Leading a 21st Century Church: Disciples Making Disciples

I have been curious about the 21st-century church in America. I've done a lot of research, collected ideas, listened to conference speakers, and talked with others. But, until recently, I have not had the opportunity to put these collected ideas into practice. As an Outreach Pastor, I was not included in discussions about the future of the church I was serving. However, my status at our annual conference has recently changed. I am now serving as the lead pastor of a small neighborhood church.

Two weeks ago, I preached my first sermon at my new church. After much thought and prayer, I have chosen to begin my time there with a three-part sermon series. The three parts are: What God Wants You to Know, What God Wants for You, and What God Wants for His Church. Each week, I will publish a blog post based on each Sermon I have preached. I'm hoping that this will lead to discussions in the comments section that can help all of us serve God better.

Additionally, I will occasionally post updates on ministries, missions, and evangelism plans that we have put into place. It would be great if others would post how they are growing their churches. We know we cannot continue to do church the way "we have always done it before," but it can be difficult to know how to make churches relevant to our neighborhoods and communities these days.

In theory, we should be multiplying our congregations. Recognizing gifts in others and mentoring them creates a larger pool of disciples who can use their gifts in ministry and disciple others in their walk with Christ. In the past, it was understood that the minister was supported by the congregation in carrying out the church's ministry. And while it worked in the last century, it is not a successful approach today. Besides, it was not a biblical model of the church.

The church in the first century did not have a paid pastor to do the work of the church. The church really was the people. Luke tells us in the beginning of Acts, "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 Everyone was involved in prayer, growing in their faith, and discipleship. It worked incredibly well, with thousands joining the church. I believe it will work just as well now.

When all believers in the church become disciples who make disciples, the church will flourish. I can't wait to see multiplication today as the church experienced 2000 years ago.