North Bend Church of Christ - Discussion Forum: "What Drives A Church"

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North Bend Church of Christ » The Church of Christ » Devotionals From All Over

"What Drives A Church" - by Norm Russell

Mark
#1

Posted on 12/03/2020 01:25

Super Administrator

Posts: 223
Joined: 08/07/2011 13:16

"What Drives A Church" - by Norm Russell (Published October 2002, the message is timeless)

There have been numerous mentions of becoming a purpose driven church. What does that mean? In Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Church, the author discusses the concept at length. First, a church (all churches) have some force that drives it. A car will just sit in one place unless its owner gets in, starts it, puts it in gear and guides it down the road. Warren identifies five things that guide a church.

First, he says a church is guided by finances. This is a congregation that makes every decision based on financial matters. Sometimes, it is necessary to take a critical look at the money issue. However, when a church is guided strictly by the dollar, be assured it will never move forward. Second, a church can be guided by programs. We experienced this sort of thing in our churches in the past. The [children's church] bus program was a good effort but it soon became the proverbial tail wagging the dog. Third, personalizes can be me force behind the church. An influential member can at times completely control the direction of a congregation. Fourth, a church can be guided by tradition. The way things have always been done becomes the measurement of whether we should initiate a ministry. Fifth, needs of outsiders become the guide for all decisions and direction of the church. I think we should always be sensitive to the needs of our communities.

Jesus was [sensitive to community needs] and if we are going to be Jesus to our community then we must be sensitive to the needs of our neighbor However, that should never be that which drives our church. Now that we have identified those things which should not be the driving force behind us, what should be our purpose and how can we become a purpose driven church? Stay tuned, because I will not only address this in this space, but as soon as I finish with Philippians, there will be a series of sermons on "the purpose of the church."

Norm Russell

P.S. Be watching for great things to happen this year and get involved.
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Posted for the author by:
Mark R. Magill
System Administrator

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"What Drives A Church" - by Norm Russell
Mark	#1 Posted on 12/03/2020 01:25
Super Administrator Posts: 223 Joined: 08/07/2011 13:16	"What Drives A Church" - by Norm Russell (Published October 2002, the message is timeless) There have been numerous mentions of becoming a purpose driven church. What does that mean? In Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Church, the author discusses the concept at length. First, a church (all churches) have some force that drives it. A car will just sit in one place unless its owner gets in, starts it, puts it in gear and guides it down the road. Warren identifies five things that guide a church. First, he says a church is guided by finances. This is a congregation that makes every decision based on financial matters. Sometimes, it is necessary to take a critical look at the money issue. However, when a church is guided strictly by the dollar, be assured it will never move forward. Second, a church can be guided by programs. We experienced this sort of thing in our churches in the past. The [children's church] bus program was a good effort but it soon became the proverbial tail wagging the dog. Third, personalizes can be me force behind the church. An influential member can at times completely control the direction of a congregation. Fourth, a church can be guided by tradition. The way things have always been done becomes the measurement of whether we should initiate a ministry. Fifth, needs of outsiders become the guide for all decisions and direction of the church. I think we should always be sensitive to the needs of our communities. Jesus was [sensitive to community needs] and if we are going to be Jesus to our community then we must be sensitive to the needs of our neighbor However, that should never be that which drives our church. Now that we have identified those things which should not be the driving force behind us, what should be our purpose and how can we become a purpose driven church? Stay tuned, because I will not only address this in this space, but as soon as I finish with Philippians, there will be a series of sermons on "the purpose of the church." Norm Russell P.S. Be watching for great things to happen this year and get involved. \| Posted for the author by: Mark R. Magill System Administrator