by Michael MckinleyA common question that church planters face is "How can you develop a God-centered church when most of the people attending aren't mature believers?" Assuming that you're not trying to fill your seats only with believers who are already mature, you're going to face this question. How do you create a God-centered culture?
A week back, Mark Dever gave five suggestions to church planters in Baltimore:
1. Prayer-- Specifically, prayer in the public gatherings.-- Prayer makes it clear that God stands at the center of everything we do. Prayer acknowledges that God is in control and that all of the fruit we hope to see comes from God (I Corinthians 3).
1. Prayer-- Specifically, prayer in the public gatherings.-- Prayer makes it clear that God stands at the center of everything we do. Prayer acknowledges that God is in control and that all of the fruit we hope to see comes from God (I Corinthians 3).
2. Set an example of God-centeredness.-- Part of pastoring is modeling. Live a God-centered life and disciple other believers so that they can do the same.
3. Preach the Word of God.-- Because, after all, the Bible is a pretty God-centered book. People will probably catch onto that if you keep preaching the Bible to them.
4. Patience-- God's timing tends to be different then ours. But since He's God, let's go with His timing.
5. Confidence-- We've all read the end of the story. God wins. -- The Word of God is very powerful and effective. God uses it. You can trust it and trust Him.-- God loves the church more than you do. He's more jealous for the love and affection of your people than you are.