Are we Mission Focused or Agenda Focused? Ways To Maintain the Health of the Church

Are we Mission Focused or Agenda Focused?

This is a great question to ask ourselves as the Church and as followers of Jesus. We should always   evaluate the heart of our service to God. We should determine if  "we"/  the Church are operating on human effort and gauging success by the worlds standards, or are we desiring to honor God by trusting Him and appropriating His supernatural wisdom, discernment and perspective, while taking faithful action to carry out His plan. We should remember we will honor God when we live and work by His standards. We will show we love God through our obedience to His Word.

If we determine that "we"/ the Church are operating outside out of God's will and principles we should return back to God by way of humility, confession, obedience, repentance and action that restores us back into a right relationship with Him. We should also understand that God can take someone that is operating contrary to His will and use it for His good purpose. But as God's people, we can avoid going down the road of disobedience, sin and through the heartache of division, by striving to be Spirit led, God-centered, and unified in mission and purpose in everything we do.

A "healthy" Church is a great place for sick people to get back on the road to recovery as well as for people to be connected to a loving unified community of believers. A healthy Church is a place where God's truth is not compromised and that Christ is the center of everything done for the sake of His kingdom. A healthy church understands that without Christ they will bear no fruit.

Jesus made this principle clear:

John 15:5 New International Version 

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

It is important for the Church to always seek God's will and to  maintain its Spiritual health.

Here are some ways a Church can maintain its Spiritual health. 

Ways to maintain the health of the Church:

1. Making sure there is accountability for all those who teach. There must be clarity and truth in the teaching of God’s Word in every ministry in the Church.

 (We should never water down the gospel, never twist God's Word    to manipulate people into action)

Psalm 119:9-12 New International Version 1984

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.

John 17:17 New International Version 
 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth

Hebrews 4:12 New International Version 
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

2. Worship God not the idols we create    

(We need to Worship in Spirit and in Truth - We desire that worship stem from a deep heartfelt love and gratitude for God. God should be lifted up for His amazing attributes, amazing love and amazing Grace no matter what we are doing. Every area of ministry should strive for Christ-likeness through their service to others)

1 Corinthians 10:31 New International Version 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God

John 4:23-24 New International Version 1984 

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Psalm 138 NIV

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. 

3. Living and working with a Passion and Love for God  

(Always remembering what God has done for us and to let that inspire us to love Him and serve Him from depths of our heart, mind, soul, with all our strength)

1 John 4:19 New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

We love because he first loved us.

Colossians 3:23 New International Version 1984 
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

Mark 12:30 New International Version 1984 
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind 

and with all your strength.’

Philippians 3:7-11 New Living Translation 

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

4. Heartfelt Continuous Prayer 

 (Praying continuously for God’s guidance)

Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version 1984 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with

thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2 New International Version 1984  

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Matthew 7:7-8 New International Version 1984

Ask, Seek, Knock

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to 

you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door 

will be opened.

Proverbs 15:29 New International Version 1984  

The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Ephesians 6:18 New International Version 1984  

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind,

be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Matthew 18:19-20 New International Version 1984  

 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

5.  Focus on Making Disciples 

(Fulfilling the great commission)

Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

6. Always Loving and caring for the needs of others 

 (Loving and encouraging others as God would have us do.   Looking out for the interests of others)

Mark 12:28-31 New International Version 1984  

The Greatest Commandment

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New International Version 1984 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude,

it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Romans 12:10 New International Version 1984  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

John 13:34 New International Version 1984  

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 New International Version 1984 
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 10:25 New International Version 1984 
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage 

one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Peter 5:2 New International Version 1984 
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—

not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

Philippians 2:3-5 New International Version 1984 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

7. Developing and training Leaders on a regular basis
  
(We must continually develop the leaders in the Church through the teaching of God’s Word, the empowerment of their gifts and talents, and with the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit leading us)

(God gives leadership assignments for those in His Church)

Ephesians 4:11-13 New International Version 1984 

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 

(God's Word equips us for service)

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version 1984 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 New International Version (NIV)

 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

 (Jesus is our model model for leadership)

Matthew 20:25-28 New International Version 1984   

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,

and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to

become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

 (We must abide by God’s standard for leadership)

2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be

ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

(The Holy Spirit plays a role in our development)

Romans 12:6-8 New International Version 1984   

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

 (The Holy Spirit will teach us how we are to lead)

John 14:26 New International Version 1984   

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

(As leaders the gifts we receive should be used to serve others)

1 Peter 4:10 New International Version 1984 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

8. Always be Mission Focused 

(We are to be missionaries even in our own backyard and always be ready to share the Gospel)

1 Peter 3:15 New International Version 1984 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone

who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Acts 1:8 New International Version 1984 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9. Living by and acting on Faith and Trust in God

(We are to live by faith and embrace the purpose God has for His Church Body)

Hebrews 11:1-2 New International Version 1984  

By Faith

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

This is what the ancients were commended for.

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version 1984 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and

not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Philippians 2:13 New International Version 1984 
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 New International Version 1984 
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling,

and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

10. Godly Stewardship 

(We should be good and faithful managers of everything God has provided)

 (Tithe)

Proverbs 3:9-10 New International Version 1984 

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. 

 (Give)

Luke 6:38 New Living Translation 

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back

 (Model what we have been taught)

Titus 2:7 New Living Translation

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 

(Be Faithful)

1 Corinthians 4:2 New Living Translation  

Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 

(Be Blameless)

Titus 1:7-9 New International Version 1984  

Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 

(Be a Good Steward)

Luke 12:42-46 New International Version 1984 

 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Unfortunately it is not an easy task for the Church to maintain its Spiritual health. When the   spiritually  "sick", including Christ's followers come to receive hope and hear the message of salvation they also bring their sickness into the Church. That is why we have to stand by Godly principles in the way in which we deal with the sickness and in the way in which we treat one another.  We are all sinners in need of a Savior. No matter how much we think we know and feel we can do for the church, we must allow the for Holy Spirit to work through each and every one of us in regards to how fulfill to fulfill the mission of the Church and how we minister and treat one another. We can become a God honoring body of believers if we regularly apply God’s principles. The best thing we can do as the Church is to model Christ in everything we do.

The Bible exhorts us to act in such a manner:

Philippians 2:1-5 New International Version 1984 

Imitating Christ’s Humility

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

So as we ask ourselves the question, Are we Mission Focused or Agenda Focused,

Let’s take a serious look at our own motives and see if they are aligned with the principles of God.

Let’s ask God if we are fulfilling the mission for the Church His way. Let’s surrender our agenda

for His. A wise man once said that if we trust God and lean on His understanding, He will make

our paths straight. So let’s always seek Godly perspective and honor Him with our obedience to His will.

                                                                                                                                           

Just Sayin........................Dave