Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Non-Growing Church

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col 3:17). Have you noticed that much of our training in the local church focuses on areas where we spend very little time. The fact is we spend over 70 percent of our time in the workplace. This is where we confront the greatest mission field in our lives. Because the work place is the greatest opportunity for Biblical transformation we must be taught how to effectively integrate faith into our work life. The time has come to tear down the wall between Sunday and Monday and understand that all of life is spiritual, every bush is a burning bush, all ground is holy ground. Studies show that 90 percent of believers do not feel they've been adequately trained to apply biblical faith in their work life. Its time to take the focus off the fringes and place it on the center where most people spend most of their time. I heard a commentator talking about Sarah Palins statement that she has been saved. He stated that "She is a religious fanatic." Then he asked with a tone of sarcasm 'What is being saved all about anyway?" Someone in his "Work place" is letting him down. Some day that "Enlightened" commentator will know all about the meaning of "Saved". Lets hope he finds out before its eternally to late. Here are some ideas being tried in various local churches. Some churches are ordaining their workplace believers for their calling to the workplace. Some are committed to integrating training for their workplace believers on the theology of work. Some are integrating Sunday school programs specifically geared to help workplace believers understand their workplace calling. Lets change the 80/20 rule in the 9 to 5 window from 20% doing ministry to 80% doing ministry. Are you burdened for the workplace? Let pray that the Lord will help local church leaders understand and affirm this calling. This would slow down transfer church growth, and start building churches with new converts. That happened in the New Testament and it needs to happen today. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

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