The flock takes on personality traits. It can't help it. Does the congregation look like the elders? The staff? The preacher? The women's ministries? Who most among you impacts and grooms the church to look like it does. By the process of elimination the two finalists are often the elders and the preacher. I will tell you who I believe to be the winner of the contest.....later.
It seems each congregation has one imposing characteristic. One may seem conservative while the next has an air of friendliness and the next offers strong discipleship tones. While the personalities vary, does it not seem reasonable that such develops from somebody...some strong somebody within the congregation? It might be the elders, the preacher, or even an elderly charter member who's devoted finances and helping hands assisted throughout multiple decades. Who wins the contest where you live?
The winner is the one who rules the church. It is the one who does the most for the church. It is the one whom the congregation has the most confidence. One can be listed on the church letterhead as the leader, but the real definitive leader for the people is the one whom the people identify with closely. So who is it?
Oh, you knew the correct answer before we finished the first paragraph. The one whose personality grooms the congregation and endears himself to the flock is none other than Jesus. Jesus is the strong real somebody among the flock. The church is either built around him or it simply isn't being built. Yes, it is he who creates the warm atmosphere. It is he who gives us umph to start life over. It is he who demonstrates the greatest patience and the strongest compassion for the flock. It is Jesus....none other....who leads, sets the pace, and forms the standard for the right kind of church system.
Now, aren't you glad you knew the answer all along?
5 comments:
Terry,
Loved this article and so true.
Larry Wishard
Very true. It is also true that far too many churches simply are not being built for they look more like the pastor than the Shepherd!
In your opinion, do you feel that some churches tend to emphasize one characteristic of Jesus over others and present a bad image of what the church should be to the world?
Chris, my guestimate is that any church which is dominated by any characteristic of Jesus is not damaging the community. Their particular gift would link up with the 50 other churches' varying gifts in the area and benefit all around. That's merely my opinion.
Terry, I appreciate your response to my question. However, looking back at my question, I realize it fell way short of asking what was on my mind. I apologize for that shortcoming. I will give more thought to the wording of my question. THANKS
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