Blogs that made me think!

Here are a few blog posts from some of my favorite bloggers during the month of June...

• Aaron reminded us what kind of coaches we need in the sports world today!
• Bobby gave me some tips on how to shake things up from time to time and how to stay out of a rut
• Jon challenged me to think about the health of a church not simply the growth of a church.
• After reading Steve's blog on worship, I realized I would like to sit down with this man for an hour.
• Now I really want to meet Steve sometime this post really helped me consider teaching and preaching God's word.
• Perry pointed out there are some fights not worth fighting.
• I never thought of being Unbiblical as a pastor until I read Tony's post

Well there you have it, I hope these posts are helpful to you as they have been for me.

Do you understand Grace?

There is no word quite as beautiful as grace.

There are some words we hear over and over and after some time the power of the word starts to fade and the true meaning of it is lost in translation. I mean how many times have you heard the word awesome applied to just about everything; That was an awesome movie, that was an awesome game, that was an awesome experience - is anything truly awesome?

There is no word quite as beautiful as grace. In fact Philip Yancey calls grace the last best word. What is it about grace that makes such a difference? I think it is because grace goes against our human thinking. After all we have grown up thinking everything in life must be earned. Think about these statements...

We make money the old fashioned way, we... earn it

There is no such thing as a free... lunch

There is no gain without... pain

God helps those who... help themselves

Everything about the American way of life teaches us this simple truth. In life you get what you earn. You get what you work for. You get what you pay for. There is nothing wrong with that at all. That should be the American way. The problem is many people think the same way you relate to your paycheck or to your possessions is the way you relate to God. But God does not relate to us on the basis of our goodness. He relates to us on the basis of His Grace.

That is what makes grace so beautiful for grace is not a man made invention grace comes from God himself. He is the provider of grace, the deliverer of grace and the focus of grace. God's grace is seen in the incarnate Christ who came full of GRACE and Truth.

Today, why not think about how beautiful grace really is to each of us who are called by God.

Sunday Night Reflections

A few thoughts from an amazing day...

• Wow - we announced 5 baptisms today, 4 at CIY and One at Church Camp - Our youth ministry continues to make a difference!
• I have to confess sometimes I give in to OBS - When I do, I am thankful for God's Grace
• Today's message focussed on the prodigal son's brother - One commentator said the story of the prodigal son is a story of a boy who lost his way. But the question is which boy lost his way?
• Grumbling and complaining are pretty serious offenses in God's eyes just check out 1 Corinthians 10
• Remember God wants you more than he wants your service!
• Officiated at a wedding yesterday - I love seeing young people commit to married love.
• I hope I am more like the Loving Father than I am the Older Brother.
• Our Sunday Night at the Movies was a big success - Faith Like Potatoes is a good movie!
• Panera Bread Rocks!
• This is the 26th week of the year - yes the year is half over!
• A friend of mine is visiting Gulf Shores Alabama this week - he says the oil spill is devastating.
• Once again I realized every week there is a broken heart sitting in our worship.
• Majoring on the minors is futile.
• Question what breaks the heart of God more; those who leave his home or those who leave his heart?
• Remember there is a cure for OBS!

Changes

As I continue to reflect on the last five years of ministry at PBCC, I continue to think of the changes that have occurred in our church. I am not talking about the changes in our worship or the changes in our programs, I am talking about the changes I see in the people of PBCC. I have watched people grow from behind the scene ministries to leading as an elder. I have watched spectators become participants in ministry. I have seen people come into our church and take up a vital role in the life of the church.

Unfortunately, I have also seen people drop out of ministry; maybe they became tired, maybe they lost their desire to serve, maybe they just drifted away.

Stay in a ministry for any length of time and you are going to see people change. The key ifs to help them to change to become more life Christ. For this to happen we must show and practice a determined spirit. For as Paul said...

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:28

This is the goal of every minister and it is accomplished by the actions found in 1 Corinthians 15:58...

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

I hope we are constantly changing for the better at PBCC

Opportunities

When it comes to opportunities in ministry, two verses come to mind...

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Revelation 3:8

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

As I look back over the last 5 years, I have been amazed at the open doors and opportunities God has placed before me. I have been able to participate in a special needs fundraiser called Hoops for Hope. I have witnessed enormous generosity as our congregation has participated in two significant stewardship campaigns; "Building a Better Ministry" and "More Than You Can Imagine". I am involved in two administrative boards; Unconditional Love (an AIDS Clinic) and Florida Christian College, both boards have given me new contacts and new opportunities to see God work in a variety of ways. I have officiated at several weddings (my favorite was my son's wedding in 2008) and have helped church members say good bye to their loved ones at funerals. I have had the privilege of baptizing people into faith and have watch babes in Christ grow in maturity. And I have reconnected with people whom I served with over 20 years ago!

But I count my greatest opportunity as the ability to stand up each Sunday and preach God's word. When I consider what is involved in speaking for God, I am grateful for the privilege He has given me and humbled by the fact that he chooses to use me!

What opportunities has God given you in the last 5 years?

Just the beginning

I ran across two interesting stats a few weeks ago regarding serving in ministry.

1. The median number of years pastors have served in their present assignment is four.
2. A pastor's maximum effectiveness does not occur until around the seventh year.

The point is clear: most pastors leave a church before they achieve their maximum impact in the ministry. This week I have been reflecting on the past five years of ministry at PBCC. I would be lying to say I have never thought about checking out other church opportunities, but the truth is I would simply be trading one set of problems for another. Pastoral ministry is not for cowards. It takes fortitude, determination, and nerves of steel. Ease and comfort are not the companions of the shepherd of the flock of God. Anonymous letters (and posts) and misunderstood intentions will be encountered along the path of ministry. How a minister fares during these times will set the parameters for pastoral tenure. One of the most healthy things a minister can do for the congregation he serves is stay long enough to have an impact on his flock. The past 5 years have been great at PBCC; yes there have been some setbacks, but overall we are moving in the right direction. I feel like I am just now learning the culture of PBCC and now I am beginning to see what we need to do in order to be the church God has planned for us. As I reflect on the last 5 years and consider the next five, I began to think about the benefits of a long term ministry...

1. Long Term Ministry Allows One to Establish Long Term Goals. I have been around long enough to know that 6 months in a life of a church is a very short period of time. If you want to make significant changes in ministry it will happen by establishing a long term plan and then working the plan. Changing a culture or expectations does not happen overnight, it takes time and in a long term pastorate time is a great benefit. I have a vision for PBCC, but it will not be accomplished overnight, it will take a few more years. However it will not happen if I am not committed to staying for the long haul.
2. Long Term Ministry Allows One to Develop a Strong Pulpit. When we move every 4 years or less, it is very easy for us to get lazy in the pulpit. We can simply rework our "Greatest Hits" over and over again. The danger is we do not grow as a preacher, nor do we allow the church to hear the full counsel of God. When we stay in one church for an extended period we are forced to provide "fresh bread' each week, this is healthy for both you and the congregation. I plan my preaching 6-9 months in advance, this keeps me focused on the goal and vision I have for the church, my preaching is tied very closely to the vision I have for PBCC.
3. Long Term Ministry Allows One to Develop Deep Friendships. No one understands the ministry like another minister, however it is not healthy to have just other ministers as friends. A long term ministry allows us to examine people closely and see who is available as a confident, accountability partner and friend. To find this type of friend one must invest time and effort, this only happens when we choose to stay for a long time.
4. Long Term Ministry Helps Us Develop out Dependence on God. When one is committed to a short term ministry, it is very easy to bail at the first sight of trouble. A long term ministry will face set backs, but that is not a time to send out resumes, that is the time to turn to God. When I am focused on the long haul I find myself focusing on God's plan and not my own agenda.
5. Long Term Ministry Gives One A Proper Perspective on Problems. When ever we run into a problem we must ask ourself is it a cold or is it a cancer. Colds last for a relatively short time and can usually be handled with some TLC. Cancer is different, cancer requires intense treatment and at times surgery. Long Term Ministry gives one the perspective to know the difference. It has been my experience that most problems in the church are colds and if treated properly they can be handled with ease. However if you face a cancer, long term ministry gives you the stamina to handle the problem.

These are just a few benefits of a long term ministry do you have any to add?

Reflecting on 5 years

Sunday I celebrated 5 years of ministry at PBCC. While the church celebrated by giving me a "Card Shower", I began reflecting on the past 5 years.

There have been some great victories; in our first year we raised $52,000 above our regular giving for some much needed projects - If you are a member of PBCC; what did we do before added the foyer? A new stage was added and we remodeled the chapel. While it was painful to see the pews go, we now have a great multi- purpose room to accommodate small groups of 80 are less. While the physical plant was improved, that paled in comparison to what happened early in our ministry as Knofel Staton spent a weekend teaching us the value and power of prayer in the local congregation. Little did I realize at the time how valuable this workshop would be to me personally in 2006!

There have been some losses as well; while we have seen many people join our church over the last 5 years (240 to date), we have also seen people leave our fellowship as well. Some left to go back home (Because, if you live in Florida, you are probably from someplace else!), or because of a job opportunity. Some went to their eternal home and we long for a reunion with these dear saints. Still others left because of personal preferences of worship or philosophy of ministry. Each departure breaks my heart and I agonize deeply when anyone leaves.

Yet I can honestly say there have been more wins than losses and over the next few days I will share a few more of our victories.

Sunday Night Reflections

A few thoughts from an amazing day...

• Another baptism today - we rejoiced as did the angels in heaven!
• We celebrated 5 years of ministry at PBCC today we (Kathy & I) received many cards and gifts from our congregation we are so blessed to lead this congregation.
• I officiated at the funeral of WWII vet this week; we owe these men and women a great deal.
• I loved the "unplugged" worship this morning.
• I hope PBCC is known as a the church of the second chance.
• Remember the parable of the prodigal son reminds all of us, Christ is the faithful seeker of all who are lost.
• Like the prodigal son, the typical sinner wants to devise a plan to take care of his sin problem. However God will not hear of it, he provides EVERYTHING we need for sin removal.
• Next time you are uncertain about God forgiving you, consider Micah 7:18-19, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”
• I am praying for our teens while they are at CIY
• Remember everyone plays a part in reaching the lost - Have you considered what part you are willing to play?
• Timothy Keller's book "Counterfeit Gods" really speaks to what ails our culture.

Connecting via Facebook

This past week a surpassed a milestone on FACEBOOK, I now have 400 friends. Now in all honesty this is not much of a milestone, since all you have to do is click a mouse to add someone to your friend list. However what is amazing about FACEBOOK is the ability to connect with people. I have connected with members of former youth groups high school friends and college alumni. Connecting through FACEBOOK has enabled me to keep track of people that a few years ago would have simply faded away, not because I do not care for these former friends, but because life happens and connections simply disappear.

I have found FACEBOOK to be very beneficial - but before you jump in to this social please read my friend Arron's post regarding the safeguards one needs to put in place before joining the FB community.

After you have read Arron's post and you decide to join the FB community look me up!

More from the Overflow of Study

This month I am preaching a series of messages from the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15. As always I find more information from my study than I am able to put into the message, so here are a few thoughts from this parable that I will not be sharing Sunday, but are still meaningful...

As the son returns to the father we learn There's a throne of grace where we can go and obtain mercy. God gives forgiving grace that is lavish. God replaces the filthy stinking rags of the sinner with His own robe of righteousness. As the prophet Isaiah said, "He covers us with a robe of righteousness."

One of the outlines for Luke 15:18-24 is simply, A shameless request, shameless rebellion, a shameful repentance, and a shameful reception by that father in their minds, led to a shameless reconciliation. BTW that is not the outline I am using Sunday.

Every sinner who comes back takes full responsibility for that sin and sees it as an offense that rises as high as heaven. Every sinner who comes back sets his course or her course toward God to come back

You want to know how eager God is to receive a sinner? He will run through the dirt and bear the shame, He will embrace the sinner with all His strength and plant kisses all over the sinner's head. Some people think that God is a reluctant Savior. No, He's not.

Grace, triumphs over sin at its worse. The story isn't saying that every sinner reaches the level he did, but when sinners do, grace still triumphs. This is a completely new idea, you have to understand, right? Completely new idea...undeserved forgiveness, undeserved sonship, undeserved salvation, undeserved honor, respect, responsibility, fully vested son without any restitution, without any works. This kind of lavish love, this kind of grace bestowed upon a penitent trusting sinner is a bizarre idea in a legalistic mind.

See you Sunday.

Marriage Busters

Over the last few months I have shocked by the number of marriages that have ended in divorce. There seems to be an all out assault on marriage these days. This is extremely troublesome for I believe the family is the glue that holds our society together. The foundation for the glue is the husband/wife relationship. If that relationship falls apart, families are ill equipped to handle the pressures of this life.

Three years ago I preached a series of messages on the family, in that series there was a pastor's prayer to God that I believe is an appropriate illustration in light of the assault on marriage...

Dear Lord, another marriage is shattered and the divorce will be final next week.

He said it was the breakdown in communication and the subtle complacency that led to boredom.

She said, He stifled her dreams and ignored her achievements

He said, she was preoccupied with the children and the keeping of the house

She said, He never spent time with the family, and never helped around the house

He said she was cold, and always pushed her away when he desired her

She said, he was harsh and uncaring and seldom romantic

He said her critical spirit made him feel inadequate

She said his demands made her feel unappreciated and used.

He said she used pity to get her way

She said, he was petty and insecure always wanting his way.

Lord, It is sad that through all of the years of accusations and petty squabbles, they never asked

“What you said?”

Kind of makes you think does it not?

Sunday Night Reflections

A few thoughts from an amazing day...

• Second sermon in lost and found series reminded all of us we are all prodigals from time to time.
• I wonder what choices you will make this week.
• Whatever choices you make; Remember they are YOUR choices!
• Sometimes an old hymn like "Softly and Tenderly" can stir our emotions.
• I loved Charles Spurgeon's quote regarding God and the prodigal...The compassion of God is followed by swift movements. He is slow to anger, but He is quick to bless. God comes flying in the greatness of His compassion to help every poor soul that returns to Him.”
• I wonder what makes Sunday special for people?
• Our worship team was shorthanded today and they still did a great job!
• Congratulations to our student ministry; they completed their fundraising goal - I am thrilled with their hard work, now I am looking forward to hearing about the life change at CIY.
• I want to encourage the PBCC family to be a part of the prayer service Friday Night for our teens.
• VBS is over - I heard a lot of good things about the week.
• I am really excited out our new parenting series that begins next week at 9:00 in the chapel. I know the assault on the family is relentless today - this will be a great opportunity to get some good information and practical application to build a strong family.
• Grace is a wonderful thing.
• Men, if you have not read John Ortberg's "When the Game is over it all goes back in the box" be careful - it is challenging to say the least.
• I watched the Miami/FSU repeat of their 2009 game on Sun Sports Saturday afternoon; I really miss college football!

Lucky Man

Today my bride celebrates another birthday - I am not going to tell you the number of years she is celebrating; all I will say is that I am blessed to have such a lovely woman for my wife, and judging by the picture to the left you can see that I am a lucky man. I believe Kathy is the perfect minister's wife. She has been my chief supporter, sounding board and partner for almost 31 years.

She has and continues to be a great ambassador for the churches we have served. In fact I would say there have been times churches would not mind me leaving if Kathy would stay. Kathy's influence has been felt in a number of areas in the churches we have served. She has served as a teacher, a member of the praise team, soloist, artist, cook, hostess, greeter, mentor, sermon evaluator (both the good ones and the not so good ones) and friend. These are just to name a few of the roles she has fulfilled. However her greatest accomplishment has been to be a wonderful mother to our three kids. I have to admit ministry is tough and there have been times when I have been away for an extended time or I have been preoccupied with issues at the church and Kathy has been the rock for our family. I am extremely proud of my 3 children. Each of them have a servant's heart and a desire to be Christ like, this is the direct influence of Kathy.

3 years ago I almost lost Kathy to a massive stroke. To this day that night still haunts me. However it also reminds me how blessed I am to have Kathy by my side. So tonight we celebrated with dinner and movie; and yes because of some pressing ministry needs we were a little late to dinner and rushed to make it to the movie, but Kathy did not complain she simply took it in stride, which reminds me even more why I love her - Happy Birthday Babe! Retirement is just 17 years away and then we will celebrate EVERYDAY!

VBS - What does it accomplish?

Tonight I was at our church's vacation bible school ministry. This year we are focusing on the Old Testament story of Joseph. I have been involved in VBS for since I was a child at Englewood Christian Church in Jax. Florida. I have attended two week VBS programs, 5 Day programs and weekend programs. It is my observation a lot of work goes into VBS. The question I would like to pose tonight is what does VBS accomplish? Some would say VBS is a great outreach opportunity. While that may have been true many years ago, I cannot think of one family we have won to Christ because of VBS. Others say VBS gives children wholesome, God centered activities in the summer. Again that might have been true many years ago, but with so many churches having youth ministers and their summer programs as well as the growth of our Christian camps, VBS really does not meet that purpose either.

For this season of ministry, I see the purpose of VBS is to give the church opportunities for people to serve in short term areas of ministry. Tonight we had over 60 volunteers involved in our VBS. They are "trying out" a variety of ministries this week. It is my hope that these servants will discover their gifts and be willing to take their service to the next level. To me that is the great thing about VBS right now. So I am watching and praying for our VBS volunteers, hoping they will catch a vision for the joy of serving.

Sunday Night Reflections

A few thoughts from an amazing day...

• Another baptism today - God is good!
• If you are like me, you thought the reversal video was pretty amazing.
• The goal of every church should be to see people the way Jesus saw them and then be moved into action.
• I am really looking forward to preaching this series on lost and found, I hope it stirs all of us to action.
• Seeing the Lost and Found tables this morning reminded me that at one time everything had value.
• Remember God regrets our rebellion and longs for our return.
• Today is the 66th anniversary of "D-Day" I am amazed at what 1 generation did to secure freedom for future generations. I had an uncle who was part of the third wave at Normandy and lived, many others were not so fortunate.
• VBS kicks off tomorrow - I am so thankful for the many volunteers.
• I am looking forward to Mummy Monday.
• I thought it was very powerful to close out our worship with a focused prayer time for VBS.
• Our preschool is getting a makeover - It really looks great!
• Had dinner with some old friends today who spent time in Haiti recently - I am amazed at what our missionaries go through to spread the gospel.
• As much as I enjoy the summer break, I am really looking forward to our Fall programming; small groups, great day of service and a few other items are positioning us for a great 2011.
• I cannot get the idea that "God wants us to change the culture" out of my head.
• If you want to see someone who changed the culture, consider the late John Wooden - here are a few of his quotes; he was a great coach and an incredible leader.

The Jesus Way of Growing a Church Part 4

One of the most amazing things about the way Jesus built his church was his focus on the mission. Luke 19:10 reminds us, For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

While on this earth, our Lord ministered to the poor, taught of the coming kingdom and healed the sick. However, once he returned to the father, there were still poor in Israel, there was still teaching that needed to be accomplished as well as healing of the sick. Jesus did not come to for the purpose of providing for the poor, healing the sick of teach great doctrines; Jesus came to reach the lost. The healing, teaching and caring were just means to an end - the saving of lost souls.

This is a good reminder for us - while it is good to care for the poor, teach, and provide pastoral care for the sick , the goal of every Christ follower is to reach the lost. This is our mission and heartbeat.

For me personally I have to be reminded constantly to stay focused on the way Jesus built the church. So many things call for my attention, it become be very easy to forget to keep the main thing the main thing. Over the next few weeks I am preaching a series of messages to remind us to keep our focus on the main thing. Hopefully these message will call us back to the Jesus way.

The Jesus Way of Growing a Church Part 3

A study of the gospels demonstrates the way Jesus built his church via relationships. Consider the relationships Jesus had with people.

• To Nicodemus he was a rabbi.
• To Mary, Martha & Lazarus he was a friend.
• To the woman at the well he was a compassionate man.
• To the woman caught in adultery he was the non-accuser.
• To the disciples he was a mentor.
• To the the thief on the cross he was the savior.

Throughout the gospels Jesus was constantly building relationships with others, regardless of their station in life, he truly was the friend to sinners. If we are to build churches the Jesus way, we must focus on building relationships with people. The question for all of us is how to we build relationships today? Let me suggest we P.I.C. our relationships;

1. Patiently, we live in a world of the moment, we want things to happen as soon as possible. However, building relationships does not happen overnight - it takes time to develop relationships.
2. Intentionally, building relationships does not just happen; we do not drift into relationships, we must intentionally seek out relationships with others.
3. Constantly, Too often in the church we get a group of friends we feel extremely close to and it is difficult for new people to enter "The Circle of Trust". Yet from looking at the life of Jesus, we learn we was constantly adding relationships to his life. In fact, moments before his death on the cross he added one more relationship that changed a man's eternal destination - The thief on the cross.

Are you "P.I.C.ing " new relationships? Take some time to think about the Jesus way and begin building the church through your relationships.

The Jesus Way of Growing a Church Part 2

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom Matthew 4:23

Not only did Jesus call his followers to a captivating vision, he told them of a new reality; a new Kingdom was near. For his audience, the idea of a new Kingdom made their hearts race. They had grown up hearing stories of the Kingdom of David and Solomon; they knew under their reign the kingdom of Israel was at it's apex of power and influence and they longed for those days again. So as Jesus taught about the new reality of a new kingdom they looked forward to a better future. However, Jesus' kingdom was going to be different than any other kingdom they would ever experience. While David and Solomon focused on land acquisition, Jesus focused on heart acquisition. In short he was trying to mold people into a new reality. That is why he taught them to pray "Father, Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. You understand that in heaven God's perfect will is being accomplished, there is no rebellion, no other agenda, just the will of God being lived out in the creatures of heaven. Jesus prayer of your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, was his way of saying make down here like it is up there.

When we challenge people to live the Jesus way, we are basically saying there is a new reality, our church will be a church where we are trying to make down here like it is up there. It is that new reality that will attract new people to our churches and give people a rallying point of purpose.

What new reality are you pointing to this week?

The Jesus Way of Growing a Church Part 1

¹⁸As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ²⁰At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20

The first thing Jesus did to grow a church was call people to a captivating vision.

Jesus did not say follow me and I promise you will never go hungry or follow me and you will be on the road to riches and success. No, Jesus called his early followers to something greater than personal success, he called them to a challenge - you have been catching fish, I am going to teach you to catch men. In other words, you have been catching things that are temporary, I am going to show you how to catch something that will last for eternity.

A captivating vision gives us something to shoot for. A captivating vision reminds us we are not simply a part of a club or a social group we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Looking back over the "stuff" I have been involved over my life, I can honestly say the items that had no captivating vision have left me flat. A captivating vision is essential for building a church!

Note the result of Jesus's captivating vision to be a fisher of men - At once they left their nets and followed him.

Peter and the others bought into the vision, they did not have to think about the call verse 20 says "at once" they signed up.

What is your vision for growing a church - is it captivating? You will know if the response to the vision is like that of Peter and the others!

It is not all up to me!

I have been thinking a lot about growing a church lately. What are the factors for growth? What are the indicators a church is poised for growth? What are the resources needed for growth? I am sure you have asked the same questions as well - we want our churches to grow! Recently I have been reading through Matthew's gospel when I came across this section of scripture...

¹³When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" ¹⁴They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." ¹⁵"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" ¹⁶Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." ¹⁷Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:13-19

This is the account of Peter finally "getting it". He now understands Jesus is not just a rabbi, he is not just a great teacher he is the Son of God. As a result of Peter's confession; Jesus makes an incredible promise, on this rock (the fact that I am the Son of God) I will build my church, (italics added) and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

While it is good to plan for growth, check resources and look for some indicators for the church to grow; the overall message of Matthew 16 is the fact that Jesus is going to build the church.

I think I am understanding this fact more and more everyday! However understanding the fact that Christ will build the church and living out that fact is difficult to say the least. As a project of mine, I am going to look at how Christ built the church and over the next few days I will post the "Jesus way" to build a church. Should be interesting.