BY JOSHUA Robertson, Church Planter AT THE ROCK CHURCH
Over the last two years, I’ve found myself in much prayer and contemplation.
As a Christian, prayer is like oxygen; as a pastor, contemplation is like water. Without oxygen, one will suffocate. Without water, one will die of dehydration. Prayer and contemplation are absolutely essential.
To be certain, COVID-19, political tension and transition, as well as war and rumors of wars, has certainly tested the faith of many. I argue that this silent, invisible killer known as COVID-19, as well as political loyalties with respective parties and presidents, joined with the fear and troubles that run parallel with the reality of war, have uncovered the truth of many churches’ spiritual conditions.
But I wonder are we focused on what Christ has called the church to do in times like these? The profound author and woman of God, Cynthia B. Jackson asked a penetrating question that I would like to echo. Amid the many challenges, crises, and even calamities that we face, “What is our reputation in heaven?” Suppose the angels in heaven were having a conversation. What would they say about our churches today? Would they boast of our faithfulness and unity, amid these societal and global challenges that we face?
Without question, we have been given a role, and have been entrusted with a responsibility to evangelize non-believers, as we seek to disciple those who do believe, regardless of the culture and context of this world. The Rock Church, to the glory of God, has continued to respond to the Great Commission of our Lord, as we also respond to the challenges that we face, with courage and innovation.
I would like to share a few lessons that I’ve learned that ignite my passion to continue church planting.
5 Lessons Learned About the Role And Responsibility of the Local Church
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. This hope, however, is communicated and tangibly experienced through the spiritual life of the local church
(Acts 2:38-47).The local church provides a spiritual family that prayerfully supports and encourages our walk with Christ, amid the realities of an ever-shifting world (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The local church provides a safe and godly space to discover, and then exercise our spiritual gifts within an organized ministry that evangelizes and serves the community (1 Corinthians 12:12-19).
The local church provides spiritual leadership. As believers, we are all under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. As such, Christ has anointed, and the church has ordained qualified shepherds to lead and feed the flock of Christ (Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28).
The local church provides consistent accountability, which is essential for continued growth in the faith. Responsibility without accountability is chaotic (Galatians 6:1).
The church is like a seed of hope that is planted in a community. When that seed is cultivated by the Gospel, fellowship, worship, prayer, service, and outreach, the hope of Christ is realized and received by many. Now more than ever is the time for us to strategically and determinedly plant more communities of hope, and that is Christ’s Church!
