2021 Daily Devotion - Day 354
"Lack of repentance is the root cause of powerlessness in the church in this materialistic and self-indulgent age. There can be no spiritual power in a non-repentant church." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Pastor Bonhoeffer made a very important observation. Throughout my ministry as a pastor, I have noticed and dealt with the reality of churches that are clubs; and then there are churches that are mission outposts.
The churches functioning like clubs elevate religion and rituals. In such churches, Jesus is a nice addendum to people’s lives, but rarely the core of who they are. In such churches they only focus on each other. They see the pastor as a chaplain who is there to do what the members of the congregation want, and to care for them in time of need. The members of these churches see themselves more as customers rather than disciples of Jesus. If the church doesn’t give them what they want, they look for another. As a result, these churches are never places where lives are changed, and neither do they last for the long haul.
However, churches who see themselves as mission outposts are more alive and vibrant. They recognize the need for the church to carry out the mission Christ gave to His church. They know it is not about them, but the mission to “go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18-20). They know it is not about their needs being met, but rather it is about the saving mission of Christ being lived out. Such churches are more likely to be alive and last for generations
One of the differences between these two types of churches is found in what Pastor Bonhoeffer wrote. It is often about repentance or lack thereof. As a believer, if I can repent, I can be teachable and humble. If I can be teachable and humble, I can grow as a disciple and learn the mission of the church. If I can repent of having my will be done in the church, I am more open to God’s will being done. This is what the Apostle Paul was addressing to the church at Corinth:
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 ESV
As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, during this Lenten season help us to repent from wanting things done our way. Help us see, whether it is at church or at home, You are calling us to be humble servants. Help us, right now, to name before You where we need to repent, and then help us to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
Pastor Bonhoeffer made a very important observation. Throughout my ministry as a pastor, I have noticed and dealt with the reality of churches that are clubs; and then there are churches that are mission outposts.
The churches functioning like clubs elevate religion and rituals. In such churches, Jesus is a nice addendum to people’s lives, but rarely the core of who they are. In such churches they only focus on each other. They see the pastor as a chaplain who is there to do what the members of the congregation want, and to care for them in time of need. The members of these churches see themselves more as customers rather than disciples of Jesus. If the church doesn’t give them what they want, they look for another. As a result, these churches are never places where lives are changed, and neither do they last for the long haul.
However, churches who see themselves as mission outposts are more alive and vibrant. They recognize the need for the church to carry out the mission Christ gave to His church. They know it is not about them, but the mission to “go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18-20). They know it is not about their needs being met, but rather it is about the saving mission of Christ being lived out. Such churches are more likely to be alive and last for generations
One of the differences between these two types of churches is found in what Pastor Bonhoeffer wrote. It is often about repentance or lack thereof. As a believer, if I can repent, I can be teachable and humble. If I can be teachable and humble, I can grow as a disciple and learn the mission of the church. If I can repent of having my will be done in the church, I am more open to God’s will being done. This is what the Apostle Paul was addressing to the church at Corinth:
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 ESV
As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, during this Lenten season help us to repent from wanting things done our way. Help us see, whether it is at church or at home, You are calling us to be humble servants. Help us, right now, to name before You where we need to repent, and then help us to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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