Page 13 - In His Image

Chapter 2

Do You Want to Make a Difference?

Ignite people's passion for God and get out of their way.

Ask yourself the following question... what would happen if we were to focus on
the four out of every ten adults and one out of every three teenagers who have
already asked Jesus Christ to be their Savior - and do everything we can to help
them grow into inspired, committed disciples of Jesus?

What would happen to God's kingdom if we did not consider our job complete when
people confess their sins and say a prayer inviting Jesus to be their Savior, BUT
would use their new commitments to Christ as a launching pad for a lifelong quest
to become individuals who are completely sold out, emotionally, intellectually,
physically, spiritually, to the Son of God?

The church is creative! It spends great amounts of time, talent and money fine
tuning their worship services, integrating numerous programs and classes into
menus palatable to their congregations. Much is done in an attempt to influence
people's thinking and behavior. Untold money is spent maintaining, upgrading and
expanding buildings. Marketing programs within the body have become
sophisticated and highly polished in an attempt to raise people's awareness of the
things of God.

All of these things can certainly be justified by their intent and outcomes. But let
me suggest a better strategy: Ignite people's passion for God and get out of their
way. For a people of faith, we sometimes have a great deal of trouble trusting the
Holy Spirit. We believe He can heal and restore, but when it comes to trusting Him
to guide people to do the things of ministry we seem to be most reluctant. If true
discipleship is taking place within our churches, we should look forward to and
embrace the time of releasing our people, under His influence, to do the things of
ministry.

When our congregants are truly single-minded in their devotion to God, their
commitment to His ways and His principles become much deeper and more intense.
Once they have made that enduring and serious commitment, the peripheral issues
do not carry much weight. They will endure worship services that may not meet

In His Image 5