Is it possible for a church to take the Gospel for granted?
Can we get so accustomed to it that we miss its power and significance to ministry?
Could a church become so busy doing ministry (good things) that it’s not focused on Jesus?
I think it’s possible.
It’s possible in really good churches led by good spiritual leaders.
Church can be exhausting. There is so much to do.
The grand irony in the church is that the human element can crowd out the divine element. The daily responsibilities in the natural realm can distract us from the supernatural realm. It’s never intentional, but it can happen.
We’re here for people. We’re here to serve. That’s a good thing. But it’s easy to get lost in individual agendas and miss the big picture. We must be diligent to prevent the mechanics of ministry from minimizing the mystery of the Gospel.
Let’s be candid, the list of stuff is long. Things such as finances, buildings, culture-shifts, technology, and staffing needs from hiring to health care, etc.
It’s possible to go a few days, or weeks, or maybe longer, and not lead in such a way that the “good news of Jesus Christ” remains central to all that is done.
There is certainly no judgment here, or I’d likely be judging myself too. But I’m so passionate about the gospel and why we serve the Church, that if this post serves only as a good reminder and encouragement to us all, it’s worthwhile.
(Note: The reflection questions at the end of each point would work well for discussion in your church staff meeting.)
6 Signs Your Church is Gospel Focused:
1) Grace is demonstrated freely.
Grace is at the core of the Gospel. It shapes the tone of Christianity and sets the foundation of your church’s culture.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10
Grace doesn’t supersede truth. They must be received together, but it’s difficult to overdo grace. The kindness of God is a consistent reminder.
Reflection question: How do you demonstrate this grace with others?
- Are you quick to forgive?
- Will you give a second chance?
- Do you focus on the potential for change?
- How do you integrate truth and grace?
Grace helps us build bridges, solve problems and increase unity.
2) Faith is developed consistently.
Trusting that God will provide for you and will meet your deepest needs during life’s most challenging circumstances is not always easy. On a good day, that’s not so difficult. But in hard times, the faith of even strong spiritual leaders can be stretched thin.
Let me ask you, have you ever had doubts? Most of us have experienced doubts during challenging seasons in our lives.
The maturing of our faith is a central part of the process of becoming spiritually fit and spiritually mature as a Christian. If faith came naturally and easy to everyone, I don’t think it would operate the way we know it does. Faith must be developed throughout our lives, it’s not an automatic once-and-done proposition.
A Gospel-focused ministry leans heavily into the practice and development of faith.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Reflection question: How do you encourage and challenge people to develop their faith?
3) Salvation is proclaimed boldly.
We don’t need to apologize for the gospel to be politically correct. It is also unnecessary to be culturally insensitive to prove a point.
Colossians 4:5-6 says it well.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6
The name of Jesus and the truth of the Word carry power on their own, our contribution is to declare it clearly, boldly and with faith in that life-changing power.
Reflection question: Do you regularly offer salvation with confidence, without hesitation, and yet with the grace that makes the gospel attractive to those who are far from God?
4) Baptism is celebrated regularly.
Baptism is a response to salvation and scriptural obedience. It is an outward sign of an inward decision to follow Jesus.
There is something beautiful and undeniable that occurs in the moment of baptism. The Spirit of God is clearly at work and Heaven rejoices.
Baptism is not something to lift above salvation or complete salvation, it is a public testimony in which there is incredible beauty and power in the symbolism of dying to sin and rising in Christ.
The sacrament of baptism inspires people about the truth of the Gospel.
Reflection question: Are you pleased with where you are at concerning baptisms? Is your church outreach oriented?
5) Prayer is practiced daily.
The ability to communicate with The Creator of the universe is a mindboggling reality. God cares so much about us He listens and responds.
Have you ever wondered, if we fully harness the vast power available in prayer? What would that look like? What might the outcomes be?
- Is it about faith?
- Is it about discipline?
Prayer is the extraordinary invitation to commune with the Living God. It’s an invitation like no other.
Don’t worry about praying the right way at the right time, just pray. Pray long, pray short, pray quiet, pray loud, stand up, kneel down… just pray. And always pause to listen. What does Jesus have to say to you?
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Colossians 4:2-3
Reflection question: How’s your prayer life? Is it where you want it? Do you consider your church to be a praying church? What does that look like?
6) Jesus’ name is lifted up unashamedly.
Jesus is the name above all other names.
I’ve often prayed, “Father, may we never lift up the name of 12Stone Church higher than the name of Jesus.” I can’t imagine anyone doing that intentionally, but it can happen.
Every church should make the name of Jesus famous.
It’s more common to say God than Jesus in current culture. There’s obviously nothing wrong with reference to God or a common phrase like “It’s a God thing.” But I believe heaven resonates every time we lift the name of Jesus in a way that honors Him!
Reflection question: Does your church boldly lift up and proclaim the name of Jesus?
Please feel free to leave a comment, especially if you can add a “7th Sign” that a church is Gospel-focused.
