Last month I started a two part article on the mission of the church, on the mission of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and for all Christian Churches for that matter.  In way of brief review, the three points I am making are Gathering, Nurturing and Equipping.  I believe the Bible lays this out and directs us towards these goals.  Last month I wrote at length, about gathering.  It was noted that those churches that are growing, are churches that have members who invite others to join them in worship.  They are also churches whose members attend worship regularly themselves.

The next step is to nurture those who have been gathered into the fellowship so that they become disciples of Jesus Christ, not the Pastor or other Church leader.  St. Paul's letters to the Church in Corinth are written to a church torn by political and theological battles, a church unsure of it's foundations and faith, a church struggling with issues of sexual immorality and social pressure.  So he reminds them:  "Now I would remind you brothers and sisters, in what terms I preached the Gospel, which you receive and in which you stand.  For I delivered to you as first importance what I also received:  That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried and that He was raised again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures." (1 Cor. 15:1)

We create fellowship opportunities such as small groups to help us grow in our knowledge and love of our Lord.  They are safe places to learn about God's great love for us in Christ.  They are a place where people can ask questions and express doubt without fear of ridicule of gossip.

My prayer is that these small groups will continue to grow so that everyone in our congregation is involved so that, "we all attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  So we are no longer children, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, but rather we would grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, even Christ Jesus."  Ephesians 4:13.

And the last point is to equip our members for mission and ministry, so that others may be gathered into the fellowship of believers, be nurtured so that they will participate in the mission and ministries of the church.  I am convinced that the ultimate measure of the effectiveness of a congregation is not how many people come to the church, but by how many people go from the church inspired to make a difference in the world.  We are called to be Kingdome builders.  It starts with getting on board with the vision of Jesus Christ that the world doesn't have to be the way it is.  We can practice love, tolerance, justice, mercy and live joyful lives.  The disciples were accused of being drunk, their joy was so great.  If some one attended our services would they see that kind of joy? 

We are not just in the gathering and nurturing business.  Ultimately, all that gathering and nurturing has to result in equipping and sending for the sake of Christ!  The real measure is not how many people come, but how many people go to serve Jesus Christ in the world. 

I came across a cute video called the "Me Church."  you can google it and find it on you tube.  The first shot shows a woman sitting at her desk who says, "My life is so busy, I'd like a church whose begins when I get there."  Voice over: "Can do!  When you arrive, we begin.  The second scene shows a young couple with a baby.  He says, "This guy has a mind of his own.  We want a church where if he screams, we don't feel like the bad guys."  Voice over:  "Got it!  At me church you can stay and everyone else will leave."  The third person says, "My wife and I don't give much financial support, but we sure would like to know what everyone else gives!"  Voice over: "Not a problem.  We'll tell you what every one else gives in detail.  the video goes on...... but you get the point.

By contrast you will hear me say more than once, "In this church, membership has no privileges.  Everything we have is available to everyone.  Membership has no privileges only responsibilities for the service in the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ."  Again the true measure of a church is not how many people come to worship but how many people go to make a difference in the world!  We are called at this time in this place by the power of the Holy Spirit to make a difference right here at Our Redeemer in San Diego and the whole world!  Go out and give them Heaven folks!

Pastor Dave