I've been reflecting on our services this morning at CLC. I didn't say this today in either first or second service, but I wish I had:
What's the one thing the Bensaelem community needs from us as a gathering of Christ followers? They need to know that every week things are going to be the same at this church: we gather together to encourage one another, love one another, lift up the name of Jesus, and proclaim the truth of the Gospel—and we do it week after week after week.
Our commitment to reaching the lost is permanent; our commitment to building up disciples is permanent; our commitment to changing the world is permanent. These commitments are permanent because they are not based on convenience, they're based on conviction. Being consistent in our walk with Christ and in our work of the ministry must become our ultimate priority.
A church that is consistent lives by its faith, not by its feelings!
As a church there are some things we simply aren't yet able to do. We don't have a laser light show, we don't have multi-media presentations on a jumbo-tron screen, and we don't have a best-selling author in the pulpit. But I'll tell you what we do have: we have the ability to encourage one another, to love one another, to lift up the name of Christ, to teach the simple truth of the Bible and to do it week after week after week.
In my opinion, that's what makes CLC a great church. Whatever amenities we may add in the future—and as we grow we'll certainly add some—whatever amenities we add will only complement the real work that God is doing here—as we glorify him by being the body of Christ.
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6 comments:
Amen to that! I just wanted to let you know that I was so blessed by your passion for the vision for this church. You displayed it so well in your message and it was clear to anyone attending that morning where we are going. I have been around long enough to know that those who remain faithful to what God has for His body is never disappointed! You asked Sunday if we're committed and we are...we're behind you and the leadership of this church all the way!!
On behalf of the leadership, Claudia, I thank you for your supportive comments! Keep us in prayers as we go forward.
I was excited to hear Pastor Del give his candid vision for Christian Life Center, and I totally identified when he spoke about some churches he attended in the past.
I don't know about any of the 'transition' stuff at CLC. To me, this church seems to have the foundation, spiritual and otherwise, to make a difference in Lower Bucks.
Great people, beautiful location, and Pastor Del has a unique way of bringing out the powerful message in the Bible.
I agree with Claudia. Having been involved with this church for a very long time (15 years), I am so excited to see that the passion to experience God's power is once again towards the forefront. I'm glad we're going from a conversion mindset to encouraging all to get to know God more intimately, and seek His transformation in our lives. Many years ago God's presence could be felt palpably during service. Unfortunately, that has seemed to have diminished over the last decade, but I believe that it is starting to be experienced again. Like you said, I want to leave CLC each time different, knowing that I encountered God during my time there. I, personally, am totally committed to the vision you articulated at the leadership conference and at the pulpit Sunday.
And for the record, I don't need a laser light show, multi-media presentations on a jumbo-tron, or a best selling author on the pulpit. I'd rather keep my eyes firmly on God than be distracted by the bells and whistles all around me.
Consistency is important, but I have found something starteling, my son came home last Wed. from Youth and informed me that there will be a extra collection taken for Steve and his wife to celebrate their 3 years. OK help me here but arent they getting Paid???? Isn't the Salary enough???? I find this a bit disturbng as Collections should not be taken because someone is doing their job. I guess next we will be taking collections every year to celebrate birthdays, anniverseries and what the heck, We woke up today, PRAISE THE LORD & PASS THE PLATE!!!!
I am willing to bet Pastor Steve's salary (and others at CLC) is barely above the poverty line.
My impression is that CLC staff are totally dedicated to helping and saving people in our community -- and that money is not their main motivation.
Steve seems to be on fire for Jesus Christ. I don't think the salary (or lack of it) is his motivation.
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