DAY 10

Having grown up in the church as a “PK”, or Pastors Kid, I’ve experienced my father with the support of volunteers and staff members, plant and grow our church – Harbison Baptist Church of the Cross. It began as a Southern Baptist congregation then eventually became more Charismatic and Pentecostal - he jokingly described it as “Baptipentecostal”. During this transition, moving from a rental space to the new building, many of our oldest members began to leave the church as Dad was acting in obedience with what God was revealing to him. Laying hands on the sick, praying in tongues, even what side of the pulpit the piano was placed was enough to send members and staff through the exit. “Pastor Bob”, my father, was so relatable and always found time to share the Gospel. Every morning he woke and retired in the evening reading the Bible. Numerous times, I found him singing and worshiping the Lord in private. For as long as I can remember, God used his life to reach many for salvation and was instrumental in sending out and leading many into their ministries. 

Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:28, “Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” We hear of it constantly, Churches across the world face persecution, oppression by their government, opposing religious/nonreligious groups, diminishing membership, and many other forms. Over time, when those attendees left our church, general support including finances declined to the point of missing payments and our church family would experience hardship as a certain number of staff had relied on this income. Many on the staff, Harbison Baptist Church and my immediate family were certainly exercising their faith through prayer and at times fasting.

I believe that the purpose of local churches is not necessarily to grow members until they reach a mega size. To my understanding, the purpose of the Church is to build up the body and send the members out to further establish God’s kingdom. Paul says in Ephesians 4:12, the purpose of the Church is to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. By the time my father retired as Senior Pastor, the congregation was blessed with a brand-new building, parking lot and a full chapel. Although God always comes through, each outcome may be different. You see, when walking in faith, stress and in some cases, suffering may be part of the process. However, God through many circumstances uses these experiences to draw us closer to him. Philippians 4:19 says “and my God will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus”. God will provide for our needs regardless, if we depend wholly on him. 

Not only is financial support important for church provision, but arguably more important is the backing of volunteers and staff members from the congregation. A beautiful picture of order and growing the church can be seen in Acts 16:4-5, where Paul introduces young Timothy to the ministry and it reads, “As they traveled from town to town (in Macedonia), they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So, the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” Sharing God’s love, as we reach the surrounding communities requires the help of volunteers and qualified staff shaped by guidelines established within church leadership. As opportunities arise and we move upon the Holy Spirit, support will also be required for further inspirations such as missionary work and much more. But for now, pray regularly for your church leaders and over the congregation. I’d like to loosely paraphrase in the style of former President Kennedy - ask not what your “Church” can do for You, ask what You can do for your “Church”.

God Bless you!