Continued Series from “The Church…The Clash of Man’s Expectation & God’s Plan Series”
One of the important factors that we should consider when it comes to clash of man’s expectation and God’s plan is the church culture. If we spend long enough time in any church we will discern the culture of that particular church. We will see the flavor of the church and what they highly value. We will observe the goals that it sets for itself. Many of those flavors are God’s heart uniquely expressed in various churches which is beautiful to see. However, sometimes a church can set out goals that on the surface look very spiritual, but they can have negative implications.
Goals and Values
For example, a church that sets a timeline for planting new churches can create an unrealistic goal that makes people strive to reach it. While planting churches is a wonderful desire, it cannot happen in man’s timetable. Making it a goal, can cause a sense of failure in those who can’t reach it. For others it can drive them to create “Ishmaels” in attempting to meet the objectives that “man” has set.
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, Romans 12:4
Another example of the church culture is the work of ministry. If “ministry” is considered the most important job, it can set certain unrealistic expectations for the flock such as the following:
- The work of “ministry” can become more important than the person we are ministering to.
- Individuals can become performance driven. Some are compelled to reach a pinnacle of success in “ministry” in order to feel validated or significant.
- Some are convinced that unless they directly minister to others, lead a ministry, or work for the church; they are not fulfilling God’s call in their lives.
- Imitation and competition can develop in order to appear successful.
- Marriages can get strained because one spouse desires to do the work of the “ministry” and the other doesn’t feel led to do so.
Ministering to people is one of the hallmarks of the life of a believer, but the nature and the sphere of ministry will be unique to each individual. All of us are called to be ministers unto the Lord in whatever sphere we are. The majority of people will not be called to do their primary work of ministry in the church but in their community. As the people of God, we should always contribute to the work of our local church, but we’re not necessarily called to make a career out of it.
God will use us in our daily lives if we are submitted to His authority and yielded to His voice. When ministry becomes part of our DNA, we represent Him wherever we go. It is not a cloak that we put on and take off based on our duties and responsibilities in ministry. We are passionate to take the Good News of Salvation to those who are perishing and the words of encouragement to those who already know Him.
There is much more to say about the church culture. I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
Thanks Karline, Good point about some believers are not called to make a career out of position in the church. Believers really need to understand the difference between called and driven. God has a specific niche for every one of us in the church, workplace and community; our job is to find it. Here we go again going back to motives, what are we truly seeking when We try to fit in, and let’s look in our hearts to see why are We doing what We are doing? A key is Jesus has already given Us identity, because of what He has already done on the cross. We can be confident in our own skin. The individual in the flock needs to find out what part do they play in the body, and get a servant mentality and heart to serve.
Yes, very true Tim! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. If we can handle ministry well, it can eliminate a lot of unnecessary confusion and disappointment.