When we think about building a new church building, it’s easy for us to begin imagining all of the wonderful changes that will result in our church life. For the church that creates a sanctuary in a gym and then boxes it up several hours later, the idea of having a permanent church home is euphoric. For those who yearn for better back support, higher quality seating will bring relief. Looking forward to a more accommodating space for fellowship? Yes, the new facility will be great. And for those who are thinking about the positive changes that it will bring to our in- house ministries, there’s much to be excited about.
However, for all the wonderful things we’ll get to enjoy in the new church building, there’s so much more to consider. Just take, for instance, the words of our Lord and consider the implications of this new building on a much broader scale – the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. We find those incredible words in Matthew 28:19-20: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This passage comes at the end of the gospel and launches the disciples and us into an incredible mission. It comes from our King and He states that He has all authority. He has the authority to command the mission and the authority and power to enable us to complete the mission.
He says, “Go,” and with that one word we know that we are not to remain still or retreat, but move forward in obedience. He says that we are to make disciples and those disciples are to be taught to know and obey the truths of God. Note the scope of the mission – all nations. This means that while we must disciple those close to us, we must also look beyond. If we think about the new church building primarily in terms of a greater opportunity to make more disciples throughout Cherokee county, we will find our hearts brimming with excitement.
Ponder This
- Faith Community Church is part of a very small group of churches in Cherokee county that have a high view of God, a low view of man, and a high view of the scriptures. Most area churches have a philosophy and teaching that is opposite and the results have been devastating to the souls of people. We even have local churches that are openly discouraging the reliance on the scriptures. Much more could be said, but the point is that by God’s grace, FCC is different and the difference has eternal implications!
- God has prepared FCC for a time such as this. The godly leadership, wide range of ministries, and the multi aged/multi gifted congregation, have been created to “go and make disciples” in greater numbers.
- God has planted FCC into one of the fastest growing counties in America (see accompanying article for more demographics). Now, He is moving us to the part of the county that has the largest population with near access to the most driven highway in the county. Surely, He has provided a great field in which to labor!
Paul writes that we are to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all (1 Th. 5:14). Furthermore, Paul says that our discipleship should be done through imitation (Phil. 3:17). Interestingly, we expect that imitation is done by one person observing the godly life of another. But Paul expands on the dynamic by citing whole churches that imitated other faithful churches (1 Th. 2:14). Think of the incredible impact that FCC may have for Jesus’ Kingdom if God wills!
Lastly, the commands of Jesus to make disciples in this world (Cherokee county) are accompanied by joy. If this were not the case, we would still be compelled to obey the King, but He is gracious to stir joy in our hearts as He works through our work. Again, we listen to Paul as he reflects on his ministry in Thessalonica. “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Th. 2:19-20).
Thinking about the new church building? Think about the tremendous opportunity that the Lord has given us to make disciples in the surrounding areas. The work and joy of discipleship is the Christian life that we were reborn to.