August 25, 2006

Growing Up, Growing Strong

Ephesians 4:16

It is good to be back home in Abu Dhabi. We have had a good summer in the U.S. It was a combination of work, as we shared the ministry of ECC in a number or churches and with many individuals who have supported us over the years, and also enjoyed time with family. We were able to visit with several members of our extended ECC family from different eras: Hans and Helene Fast, Bill and Pauline Rappold, Kris Curnutt, and Rip and Edith Parks. All of them asked us to relay their greetings back to the congregation here. So it has been a good summer, but as always, it is good to get home and unpack our suitcases and sleep in our own bed again.

I want to add my personal word of welcome to all of you who are new to ECC and have arrived during these summer months when we were away. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you in the weeks ahead.

It is also good to see the progress that has been made on the building project and to see things moving forward. I am also grateful for a good staff that has kept the church ministries going over the summer and who are working hard to prepare for our regular ministries which will be starting up during the next couple of weeks.

As I sat in my office on my first day back, I started to think about what lies ahead of us this year. It struck me that in many ways, we are facing one of the most challenging years that we have faced during my tenure as pastor here at ECC. And since I am starting my 17^th year as pastor, that covers a fair bit of ground. It is a year that is going to stretch us and challenge us on a number of fronts.

The most obvious is the building project. By this time next year, Lord willing, we hope to be in the new chapel. But there is a lot that has to happen between now and then. We will be stretched financially, as we trust God to provide the rest of the finances to complete the project. We will also be stretched financially as we trust God to simultaneously provide the money to meet our general fund needs as a church. At this point in the year, our giving is about 16% below our budget and about 73,000 dirhams less than actual expenses.

In addition to the finances, we face the challenges of continuing to meet in the building while the construction is going on. That is going to stretch and test us all, as we all squeeze in and out of the one entry. We will have to find different ways of doing things and be flexible in adapting our ministries to fit this temporary reality. It is for a good cause, but we will be asked to make sacrifices and face inconveniences. That is never an easy thing, especially over an extended period of time.

We are also facing changes to the fabric of life here in Abu Dhabi. The increases in rent, which the paper places at approximately 50% over one year, have affected many. The soon to be implemented change in the weekend for schools and government workers, while not a bad thing, will still require adaptations in our lives and ministries and probably bring unexpected consequences.

On top of all that we face here, we find ourselves living in a world and a region of the world that seems increasingly unsafe. Many in our community and even in our church have been personally affected by recent events in Lebanon. The recently thwarted terrorist attacks which targeted international air travelers cast a dimension of fear over the simple act of getting on an airplane.

With all of these challenges facing us as individuals and as a church, how do we construct and conduct ministry as a church during this year, how do we relate to each other so that we not only survive, but so that we can thrive and grow, and come through this year more mature and stronger than we began?

We read from Ephesians 4 in our Scripture reading this morning. I’d like you to turn there with me again. I am not going to attempt an exposition of this great text this morning. In fact, I want to focus on just one verse, verse 16. Let me read it again. (READ)

From this verse, I would like to construct a three-legged stool upon which to rest our ministry during this church and ministry year. As many of you know, I grew up in Africa. I have visited in many African homes. One very common piece of furniture in many of these homes is the three legged stool. It is a very practical piece of furniture. In fact, a three-legged stool has many advantages, especially when the ground or floor is uneven. If you have a four-legged chair, and the ground is uneven, one leg is almost always out of contact with the floor, causing the chair to rock. But a three-legged stool gives a steady platform and a comfortable seat even on rough, uneven floors. If the circumstances we are facing this year can be likened to an uneven floor, what is the three-legged stool we need to give us a steady platform or seat for ministry?

Leg # 1: Christ must have first place in all that we do.

Verse 16 begins with the words “from him.” Who is Paul referring to? The answer is in the preceding verse: “him who is the Head, that is Christ.” Christ is the Head. He is the source of all power, authority, strength and growth in the church. This is central. The church belongs to Christ. Its life, growth and power must all come from him.

We can see this when we consider the metaphor of the head and the body. The most frightening diseases or injuries to the human body are those which affect the relationship of the head to the body. The body is nothing without a functioning head, and without clear communication and control between the head and the rest of the body.

We must realize that our vitality and growth as a church during this year will be a direct correlation to our relationship to Christ as our head. This has both an individual and a corporate dimension. We must individually submit ourselves to Christ’s Lordship. As you and I give the Lord Jesus first place in our lives, then we are able to come together to honor him and give him first place in the church. It is a simple but very profound principle and focus that will do more than anything else to help us meet the challenges of this coming year. “Jesus is Lord. He is the Head of the church. What would he have us do?” As we make that assertion and ask and answer that question, we will be well on our way to growing up and growing strong.

Leg # 2: Every member must do his/her part.

This is the second leg of the stool. It comes through clearly in two phrases: “joined and held together by every supporting ligament”, and “as each part does its work.”

Paul is continuing to develop the metaphor of the human body. There is one Head, but there are many parts. If the body is to function effectively, each member must do its part, in obedience to the head’s instructions.

I have been a pastor for over 30 years. As I have observed and participated in church life during all those years, it seems to me that the people that make up the congregation in the church in any given service fall into one of four categories. This is not divinely inspired. I have no chapter and verse to support this. It is simply based on my observations.

Category # 1: The Inquirer.

The Inquirer can be symbolized by a question mark. He or she has questions. The questions may vary. The Inquirer may not be a believer. He or she may be checking out Christianity. Do I want to become a follower of Christ? Who is Christ? Does all this make sense? Nicodemus in the Bible is a classic example of an Inquirer. Or, the Inquirer may be a committed follower of Christ, but you have some questions about our congregation. You are trying to determine if we are your kind of church? Is our doctrine suitable? Are you comfortable with our style of worship, the type of people? Will you fit in and feel comfortable?

Let me stress that Inquirers are welcome in our church. Come, observe, ask your questions. Take your time. Let us know how we can help you find the answers you are looking for.

Category # 2: The Spectator

The Spectator has basically made up his mind about the questions. He has decided that he is comfortable in a particular congregation. But his/her involvement is limited to that of the spectator. He comes, he sits, he observes, he is entertained, or blessed or whatever he came for. After the service he/she may shake a few hands, greet a few friends. Then he goes home, and comes back the next week. His experience may be likened to that of a spectator at a sporting event or a local theater production. He might ask such things as “Did I enjoy the service? Were my needs met? Was the music good? Was the sermon interesting?”

I want to emphasize this morning that Spectators are welcome at ECC. We encourage you to come, to come regularly and often. We hope you feel at home. We hope your needs are met. Of all the things there are to watch or be a spectator at, a church service is certainly one of the most profitable.

Category # 3: The Participator

The Participator has learned a valuable lesson. He has learned that you get more out of something when you put more into it. So he or she doesn’t just come to watch. He comes to participate. When the congregation sings, he sings. When he comes to a Bible study he participates; he takes notes, asks questions, engages in the discussion. He builds relationships with other participators. He goes to church fellowship functions, and thinks of himself as part of the church family.

It goes without saying that the church thrives on its participators. You are welcome. There is always room for more. May your tribe increase!

I actually struggled to find just the right word for the fourth and final category. I have settled on…

Category # 4: The Co-laborer

For a description of this final category of person, let’s turn to Philippians 4:2-3. (Read). Now, there are several things going on in these verses. But I just want to highlight three descriptions or terms that capture what I mean by a Co-laborer. The first is in the beginning of verse 3: “loyal yokefellow”. Some suggest that this is not a description, but rather someone’s actual name. Be that as it may, it’s a great description.  A Co-laborer is a person who shares the yoke, who is pulling at the load. The second description is in the next phrase: “who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.” Here the metaphor is that of warfare, of facing a common enemy, and engaging in spiritual warfare together. Finally, toward the end of the verse he refers to “Clement and the rest of my fellow workers.”

I guess I would describe it this way: A Participator is someone who is there when it happens. A Co-laborer is someone who makes it happen. He/she is committed to the ministry and work of the church, to make it better and more effective, to help it grow. He not only participates, he initiates. He doesn’t just come when he is invited, he invites others. He doesn’t wait to be asked to serve, he looks for ways to serve. These are the people that a church depends on to function, to have a ministry, to have an impact on our community.

Now, let me make some observations about these categories. First of all, there is no tight, clear dividing line between the categories. The point where one ends and another begins is not always easy to recognize and identify, nor is it necessary to do so.

Also, I would suggest that there is nothing wrong with any of the categories. In fact, we could make a case for the fact that it is necessary for us to go through each of the categories when we come into a new church. It may even be necessary to stay in one category for a period of time. I remember one couple who came to our church in Alaska. They came to me and shared that they had just come out of a very hurtful situation in another church. “We need some time to just sit and soak and let our wounds heal,” they told me. We are more than willing to give you whatever time you need in any of the categories.

That brings me to the next point. Let us not use these categories to pass judgment on others and their level of involvement. We do not know another’s circumstances. There may be circumstances in their lives: work, health, family issues which limit their ability to be involved.

What I really encourage you to do is to use these categories to evaluate yourself. Which category are you in? Are you satisfied to remain there? The real key is one of movement. Are you stuck in one of the first three categories? What is the sticking point? When will it be time to move on?

Finally, I think it is obvious that too small a number in the last category is the sign of an unhealthy church. It is a situation that leads to burn out among the workers, and lack of growth in the congregation as a whole. Ephesians 4:16 makes it clear. The church grows up and grows strong when “each part does its work.” We will need this leg of the stool this year more than ever as we face unique challenges in ministry.

That brings us to the third and final leg of the stool.

Leg # 3: Love is the motive, the measure and the goal of Christian service.

That’s where Paul ends this paragraph: The whole body…”grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” It should be love for our fellow believers that motivates us to serve and get involved. Love should be the measure of our service. Am I serving in a loving way, communicating love by my actions and attitudes? And finally, is the end result of my service that other members of the church feel loved and cared for.

We can expand on this by looking earlier in the chapter, at verse 2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” We have to serve for the right reasons, but we must also serve in the right way, and in both cases that is love. This is what should set the church apart from other organizations and clubs and community service organizations. As Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This quality of love is going to be especially necessary in the challenges of this year, as we cope with numerous inconveniences, as we negotiate past each other in narrow spaces, and have to alter our expectations and even our ministries to fit with the larger picture. May love, Christ’s love, be our standard and our guide.

Well, the challenges lie ahead. The ground is uneven. How will we find a stable platform for ministry and for spiritual growth during this challenging year? Let’s keep each of the three legs of our stool solidly grounded: 1. Christ must have first place in all that we do. 2. Every member must do his/her part. 3. Let love be the motive, measure and goal of our service. If we do that, we will not only survive this year of ministry. It could be one of our best ever.