The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians with these words.

Philippians 3:14-16, NIV

14. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

15. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 

16. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 

“Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”

God has been, is, and will be faithful to finish the work he has begun in you.  That you have discovered new ways to do the ministry of the Church for the Kingdom of heaven in this world during these circumstances is remarkable.  But how will you serve in leadership and management from this day forward in the Local Church where you are?  Will some of these new practices you have put in place continue?  Will life go back to the regular flow of some leading in serving and others consuming those services, tasting and testing them to see if they are to their liking, possibly complaining if they are not what they want at the time?  Or, has life in the Church changed permanently for you?

As I was preparing this statement, an email came in from Thom Rainer.  He was advertising one of his webinars.  But I want to share with you what he said in the setting of his promotion.

“Thousands of churches who NEVER streamed online before are now becoming Facebook Live experts. Churches that were showing a decline, are now showing growth. I am grateful to see how so many churches are expanding their digital footprint for the gospel.

Facebook, Instagram, Apple, Zoom, and Google are some of the technology companies making the greatest and newest impacts in the local church. I saw a friend on Instagram post that all pastors are now “televangelists.” 

This is an exciting development because pastors and church leaders are adding a new resource to their tool kit. 

I am saddened by the global impact of COVID-19, but I know that our King is greater than our current circumstances. God is in control, and He can make beautiful things come from chaos.” – Thom Rainer

I appreciate his words.  I hope you appreciate them also.  By the grace of God, the Church has made tremendous progress during this time of tribulation and suffering.  Yes, the Church has suffered its losses also, mostly financial perhaps.  But the reality is, like when other tragedies have come, people are being touched with a call of God upon their hearts.  Let us maximize the benefit of this expensive, high cost, situation.

Today, develop your plans for those you lead to bring them to another growth level.  Spiritually, if they are children, bring them to the next level as youths, youths as young adults, young adults as seasoned servants and parents, seasoned servants and parents as mentors (grandparents) of all until the great day of the Lord.

“The Lord is our Shepherd we shall not want …” 

Be strong and courageous in Jesus Christ, dear friends.