As most of us know, we, as a corporate body of believers, are preparing to send a portion of our membership to become a new church. And, with that process comes much anxiety. Those of us staying at Grace Life may be concerned if there will be enough members remaining to serve in all needed roles or if our financial needs will be met after faithful tithers leave. In the case of the new church, you may be asking if new people will be drawn in and how fast the membership will grow. Some may be concerned with leaving the comforts of a church building to meet in a temporary space. If you are fearful, uncertain or nervous about either sending members to a new church or going yourself to be part of this new body, it does not make you unspiritual. In fact, scripture is filled with stories of individuals who struggled with anxiety when following God’s call. However, as we struggle with this uncertainty, we must press forward as Christ commanded his disciples to do (Matthew 28:18-20). When reading scripture, we see six reasons why we should send churches and, for this writing, we will highlight two of them: 1) Because we have been commissioned and 2) because the early church sent.
Because we have been commissioned
In Matthew 28:18-20, we read that Jesus gives the Great Commission to the 11 remaining disciples. These disciples are tasked with making more disciples individually and then binding them together through baptism into ecclesias, committed gatherings of Christ’s people (the local church). Notice that this task was not given to student camps, small groups, college ministries or families with swimming pools. Undoubtedly, these are great tools to spread the gospel and should be fully utilized. However, we must recognize that the Great Commission was given to the church. Now, as a smaller church, we may be tempted to outsource our commission to larger churches and/or mission boards and to be satisfied with simply sending our money. After all, we do not have the same number of pastors, members or ministries as our larger sister congregations. However, scripture clearly teaches that no churches are exempt and that all local churches must fully participate in the Great Commission. Grace Life, in obedience to God’s command, we must raise up and send out Word-saturated disciple makers.
Because the early church sent
By reading and studying the book of Acts, we learn that the early church did not have enough Christians to pool resources; thus, the Antioch church fasted and prayed together. As a result of doing do, the Holy Spirit led them to send Barnabas and Paul (Acts 13:1-3). Now, most of us know about Paul’s tenacity, conviction and knowledge as he tirelessly spread the gospel. However, we must not overlook Barnabas, known as the “Son of Encouragement”. For those of you who have already committed to this new church, what a ministry of encouragement you can have. Your new Pastor will have many discouraging days and will even wonder if this new church will survive. Remember this: in those very difficult times, a well-timed word of encouragement will carry a gospel minister’s weary legs. Brothers and sisters, be a Barnabas! If you will turn every critique into a private prayer request before the Lord, you and your pastor will be much better for it!
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