Effective Churches - Faithful Members

on August 15, 2011 by Walt Dilg

Effective Churches - Faithful Members

Robert Schnase writes these words in his book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations: “Churches embrace newcomers with a sustaining sense of belonging when they practice Christ’s Radical Hospitality. Through Passionate Worship, God shapes hearts and minds, creating the desire to grow in Christ. Through the practice of Intentional Faith Development, people make themselves available to listen for God’s Word and for the Spirit to mature their understanding of God’s will. Inner spiritual growth finds outward expression in Risk-Taking Mission and Service as people respond to God’s call to make a positive difference in the lives of others. (And) as people grow in relationship to Christ, they grow also in the practice of Extravagant Generosity, offering more of themselves for the purposes of Christ and providing the resources that strengthen ministry and that help the church touch the lives of more and more people in the same way their own lives have been transformed by God.” (108)

 The relationship between faithful members and effective churches is a both/and.  They are inter-related, dependent on each other.  As we seek to be the church of the resurrection, we need to be people of the resurrection. 

What I have hoped we have realized is that what we have sought in a congregation is what others seek as well – a place of supportive and nurturing relationships and a place of stimulating and motivating purpose and meaning.  The more we meet these needs through our programs and activities, the more we become effective as a body of Christ and the more fruit we bear for the Kingdom of God. 

Effective churches begin with us, opening our hearts to the Lord, our arms to others – embodying the Lord’s love in our lives.  To grow the church, we grow ourselves and aid others along their journey. 

Lord help us, each day, along this way.