After a several week hiatus, I return to this series of posts on working for biblical reformation in a local church. Previously I addressed why this should even be attempted and what the goal of such an effort is. With this post I want to start thinking about the principles shat should guide our efforts in restoring health to an unhealthy church.
1. Remember that the church belongs to Christ and you are His steward Though we speak of “my church” for the sake of convenience pastors must never forget that the church is God’s idea and every local church belongs to Christ. Paul told the Ephesian elders that they must “shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Pastors must remember that the particular church that we serve has been paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. He has promised to build His church. Our responsibility is to carry out the duties of undershepherds and to do so as servants of stewards of Christ.
This thought will help a pastor remember two important truths. First, the glory of Jesus is at stake in how the church lives. Seeking to restore spiritual health is about more than merely the welfare of the individual members and certainly more than the ease or reputation of the pastor. It is about the honor of our Lord and the display of His greatness to a watching world and to unseen principalities and powers.
Second, though opposition and resistance may be packaged in personal attacks, the issues are not personal. Pastors must guard against seeking to build their own kingdoms or establish their own agendas. We must be clear that the agenda we adopt and pursue is revealed in Scripture and not simply our own personal preference. Only then can we take comfort in the knowledge that if the messenger is attacked it is because of the message. When a soldier is shot he bleeds just as readily whether he is fighting in the name of his king or in his own name. But it is commendable to God if you suffer for doing good (1 Peter 2:20-23).
The Word of God is sufficient
People need to be taught before they can be expected to change
Learn to pick your battles
Work of reformation does not exclude regular, ongoing ministry
