When the church I’m a pastor of was 10 years old, I finished a message with the following words:
“Dear, this is the church that God wants us to be, and we will only be this church if you expect Jesus to train to be that kind of Christian.
Is a church like this made up of members like these?
Our church is ten years old and what our church is missing are more programs, more activities, a bigger building or something else.
What our church needs most are members and leaders who:
Have deep compassion
To be kind,
Think of others as superiors,
Knowing how to control one’s own strength, restrict power
Supporting injustice,
Love to the point of enduring unpleasant people,
They have understood and savored Jesus’ forgiveness to the point that they are willing to forgive and ask for forgiveness when necessary.
Our church needs grateful and satisfied members and leaders to pave the way for the peace of Christ that reigns within us.
Our church needs all members to be filled with the Word and willing to use it to build the lives of others.
Our church needs members and leaders who live the life of Jesus here in the faith community called the New Life Baptist Church. We need more of Jesus in our lives.
Lord, make us those members and leaders who, because they are so focused and satisfied on the cross of Jesus, become people full of gratitude and love and who can live the life of Jesus here in the community of faith where Jesus placed us. . ?
Today, by re-saying these words, I could only say to God: Thank you and Amen.