I originally began publishing this new blog in order to highlight the triumphs and tribulations of church revitalization ministry. Along the way I have tried to magnify the unchanging character of God. God is good and He does good. To Him alone belongs the highest praise!
Because this blog is very much a work in progress there are still many important stories that need to be published. Some of these chapters have not yet unfolded and many others are simply waiting to be told. The following is one of many posts that is long overdue: One of the major ingredients of every successful reformation story is a faithful flock that perseveres. If the Spirit of God calls a man of God to come and faithfully preach the Word of God there must be an eager congregation that is willing to receive the inerrant Word and to do the work of ministry. Effective ministry is always a team effort (see my exposition of Colossians 4:7-9).
God must raise up, add to, and/or preserve a faithful remnant that will continue to press on in the midst of various setbacks. This is true of any local church but is especially true in reformation contexts. Most revitalization efforts take many, many years before they begin to fully blossom (note for example the pre-reformation Reformers) and herein lies the problem. Because we live in a "microwave society" it is not uncommon for church members to grow impatient and/or to become frustrated with what has not yet come to be. Some of these friends eventually set sail for bluer waters. This is no doubt one of the most discouraging realities of reformation ministry for leaders and laity alike.
Let's return our thoughts a final time upon the faithful flock that perseveres. In one of my very first posts I wrote this, "It needs to be said at the onset that some of the believers who were apart of this ministry for many, many decades are true saints of the highest order. These faithful believers had been praying for reformation and revival long before I ever arrived. Their piety and prayers combined with the steadfast courage of a group of layman is the human reason why this local church now stands strong in the Lord."
During the past many years of ministry trials and God-sent triumphs our entire church has been purged in the Lord's holy fire. I have been honest about the dross that has been removed and the gold that has been refined along the way. What I have not emphasized enough are the faithful believers who have patiently endured this season of gospel maturation. In the Lord's kindness He has preserved a number of long time FBC members (Christian servants) and has added a number of crucial like-minded saints along the way. This faithful flock has chosen to patiently endure trials of various kinds in order to become the kind of church the Lord loves to bless (see Revelation 2-3; Acts 2:42).
Despite our many wrinkles and warts I humbly believe that FBC Freeport has become the most Bible-driven, grace-exalting, Christ-focused local church in Stephenson County. I write all of this to the praise of His glorious grace!!! Ephesians 3:20-21; Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
