God's challenge to us is to not to get stale and religious but to keep on moving forward in our relationship with Jesus as a community. I think one way of stopping us from hitting a massive wall in church is to ask ourselves harsh questions every 3 months to see where we are and whether we have moved forward/backward or not at all.
Vision Questions:
What risks are we taking?
• How much do we depend on Jesus?
What changes have we made in the last 3 months?
Have we grown?
• Numbers
• Spiritually
• Individuals
Have we networked with other/members churches?
What weakness’ have there been?
• What have we learned?
• What needs to change?
What is God prompting us?
• Vision
• Direction
What Gifts are we using/not using?
How has the worship Developed?
What ministry is happening?
• One to one
• Holy spirit
What are our traditions?
How are we using our money?
Practical:
Have there been any child protection issues?
Have there been any health and safety issues?
What changes do we need in the building?
At church a few months ago, we experimented with silent worship with our young people and it was a night not to forget! All we did was sit in front of the cross for 15mins in our own space and wait on God.
What can i say the reaction wasn't what i expected, God spoke to our young people in a massive way, with visions and peace.
What i realised from this experence is that God is waiting to burst out and speak to us, and all it takes is a listening ear, is it true we can be so wrapped up in our singing, preaching, bible reading,programs etc... that we don't give God room to breath in our lives.
a lad gave me this note because he was so lost for words that he couldn't speak.
