenda as the mission and priority and purpose of life.
The Church becomes the visible expression of Christ’s invisible Kingdom, in which Christians become citizens. On thing is clear, when you read about the church especially in the book of Acts: even though the church was just born, it immediately possessed a distinct identity as Christ’s people.
Called out also means we were called together. When we come to know Jesus Christ, we can’t operate any longer as independent agents. That’s why the second NT definition is used so much. It’s the community of God’s people The Greek word here is koinonia. Community describes the deeply committed relationships of caring and loving each other; it also pictures the commitment Christians need to spur each other on toward spiritual maturity.
The church’s fellowship is described in several figures of speech:
The flock of God (1 Peter 5:2) He is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep.
The bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9)
The temple of the Holy Spirit Ephesians 2:21-22)
We are called to be a living and functioning organism that has a purpose give by God Himself.
Acts 2:41-47 is a model for us today.
1. Christ intends for His Church to grow “up.” (2:42)
”All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
The believers gave themselves to two pursuits: the first of them is to the apostles’ teaching. The word that’s translated devoted means they persisted in or they continued steadfastly in. . . . They gave time, effort, attention, consideration, effort to the apostles teaching. They were consumed with knowing more about God.
Scripture re-molds our thinking. It’s described as a sharp sword that slices into the thinking and intentions of our hearts.
We’ve got more Bible than this first church had. We’ve got the NT in written words. The God of the Universe spoke in human language and we have a record we can read, hear, study, memorize and use for meditation.
At the end of 42, we find them also deeply given to prayer. God was real to them, they saw His work and His will through His Word; it was only natural that they respond to Him in prayer. Prayer is talking with God. The early church engaged God in prayer. They didn’t have a special time reserved for a prayer meeting. They prayed whenever they met. They prayed when a need arose like someone getting tossed into prison for sharing Christ. They prayed before they determined who they should send out as missionaries. They prayed over leadership decisions. They prayed for the advance of the gospel.
The early church celebrated their faith with their lives. Everything they did was a reflection of their vertical relationship with God.
2. Christ intends for His Church to grow “in.” (2:42, 44-46)
Verse 42 says they broke bread together from (house to house); this is a daily occurrence in this first church; they gave lots of time to just being together. Breaking bread means they shared common meals together.
The close relational fellowship God offers us as we grow together is unparalleled in the culture. You will never find elsewhere what God offers you in biblical fellowship and community.
They not only shared their homes and their time and their food but they shared their means.
“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” Acts 44-45
This is right after Pentecost; there were thousands of pilgrims in Jerusalem who had come for the feast; lots of them became Christians -- and they wanted to stay and learn more and grow in the new faith; but they had no means to eat, no means to live. So brand-new Christians who lived in or near Jerusalem, those who owned property, or other pilgrims who maybe had carried valuables with them, willing sold whatever they possessed and they gave it to meet the need.
It’s not socialism or communism, this was completely voluntary. It wasn’t socialistic equality; the proceeds got distributed to whoever had needs. The point of the passage is, Christ was at work drawing people not only to Himself, but to each other. He’s forging a new community that exhibits its identity by how it loves and cares for each other.
Christ’s church is designed to grow together. The call of Christ on you and on me, and on us as a church is to the kind of community that the culture will notice. Mark it down; you can measure the health of any church anywhere by how well it operates as a family and community. Is the church known by its connectedness? Do people see our hospitality and commitment to spend time with each other? Do people see us doing ministry in and out of our homes? (Small Group in my house.)
3. Christ intends for His Church to grow out. (2:47)
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[j]—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Acts 46-47
The first two aspects we’ve looked at are a description of health. A healthy body that grows deep in its nourishment; a truth relationship with Christ, which builds it in strength and health. And a healthy body whose members love and care for each other--that too maintains health in the body.
Healthy bodies reproduce. There’s a principle we sometimes ignore or overlook. Healthy churches grow larger. People come to know Christ, as they did in verse 47. Healthy Christians reach out, share life with each other, in full view of unbelievers. And unbelievers respond to both the message of Christ and the testimony of community. They want what they see in Christians.
Acts 6:7 “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Acts 9:31 “Then the church through Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”
Acts 12:24 “But the word of God continued to increase and spread.”
Acts 16:5: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
Acts 19:20: “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
Christ designed the church to multiply. He commanded us to go. It wasn’t optional.
On the second Sunday in June I will start my seventh years as lead pastor of this church.
The last six years:
Defining the vision (3 C’s, Core values, multi-site) Strengthening the church (Small Groups, Follower’s Life, Starting Point) Adding key staffIdentifying leadersReal Life
Multi-site: What does it mean? (See handout)
One church multiple locations
The church in America has 247 million people who claim to be Christians but it certainly does not have enough Christ followers.
Juan Carlos Ortiz said, “The average Christian is educated to at least three years beyond their level of obedience.”
As a church we have a mission: Leading people into a growing relationship with Christ.
How does that happen?
Who makes that happen?
Is this mission for every Christ follower that is a part of this church?
What are you doing to make this happen?
Service or Serve US!
Multi-site alignment:
One Church. . .multiple locations!
Bigger buildings are expensive, often impractical, and are less effective in reaching people more than 20 minute drive from it.
Outreach into surrounding communities is increased when the church makes worship venues available in those communities.
Local venues allows a smaller church feel and family atmosphere that is often lost with typical “mega churches”.
Daughter churches (although often a viable option) lose the symbiotic relationship of working intimately within a broader community of believers. All too often daughter churches die due to neglect or unsound nurturing.
Most importantly, our church is called by God to reach out to everyone. We do not have the option to ignore this calling. We must do more rather than simply do nothing and hope that those in need of God will find Him somewhere else.
Juan Carlos Ortiz sat comfortable in his chair while the congregation finished the final stanza of a song. He looked out over the congregation he had been pasturing for many years. He reviewed once again the points of the sermon. He wanted to make sure he did not forget anything. He had labored in pray for many hours on what to say to the congregation. He had spent many hours in his study crafting each point and tailoring each illustration to support the theme of the sermon. The title of his message was rather simple, Love One Another, but he thought that the message was very important given the spiritual life of the congregation.
When the band played the final note of the song, Pastor Ortiz stood up to walk to the pulpit but as he stood, God spoke.
"Juan" "Yes, Lord"
From his Pentecostal background, Juan Carlos Ortiz had no problem with the idea of God communicating with an audible voice. He only questioned the timing but the conversation continued as Pastor Ortiz slowly walked to the pulpit.
"How many sermons have your preached on theme of loving one another?" "I don't know Lord, maybe a dozen or more." "And how many times have your exhorted the congregation in other sermons to love one another."
"I don't know Lord, maybe a dozen or more also." Have they done any good?
The conversation with God ended the moment Pastor Ortiz positioned himself behind the pulpit. The Lord's words were ringing in his ears. He thought to himself, "I have preached dozens of sermons on love and what good have they done. This congregation still spends more time looking after their own interests more than others. They barely know one another. They are not friends with each other. They barely talk to one another after the church service." Juan Carlos stood silent in the pulpit. His congregation waited for him to begin his sermon. Pastor Ortiz began his sermon, "Love one another." He then went and sat down.
People looked at one another thinking that they had missed something. They were accustomed to sermon of nearly an hour not 3 seconds. The congregation did not know what to do. After what seemed like an eternity, Juan Carlos walked back to the pulpit. The people repositioned themselves in their pews assuming that he would now deliver his message. Juan Carlos again said, "Love one another," and then he again sat down. Heads really began to turn. Some began to murmur. No one knew what to do. Pastor Ortiz again waited and then he again walked to the pulpit. He waited for the congregation to become settled and then as before the only words he delivered were three, "Love one another" before he returned to his chair behind the pulpit.
Now a general stirring moved through the congregation. People began talking to one another, everyone asking the other if they knew what their pastor meant. Finally, an elder stood up and spoke. He said, "I think that I understand what Pastor Ortiz means. He wants me to love you." (Pointing to someone in the pew behind him) "But how can I love you, when I do not know you." With that, he introduced himself and began to meet the people behind him. Others got up from their pews and introduced themselves to people they had seen but not met. Phone numbers were exchanged. Dinner invitations extended. Arrangements were made for financial assistance. Before the service ended, someone raised enough money for bus tickets a family could return to their village. Another man arranged employment for a man out of work and someone offered an apartment a homeless family. With just three simple words he delivered his most powerful sermon.
We are a church that connects people to one another by loving and caring for each other.
This past week, Bill Weaver and I visited a friend of Bill’s in recording studio in Nashville TN. While in this place we were invited to meet a living legend in the production side of music. Bob Johnston produced albums for Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Byrds, Willie Nelson, Carl Perkins, and a whole lot of other well known people. We were warned that he was a salty old guy with some really graphic language. At one point, Bill and I were in a very small room with this man for about ten minutes or so. We started asking questions and boy did he start talking. I learned how Willie Nelson managed to have the IRS tapes after losing everything. We learned about conversations with the Beatles and Bob Dylan but the most impressive thing of all was the last two or three seconds I spent with this man. When we were leaving this small office he grabbed my hand to shake it and then he put his other hand around my wrist in a sign of real connection and appreciation. I was taken back. Here was a man with an impressive resume a “mile long” but he needed someone to just listen. He was connecting at a pretty deep level because two guys took about ten minutes to ask about his life.
To be honest if you saw this man on the streets of Nashville you wouldn’t think music business. You would think, homeless, down and out, or anything else but who he was.
It hit me with real force. It is all about connecting with people only we do it not to add friends to our address books. We do it as the body of Christ because in this neighborhood and in the Real life neighborhood and in future place we put other locations we will be a representative of Christ body on this earth. If someone is shown genuine authentic love it is going to be because we were there. If someone learns about Jesus through free school supplies, or a free car wash or a postage stamp giveaway it will be because we were there. If someone finds God through a small group or community of Christ followers it will be because someone stepped up to open their home and maybe even lead a group..
Are you getting the picture? We are to be the church or Christ’s functioning body in this world and Newark Church of the Nazarene is going to be that. We are going to be that wherever the doors open for us to be that. If that means Mt. Vernon or Zanesville or east Columbus then we find a way to make it happen because we are going to follow Jesus with the message He has given us and share it in the ways we believe are His ways.
Martin Luther King wrote a letter from the Birmingham jail and I want to close with some of those words:
“In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? l am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists.
There was a time when the church was very powerful in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators"' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide. and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an arch-defender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent and often even vocal sanction of things as they are. But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.”
Let’s be the church shall we? Let’s stand and sing this great old hymn, The Churches One Foundation.
Prayer:
Followers of Christ choose the will of God this week and be the church.
2007/05/06
Sermon Reources available here...
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Sermon Reources available here...
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
Content goes here
One Church...Multiple Locations One Church. . . Multiple Locations
The US has earned a reputation: the land of lawsuits. Only in America would someone spill hot coffee on herself in the car and decide that someone else is responsible. Only in America would someone sue the owners of the World Trade Center because airplanes flew into them and a relative was killed.
One of the craziest suits ever had to be one by two guys against Sears. Seems they decided to together lift up a running lawn mower and use it to trim a hedge. After they cut off a finger or two, they sued Sears because the instruction manual failed to warn: "Do not use mower as a hedge trimmer!!" Probably to protect themselves, manufacturers of power equipment should just put on something in bold letters that says, "Do not buy if stupid!" Some of us are so bad about reading manuals that we even have a saying about it: If all else fails, read the instructions.
When it comes to what we call "doing church" we too often fail to read the directions. We mostly just plot and plan the form and function of the church to suit our needs or desires or tradition.
So, if we’re biblical, we conclude that the Church isn’t a cozy club or comfortable place we can re-invent or re-define for our generation, the Church is a building work of the Son of God, to which He invites us to participate. And if we’re serious about His work of building the Church in our time and place, then we need to closely and regularly examine and re-examine the NT concept of Church, and how Christ builds it. And, we need to realign with His concept.
How does the NT define Church? There are two key ones: they give us real insight into Christ’s vision for His new community. The first one is the called out people: the Greek word is ecclesia.
When the NT refers to Christ’s Body as the called out people, it refers to the fact that part of Christ’s mission on planet earth was assemble a great and distinct community of worshippers who would be God’s for all of eternity. There is an eternal calling on your life if you’re part of that company.
It means Jesus staked a claim on our lives -- He transferred us from one loyalty to another. We’re called away from allegiance to the world and all the lifestyle choices that that loyalty entails, and we’re called to allegiance to Jesus and His Kingdom. Jesus calls us to buy into His Kingdom agenda as the mission and priority and purpose of life.
The Church becomes the visible expression of Christ’s invisible Kingdom, in which Christians become citizens. On thing is clear, when you read about the church especially in the book of Acts: even though the church was just born, it immediately possessed a distinct identity as Christ’s people.
Called out also means we were called together. When we come to know Jesus Christ, we can’t operate any longer as independent agents. That’s why the second NT definition is used so much. It’s the community of God’s people The Greek word here is koinonia. Community describes the deeply committed relationships of caring and loving each other; it also pictures the commitment Christians need to spur each other on toward spiritual maturity.
The church’s fellowship is described in several figures of speech:
The flock of God (1 Peter 5:2) He is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep.
The bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9)
The temple of the Holy Spirit Ephesians 2:21-22)
We are called to be a living and functioning organism that has a purpose give by God Himself.
Acts 2:41-47 is a model for us today.
1. Christ intends for His Church to grow “up.” (2:42)
”All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
The believers gave themselves to two pursuits: the first of them is to the apostles’ teaching. The word that’s translated devoted means they persisted in or they continued steadfastly in. . . . They gave time, effort, attention, consideration, effort to the apostles teaching. They were consumed with knowing more about God.
Scripture re-molds our thinking. It’s described as a sharp sword that slices into the thinking and intentions of our hearts.
We’ve got more Bible than this first church had. We’ve got the NT in written words. The God of the Universe spoke in human language and we have a record we can read, hear, study, memorize and use for meditation.
At the end of 42, we find them also deeply given to prayer. God was real to them, they saw His work and His will through His Word; it was only natural that they respond to Him in prayer. Prayer is talking with God. The early church engaged God in prayer. They didn’t have a special time reserved for a prayer meeting. They prayed whenever they met. They prayed when a need arose like someone getting tossed into prison for sharing Christ. They prayed before they determined who they should send out as missionaries. They prayed over leadership decisions. They prayed for the advance of the gospel.
The early church celebrated their faith with their lives. Everything they did was a reflection of their vertical relationship with God.
2. Christ intends for His Church to grow “in.” (2:42, 44-46)
Verse 42 says they broke bread together from (house to house); this is a daily occurrence in this first church; they gave lots of time to just being together. Breaking bread means they shared common meals together.
The close relational fellowship God offers us as we grow together is unparalleled in the culture. You will never find elsewhere what God offers you in biblical fellowship and community.
They not only shared their homes and their time and their food but they shared their means.
“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” Acts 44-45
This is right after Pentecost; there were thousands of pilgrims in Jerusalem who had come for the feast; lots of them became Christians -- and they wanted to stay and learn more and grow in the new faith; but they had no means to eat, no means to live. So brand-new Christians who lived in or near Jerusalem, those who owned property, or other pilgrims who maybe had carried valuables with them, willing sold whatever they possessed and they gave it to meet the need.
It’s not socialism or communism, this was completely voluntary. It wasn’t socialistic equality; the proceeds got distributed to whoever had needs. The point of the passage is, Christ was at work drawing people not only to Himself, but to each other. He’s forging a new community that exhibits its identity by how it loves and cares for each other.
Christ’s church is designed to grow together. The call of Christ on you and on me, and on us as a church is to the kind of community that the culture will notice. Mark it down; you can measure the health of any church anywhere by how well it operates as a family and community. Is the church known by its connectedness? Do people see our hospitality and commitment to spend time with each other? Do people see us doing ministry in and out of our homes? (Small Group in my house.)
3. Christ intends for His Church to grow out. (2:47)
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[j]—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Acts 46-47
The first two aspects we’ve looked at are a description of health. A healthy body that grows deep in its nourishment; a truth relationship with Christ, which builds it in strength and health. And a healthy body whose members love and care for each other--that too maintains health in the body.
Healthy bodies reproduce. There’s a principle we sometimes ignore or overlook. Healthy churches grow larger. People come to know Christ, as they did in verse 47. Healthy Christians reach out, share life with each other, in full view of unbelievers. And unbelievers respond to both the message of Christ and the testimony of community. They want what they see in Christians.
Acts 6:7 “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Acts 9:31 “Then the church through Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”
Acts 12:24 “But the word of God continued to increase and spread.”
Acts 16:5: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
Acts 19:20: “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
Christ designed the church to multiply. He commanded us to go. It wasn’t optional.
On the second Sunday in June I will start my seventh years as lead pastor of this church.
The last six years:
Defining the vision (3 C’s, Core values, multi-site) Strengthening the church (Small Groups, Follower’s Life, Starting Point) Adding key staffIdentifying leadersReal Life
Multi-site: What does it mean? (See handout)
One church multiple locations
The church in America has 247 million people who claim to be Christians but it certainly does not have enough Christ followers.
Juan Carlos Ortiz said, “The average Christian is educated to at least three years beyond their level of obedience.”
As a church we have a mission: Leading people into a growing relationship with Christ.
How does that happen?
Who makes that happen?
Is this mission for every Christ follower that is a part of this church?
What are you doing to make this happen?
Service or Serve US!
Multi-site alignment:
One Church. . .multiple locations!
Bigger buildings are expensive, often impractical, and are less effective in reaching people more than 20 minute drive from it.
Outreach into surrounding communities is increased when the church makes worship venues available in those communities.
Local venues allows a smaller church feel and family atmosphere that is often lost with typical “mega churches”.
Daughter churches (although often a viable option) lose the symbiotic relationship of working intimately within a broader community of believers. All too often daughter churches die due to neglect or unsound nurturing.
Most importantly, our church is called by God to reach out to everyone. We do not have the option to ignore this calling. We must do more rather than simply do nothing and hope that those in need of God will find Him somewhere else.
Juan Carlos Ortiz sat comfortable in his chair while the congregation finished the final stanza of a song. He looked out over the congregation he had been pasturing for many years. He reviewed once again the points of the sermon. He wanted to make sure he did not forget anything. He had labored in pray for many hours on what to say to the congregation. He had spent many hours in his study crafting each point and tailoring each illustration to support the theme of the sermon. The title of his message was rather simple, Love One Another, but he thought that the message was very important given the spiritual life of the congregation.
When the band played the final note of the song, Pastor Ortiz stood up to walk to the pulpit but as he stood, God spoke.
"Juan" "Yes, Lord"
From his Pentecostal background, Juan Carlos Ortiz had no problem with the idea of God communicating with an audible voice. He only questioned the timing but the conversation continued as Pastor Ortiz slowly walked to the pulpit.
"How many sermons have your preached on theme of loving one another?" "I don't know Lord, maybe a dozen or more." "And how many times have your exhorted the congregation in other sermons to love one another."
"I don't know Lord, maybe a dozen or more also." Have they done any good?
The conversation with God ended the moment Pastor Ortiz positioned himself behind the pulpit. The Lord's words were ringing in his ears. He thought to himself, "I have preached dozens of sermons on love and what good have they done. This congregation still spends more time looking after their own interests more than others. They barely know one another. They are not friends with each other. They barely talk to one another after the church service." Juan Carlos stood silent in the pulpit. His congregation waited for him to begin his sermon. Pastor Ortiz began his sermon, "Love one another." He then went and sat down.
People looked at one another thinking that they had missed something. They were accustomed to sermon of nearly an hour not 3 seconds. The congregation did not know what to do. After what seemed like an eternity, Juan Carlos walked back to the pulpit. The people repositioned themselves in their pews assuming that he would now deliver his message. Juan Carlos again said, "Love one another," and then he again sat down. Heads really began to turn. Some began to murmur. No one knew what to do. Pastor Ortiz again waited and then he again walked to the pulpit. He waited for the congregation to become settled and then as before the only words he delivered were three, "Love one another" before he returned to his chair behind the pulpit.
Now a general stirring moved through the congregation. People began talking to one another, everyone asking the other if they knew what their pastor meant. Finally, an elder stood up and spoke. He said, "I think that I understand what Pastor Ortiz means. He wants me to love you." (Pointing to someone in the pew behind him) "But how can I love you, when I do not know you." With that, he introduced himself and began to meet the people behind him. Others got up from their pews and introduced themselves to people they had seen but not met. Phone numbers were exchanged. Dinner invitations extended. Arrangements were made for financial assistance. Before the service ended, someone raised enough money for bus tickets a family could return to their village. Another man arranged employment for a man out of work and someone offered an apartment a homeless family. With just three simple words he delivered his most powerful sermon.
We are a church that connects people to one another by loving and caring for each other.
This past week, Bill Weaver and I visited a friend of Bill’s in recording studio in Nashville TN. While in this place we were invited to meet a living legend in the production side of music. Bob Johnston produced albums for Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Byrds, Willie Nelson, Carl Perkins, and a whole lot of other well known people. We were warned that he was a salty old guy with some really graphic language. At one point, Bill and I were in a very small room with this man for about ten minutes or so. We started asking questions and boy did he start talking. I learned how Willie Nelson managed to have the IRS tapes after losing everything. We learned about conversations with the Beatles and Bob Dylan but the most impressive thing of all was the last two or three seconds I spent with this man. When we were leaving this small office he grabbed my hand to shake it and then he put his other hand around my wrist in a sign of real connection and appreciation. I was taken back. Here was a man with an impressive resume a “mile long” but he needed someone to just listen. He was connecting at a pretty deep level because two guys took about ten minutes to ask about his life.
To be honest if you saw this man on the streets of Nashville you wouldn’t think music business. You would think, homeless, down and out, or anything else but who he was.
It hit me with real force. It is all about connecting with people only we do it not to add friends to our address books. We do it as the body of Christ because in this neighborhood and in the Real life neighborhood and in future place we put other locations we will be a representative of Christ body on this earth. If someone is shown genuine authentic love it is going to be because we were there. If someone learns about Jesus through free school supplies, or a free car wash or a postage stamp giveaway it will be because we were there. If someone finds God through a small group or community of Christ followers it will be because someone stepped up to open their home and maybe even lead a group..
Are you getting the picture? We are to be the church or Christ’s functioning body in this world and Newark Church of the Nazarene is going to be that. We are going to be that wherever the doors open for us to be that. If that means Mt. Vernon or Zanesville or east Columbus then we find a way to make it happen because we are going to follow Jesus with the message He has given us and share it in the ways we believe are His ways.
Martin Luther King wrote a letter from the Birmingham jail and I want to close with some of those words:
“In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? l am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists.
There was a time when the church was very powerful in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators"' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide. and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an arch-defender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent and often even vocal sanction of things as they are. But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.”
Let’s be the church shall we? Let’s stand and sing this great old hymn, The Churches One Foundation.
Prayer:
Followers of Christ choose the will of God this week and be the church.
One Church. . . Multiple Locations
1. Christ intends for His Church to grow “up.” (2:42)
2. Christ intends for His Church to grow “in.” (2:42, 44-46)
3. Christ intends for His Church to grow out. (2:47)