There is no perfect model of church.
Recently, someone asked me which of the five-fold ministry gifts (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher) I identified with. It was a new question for me, and I took some time to reflect on it. After considering my strengths and passions, I realized that the evangelist gift resonated with me the most. I'm passionate about being part of a church community that prioritizes reaching out to people who may not yet know about Jesus.
Interestingly, my friend Alwyn has a different perspective. He's an incredible speaker and teacher, and he prefers a church that focuses on nurturing and supporting those who are already part of the faith community. On the other hand, my friend Heath has a unique approach. He's drawn to unconventional settings and methods for sharing the gospel, and he may never feel satisfied with a typical church structure.
What I've come to understand is that there's no one-size-fits-all model for doing church. Instead of criticizing each other's preferences, we should recognize the value in each approach and find ways to work together for the greater good.
Tim Keller calls this concept a gospel eco-system. Imagine it like a beautiful garden where every plant, flower, and creature contributes to something incredible. Similarly, churches, denominations, and believers can come together to spread love and hope in our cities.
At the center of this ecosystem is the idea of sharing the gospel in ways that connect with people where they are – like planting seeds of faith in everyday life. Surrounding this core are various components, like church planting movements and specialized ministries, each playing a vital role in reaching different groups of people.
And just like gardeners tend to their plants, leaders guide and nurture the church community, ensuring that it grows strong and healthy. When all these parts work together harmoniously, amazing things happen – more people find hope, love, and purpose, and our cities become better places to live.
Before my children were born, I prayed for their health and well-being, focusing on the things that worried me the most. Recently, Andy Stanley delved into one of Jesus' final prayers to understand his concerns for his disciples and the early church. In John chapter 17, we hear Jesus' heartfelt prayer. Surprisingly, what troubled Jesus the most wasn't external threats or challenges, but rather, it was the risk of disunity among his followers.
Jesus saw disunity as the greatest danger to his disciples and the budding church. He understood that for the church to thrive, unity was essential. This message is just as relevant today as it was then.
Our cities need all types of churches – mega churches, small churches, charismatic, Baptist, non-denominational, Methodist – they all play a crucial role. Additionally, para-church organizations and strong leaders are vital in making a positive impact in our communities.
Instead of squabbling and fighting amongst ourselves, let's come together in unity for the greater good of God's kingdom. Together, we can influence and demonstrate to our cities that we are truly for them. Let's set aside our differences and unite for the common purpose of sharing God's love and making a positive difference in our world.