Evaluating Statements of Change Three

"I pray that we will guard against the mindset of preserving a model versus fulfilling a mandate!"

This statement of change is one that I will fight for intensely. Christ's call to the church is not complicated. We have been called to "make disciples"! (Matthew 28:19-20) That is why I love Grace Church's purpose to Meet and Move. I believe it encompasses the call to make disciples. Jesus calls us to "go" and meet people right where they are at. We are to seek them out in their mess and tell them there is a Savior who loves them and wants to rescue them from sin to give them hope for all eternity. The passage then goes on to tell us to move them (baptize and teach) so as to see them grow into fully devoted Christ followers that will continue to repeat the cycle of making disciples.

The challenge comes to each and every ministry as it sifts through various methodologies and models to fulfill the mandate. The above statement of change is so powerful in that it reminds me of the truth that the local church has a tendency to hold on to its methods and models long after they have run their course while harming/forgetting/forsaking the very mandate we are called to fulfill.

As noted in the statement, it is something well worth every leader praying for daily. We must keep a laser focus on the mandate of Christ and while continually evaluating the models and methods we will use to fulfill it for His glory and honor!