Mind of the Missionary
September 2020
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread of and to prayer…Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people…” (Acts 2:42, 45 – 47)
Is it possible to have a healthy church in an unhealthy environment? If there were ever an unhealthy environment, it would have been during the time of the early church. The Roman Empire hindered the church through beatings, persecutions, and crucifixions. Notice how the apostles especially Peter, Philip, and Paul carried the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. The book of Acts shows us how “boldly and without hindrance [they] preached the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:31)
During COVID-19, have we allowed our churches to become unhealthy? What is a healthy church? A healthy church is one that worships, evangelizes, disciples, ministers, and fellowships. I heard it explained like this…imagine a 4-legged table. If you take away or shorten one of the legs, what happens? It either falls or wobbles. The same is true of an unhealthy church. When a church is not worshipping, evangelizing, discipling, ministering or fellowshipping, it is not a healthy church.
But Bro. Lyle, you don’t understand what’s happening? I do, and I don’t. It’s true that I’m not pastoring, but I do believe there are opportunities for us to experience a healthy church in this unusual time. First of all, I applaud you for using various methods for your churches’ worship. Even, some of you have been offering your Bible study in-person and online. That’s great!
However, are we still seeking opportunities to share the Gospel, to disciple new and mature believers, and to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Yes, these may be harder to accomplish, but these purposes can be done. Of course, it may mean meeting outside our church buildings, finding times that are uncomfortable, or giving up a personal activity or two. But, isn’t having a healthy church and fulfilling God’s purposes more important than our comfort?!
Again, let’s use the early church as an example. It many times met in catacombs. Yes, catacombs, an underground cemetery! I’m not saying “Go meet in a cemetery or a mausoleum”, but let’s try something “outside the box”. Every church must decide how to fulfill its church’s purposes, but I do believe that our PBA churches can become healthy in an unhealthy environment.
Whatever we can do at PBA to help you become healthy or grow healthier, please contact us. We have trained leaders to serve YOU!
Until next month,
Bro. Lyle