A Church the Spirit Will Bless

Have you ever seen a divisive church grow? There is no true church health or growth without the moving of the Holy Spirit, In preparation for Pentecost, the Bible teaches that Jesus' followers were of "one mind" (Acts 1:4). John teaches that the Spirit is like the wind - no one knows where the wind will blow next. Likewise, it is with the Spirit.

Personally, I have seen God overcome some bad decisions in churches, but I have never witnessed the Holy Spirit move in a divisive church. One of the major keys to the growth at First Baptist Oviedo has been the unity of our church. I truly believe this unity is necessary to see the supernatural work of God. Ephesians 4:3 says, "Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

How then can we justify the fighting in our denomination? What about false doctrine? After all, how can we be both united and take a bold stand for our beliefs? Does not unity involve a level of compromise?

This can best be explained by understanding the difference between conviction and preference. A conviction is a belief that you live by - without compromise. At times convictions must be fought for. A preference is that which you may believe in strongly, but recognize there are times when those beliefs must be compromised.

If Jesus is our Lord, we must get our convictions exclusively from the Bible. Preferences come from "traditions", "taboos", and perhaps isolated, difficult to interpret Scriptures. These preferences may range from style of music, order of worship services, to relocating the church, or calling a staff member. The problem is that we often get our convictions and preferences confused.

For example, if a church member firmly believes his position is right, he has every right to calmly state his case in a church business meeting. If the church does not vote with him, and it is not a Scriptural issue (he does not have a chapter and verse to back it up), then he is to support the church on whatever decision they make. On the other hand, if the church goes away from Scripture, he may have to look for another place to worship.

Once people begin to take stands for their preferences, at the expense of unity, the church will experience division. The Word of God no longer is the guide, but our traditions and desires become paramount. The members begin to take sides, gossip, and criticize the leadership.

Often, in order to calm division, the leaders then try to appease the people, rather than please the Lord - a prescription for disaster! There are always some that will complain or stand boldly for their preferences. How do we safeguard against such divisiveness? A key at our church is the lay leaders. As John Maxwell has said, "Each leader carries two buckets with them everywhere they go. One bucket has gasoline, the other water."

When a member is negative, the leader has a choice. By agreeing, he uses his gasoline and ignites a fire of criticism. By using his bucket of water, with an appropriate comment, he can put out the spark that might grow into a major problem.

The second comment made becomes more important that the first. Pastors and lay leaders need to take personal responsibility for unity. This will create an atmosphere for the Spirit to move.

Where does unity really begin? How can you lay a foundation of unity for church growth? Until next time..