When a Church Repents

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When a local church is growing numerically and financially they may be in a very dangerous position (1 Cor. 10:12).  As with our personal lives, when everything is going well we Christians are (more) prone to wander, drift, or grow lukewarm and NOT EVEN REALIZE IT.  Anyone who has been in Christ for a long time will testify to this reality.  Proverbs 30:8-9, Keep deception and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches.  Feed me with the food that is my portion.  That I may be full and not deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.

Word-driven believers do not pray for trials and hardships but we do learn over the years to "kiss the waves that throw us upon the Rock of ages."  In time we come to "consider it all joy when we encounter trials of various kinds KNOWING that the testing of our faith produces many good things" (James 1:2-6).  We come to view the discipline of our Father as being a gracious act of love. Hebrews 12:9-11 puts it like this, "Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?  For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."

What is true individually is also true corporately.  Seminaries and local churches have a tendency to drift, grow lukewarm, and compromise without even realizing it.  Consider the sad story of Fuller Theological Seminary or the joyous turn around at Southern Seminary.  After many decades of compromise Fuller is sadly one of the leading Liberal training centers in America.   In God's grace, Dr. Mohler helped "save" Southern seminary from a similar fate- but not without first shedding blood, sweat, and tears.  If you are involved in true reformation and/or revitalization work their is a price to be paid!  Anyone who has led such efforts has the personal scars to prove it.  I wish I would have been better prepared for what was in store for me when I became the lead pastor of a church that was once "sick" (which is one of the reasons why I started this blog).

Christ's Call to Repentance and Reformation

In Pastor John MacArthur's recent T4G sermon MacArthur zeroed in on Christ’s reformational call to the churches of Asia Minor in the first three chapters of Revelation.   In this plenary session Pastor John exhorted church leaders and pastors to call their churches to repentance if need be. “We all like calling the nation to repentance,” MacArthur suggests, “but what about calling the church to repentance?” "Have you ever heard of a church—a whole church—that repented? Have you ever been part of a church that openly, genuinely, and contritely repented for sins against its head—the Lord Jesus Christ?"

This message resonated with me for a number of reasons:  
1) Because that is what happened with the congregation I have the joy of serving in NW Illinois.  It has also happened with other churches and seminaries (note for example Dr. Al Mohler/SBTS and the story of FBC, Durham).   

In our context we examined the Word together and acknowledged areas of faith and practice that were not in harmony with the precepts of Scripture (1 Pet. 4:17).  We confessed these shortcomings and asked God for wisdom, strength, perseverance, and grace to make the necessary changes.  Some of the transformations that have taken place have been recounted in this revitalization blog.  I have also sought to be candid concerning some of the challenges I/we have faced along the way.   Biblical change is seldom easy.  I promise you the last thing Satan wants is to witness a local church return to it's founding principles and to reestablish biblical priorities (Colossians 1:28-29; Ephesians 4:11-16; Matthew 28:18-20).  The Evil One will throw all HELL against such efforts (see articles below; note the lyrics in Luther'sm A Mighty Fortress is Our God).

2) Because Revelation 2-3 is one of the most relevant texts in the entire New Testament and yet it often overlooked.  

"Saving A Seminary" (the story of SBTS and Al Mohler and why it matters).

Saving a Seminary was the title of a June 13th World Magazine article with Marvin Olasky and Dr. Al Mohler.  Over the past many years Dr. Mohler has been repeatedly asked how he turned around a once liberal leaning seminary into a bastion of orthodox (biblical) Christianity.  

Mohler has been open and honest while recounting the past and has candidly stated that biblical change doesn't just happen without the shedding of blood, sweat, and tears.  Dr. Mohler has not shared these details in order to present himself as a Christian martyr.  These painful stories remind men that you must be willing to pay a price if God calls you to serve in this type of ministry context.  I have provided plenty of article over the years that emphasize this very point.  This is especially important for pastors and lay leaders who are involved in church revitalization contexts.  We must "consider the cost" before building God's tower.

In view of what God has done in Louisville many leading evangelical leaders have offered praise to God for the reformational efforts of Mohler at Southern seminary.  Dr. Mohler would be the first person to tell you that ONLY GOD can rescue (or turn around) a spiritually sick seminary or church.  Having  said that, the Scriptures also teach that God not only ordains the end He also ordains the means.  In other words, God often chooses to use faithful Christian servants in order to carry out His purposes on earth (see Titus 1:5f; Col. 1:28-29).  In this manner. Dr. Mohler was the primary human instrument that the Lord used to "save" SBTS seminary.

8 Years-8 Transformations

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In a previous post I highlighted some of the ways God has been refining the Senior Pastor at FBC, Freeport.  Today I want to mention some of the ways God has been refining the ministry.  Over the past 8 years how has God changed and reformed the church itself?

After much blood, sweat, and tears:

 1) Our worship service is Word-driven and God-centered; (8+ years ago our worship services had become too man-centered; see Gary Gilley's book, this little church went to the market: the church in the age of modern entertainment).  My primary priorities in coming to First were to preach the Word faithfully (establish an expository pulpit), to develop personal relationships (to be a pastor-teacher), to help train men to be effective shepherd-leaders, and to reform our Sunday morning liturgy.  

Paul charged Titus in Titus 1:5 to "set in order what remains" (which suggests he was to put a broken bone back in place) and to appoint qualified lay leaders (elders) who would help this young pastor reform the church in Crete.  Today this kind of local church ministry is often called church revitalization.

In order for a church to go from "embers to a flame" a congregation must humbly acknowledge that they are sick and in need of biblical medicine, that they are lost and need spiritual direction, and/or that they have drifted and need to be brought near to the Good Shepherd once again.  Dr. Harry Reeder makes this very point in his helpful book, "From Embers to a Flame: How God can Revitalize Your Church."

Westwood, CA., High Point, N.C., Freeport, Il., (WHY FREEPORT?)

Westwood, California

In 2005 I was a twenty-five year old Assistant Pastor at a "healthy" church in a suburb outside of Indianapolis.   After receiving my Master of Divinity degree Andrea and I moved to Carmel and were immediately welcomed as family by a very generous and loving congregation; (in many ways 2005-2008 were three of the best years of our life).  In God's providence around 2008 I began to explore the possibility of becoming a Senior Pastor (wherein preaching and leadership would become my primary ministry responsibilities).  I honestly did not know then whether or not a search committee or an elder board would affirm my readiness to serve as the "leader among leaders."

Having been raised in a model pastor's home and having received phenomenal pastoral training at the Grace Community Church (for 12 years) and the Master's Seminary I believed (that with the Spirit's help) I could effectively serve in this capacity.  However, I also believed that my readiness to serve as a lead pastor would be affirmed one way or another in the laborious search process (A.K.A 'pastoral candidacy').  In other words, if no evangelical congregation extended an invitation to become their new Senior Pastor I was content to continue serving in a support role.

Is My Church Declining Spiritually? (A Sample Checklist)

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The following is a sample check list that will help you determine if your local church is declining spiritually.  

Churches that are doing well financially and numerically often assume that everything must be great (God must be blessing us- right?)  Regardless of size, Revelation 2-3 is perhaps the best place to go for an annual spiritual check up.  In these chapters the Lord of the Church evaluates seven local churches with grace and truth.  If Jesus were to write your church a personal letter what would He say?  What would he praise?  What would he find lacking?

Your church is off track spiritually:

1) When: Numerical and financial growth has subtly become more important than the spiritual maturation of the sheep (Col. 1:28-29; Eph. 4:11-16; Matt. 28:18-20).

In my estimation this is the most common problem in the evangelical church today.  Far too many church leaders today are more concerned with their resumes and portfolios than they are in building spiritually healthy and biblically mature congregations.

2) When:  Your church jumps from one well packaged fad to the next (From "Purpose Driven Church," to "the Prayer of Jabez," to "the Shack," to "Jesus Calling" to Sex Therapy from the Song of Solomon, to _____ ).

In short, the leadership and flock lack biblical discernment and are subsequently "tossed here and there by every wave of trickery" (see Eph. 4:11-16, 1 Thess. 5:21-22).  See John MacArthur's excellent sermon, A Biblical Response to the Church Growth Movement.

Why Every City Needs Healthy Churches Like This... (part 2)

In my previous article I highlighted some of the most important New Testament passages that shape and define spiritually healthy churches (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:42; Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:28-29; 1 Tim. 3:15, 6:20; and Jude 3-4).  I summarized these jugular texts into four headings: 1) The church’s great commission, 2) the church’s chief priorities, 3) the church’s overarching mission, and 4) the church’s sacred trust.

As we enter 2016 and assess afresh where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re headed it is essential that we evaluate our ministries against the clear backdrop of Holy Scripture (I would encourage each of you to do the same).  Just this month I asked a number of people to answer a survey with questions like: “What evidences of grace did you observe last year that suggests that even after 170 years God is still at work here?  Where do we need to grow the most as a church? What are our most glaring weaknesses? Are we keeping the main thing(s) the main thing(s)?  How can I come alongside you to encourage you and to help expand your ministry efforts?”

By the grace of God, and through many dangers, toils, and snares, the depth and direction of First Baptist, Freeport is back on track.  Having said that, we still have a long way to go!  As we begin this new year may we say with Paul, “Not that we have already arrived at our goal, but we press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me….One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead!  Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14).”

Having mentioned these things, as I look out on the evangelical horizon I sometimes wonder if I’m reading a different New Testament.  From my vantage point, many juvenile churches in America (especially those that are materially prosperous) seem to glory in their shame.  

Three Characteristics of a Church in Need of Biblical Revitalization

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Many years ago the late James Montgomery Boice noted, "These are not good days for the evangelical church, and anyone who steps back from what is going on for a moment to try and evaluate our life and times will understand that."

In this vein, most churches in America today desperately need to experience genuine reformation and revival.  When I say "reformation" I'm talking about the kind of spiritual awakening that arouses sleepy Christians from their spiritual slumber.  When biblical reformation takes place lukewarm believers/churches once again treasure Christ supremely in their hearts (Rev. 2:1-7), they study the sacred Scriptures with renewed zeal (1 Pet. 2:2-3) and they mature in the faith, growing in biblical discernment along the way (Eph. 4:11-16);  During times of reformation and revival God's people joyfully find themselves praying as a way of life (1 Thess. 5:17); they pursue sanctification and Christ-likeness in the power of the Holy Spirit (Heb. 12:14, Gal. 5:1-6:4); and they faithfully sow the gospel message both near and far (Rom. 1:16).

If these marks describe your congregation pause and thank the Lord right now; (healthy churches are becoming less and less common with each passing generation).  One caution needs to be stated before I write anything else.  Make sure that you are not confusing the size of your church with the spiritual health of your church (because many ministries today that are a mile wide are also an inch deep; see Acts 2:42, Eph. 4:12-16).  A full parking lot or a huge facility/campus is no guarantee of spiritual health and life.

When a real work of the Holy Spirit is taking place lives marriages, families, and churches) are transformed from the inside out.  When this transpires non-Christians often take notice and wonder what in the world is happening over at ____ church (Acts 5:13)?  The early church so impacted the world not because they were so cool and hip (like Hillsong) but because they were so different (in all the right ways).

Over the past few years I've recounted the story of how God used a small band of nobodies (I certainly include myself in this category) to revitalize an historic church to the praise of His glorious grace (we have by NO means arrived as a church but the depth and direction of our ministry is once again in harmony with the clear teaching of Scripture).   As I've stated in previous articles without the Lord's guidance, provision, and protection our toil would have been for naught.

"Peace if Possible, Truth at All Costs"

It was Martin Luther who once said, "Peace if possible, truth at all costs."  Sadly, this reformation quote is counter-cultural today even among the people of truth.  The new mantra for Christians and church leaders is "truth if possible, peace at all costs."

Yet it was Jesus who said, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set you free." (John 8:31-32)

A New Dawn at FBC, Freeport

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Over the past seven and half years many faithful servants have worked hard in effort to reestablish a God-centered, Word-driven, "9 Marks," local church in Freeport.  Much blood, sweat, and tears have been shed along the way.  In the same vein, many attempts have been made to halt these reformational efforts.  Like Nehemiah, we sometimes were forced to fend off spiritual opposition with a (biblical) sword in one hand (for example see this, this, and this), while continuing to rebuild the city walls with a (biblical) trowel in the other hand.   By the grace of God, the depth and direction of First Baptist Church is once again in harmony with the clear precepts and priorities of Scripture (see Acts 2:42, Colossians 1:28-29, 1 Timothy 3:15, Jude 3). 

With so many Evangelical churches today falling wayside to the consumer-driven expectations of juvenile Christians the Holy Spirit's revitalizing work, combined with the Divine Gardner's pruning activity(John 15:1-2), is cause for celebration! 

As we enter into our 171st year of ministry we ask that you would join us in praising the Lord.  For "He who began a good work....will be faithful to complete it!" (Phil. 1:6)

A New Dawn:  Sunday's near unanimous vote to adopt a beefed up doctrinal statement/philosophy of ministry was a major milestone in the life of this local church. Many outside sources were used as we reworked this governing document.

The State of the American Church Today

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John Calvin's description of the disciples pre-Pentecost sounds an awful lot like the (childish) contemporary Church (see Eph. 4:11-16).

"They were so slow that the slightest difficulty of any kind made them hesitate; for as children who are learning the alphabet cannot read a single verse without pausing frequently, so almost every word of Christ gave them some sort of offence, and this hindered their (spiritual) progress."

2 Disturbing Trends Within American Christianity (and a Solution)

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When I evaluate the contemporary church I notice many disturbing trends.  In the interest of time allow me to mention two:

1)  The Continued "Juvenilization" of American Christianity. 

Or to borrow the verbiage of another commentator, "When are we going to grow up?  We are all adolescents now."  This same writer goes on to describe a typical worship service in America, noting "The house lights go down. Spinning, multicolored lights sweep the auditorium. A rock band launches into a rousing opening song. 'Ignore everyone else, this time is just about you and Jesus,' proclaims the lead singer. The music changes to a slow dance tune, and the people sing about falling in love with Jesus. A guitarist sporting skinny jeans and a soul patch closes the worship set with a prayer, beginning, 'Hey God …' The spotlight then falls on the speaker, who tells entertaining stories, cracks a few jokes, and assures everyone that 'God is not mad at you. He loves you unconditionally.'

After 'worship', some members of the church sign up for the next mission trip, while others decide to join a small group where they can receive support on their faith journey. If you ask the people here why they go to church or what they value about their faith, they'll say something like, "Having faith helps me deal with my problems."

A few paragraphs later the author notes, "Juvenilization is the process by which the religious beliefs, practices, and developmental characteristics of adolescents become accepted as appropriate for adults. It began with the praiseworthy goal of adapting the faith to appeal to the young.... But it has sometimes ended with both youth and adults embracing immature versions of the faith. In any case, white evangelicals led the way."

A Much Needed Reminder From the Doctor

The greatest preacher in Europe during the 20th century was Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Though dead, the good doctor still speaks.

In page 284, volume 2 of his biography we read this, "Two columns in a LA newspaper headed, 'British Cleric Pleads for Stress on Preaching.' The paper reported him as saying, 'Too little preaching and too much music, ritual and entertainment are leading to too much Christian superficiality.'" Talk about prophetic.

"Evangelism, he told them, has to be church-centered and the churches need no special technique or advertising. They are built up by sound preaching, preaching the Word of God in a Christ-centered way, with conviction, and looking to the Holy Spirit to apply it...When the local church has a spirit of evangelism, members tell others about Christ, and through personal contact among friends, acquaintances and business associates bring many into the church." Talk about relevant.

May the Lord raise up more "Lloyd-Jones'" to strengthen and grow His precious Church
(Colossians 1:28-29; Eph. 4:11-15).