We are acquainted with a couple preparing to launch a new nondenominational church. Relatively new to pastoral endeavor, they frequently ask concerning various related interests - e.g., organizational structure; incorporation under state laws; constitution and bylaws; IRS registration; property needs and deeds; outreach programs, etc.
Concerns of such nature are obviously necessary. At the same time, success in a spiritually meaningful sense involves more than mere ecclesial mechanics. Whether in the pulpit or in the pew, the following bears significance in one's pursuit of kingdom interests.
God does not call us to mimic another's "success." While we may at times learn from others' efforts and experiences (as well as their mistakes), the fact remains that they are not we and we are not they - nor does God so see us. We typically stymie divine purpose in trying to be someone else, whether in relation to ministry, church growth and development, or whatever.
Methodology is not to be confused with anointing - or, in many instances, simple logic and practicality.
We once knew a pastor who announced to his congregation one Sunday that he had just learned of another church in which a member had publicly and voluntarily made confession of wrongdoing. Similarly moved, others had begun standing and asking for forgiveness for personal failings. As a result, revival had "broken out" in their church. "So now," the pastor continued, "we shall take time for the confession of sins so that revival may come to this church." Seldom have I ever witnessed anything fall more "flat" in a church service.
Again, we recall a gentleman of some years ago who, being resident in a farming region of the Midwest, was sure that if we would just emulate a particular evangelist known for conducting summertime "barn revivals," the results would surely prove gratifying. We were not overly disappointed in his failure at generating enthusiasm for the proposal. God is not limited to moving in barns.
In somewhat similar vein, we are also reminded of the time the denomination with which we were then affiliated decided that the answer to declineing membership and failing dynamic lay in designating particular pastors within the region to the additional role of "renewal facilitators." As such, their responsibility at such point consisted of setting up the denomination's new "church growth and renewal program" in the various churches. Such was all but certain to turn things around. Before long, however, a major problem surfaced in that the two designated pastors in our particular region were so discouraged with their own failing congregations that both resigned shortly thereafter and moved on to opportunities elsewhere.
As E. M. Bounds famously observed: "The Holy Spirit does not come on machinery, but on men." Nor, for that matter, is the Spirit dependent on our self-generated schemes for advancing God's kingdom.
We do well to remember.
Burl Ratzsch
