For those who have participated in the 7-11 Prayer Week, I trust it has been a positive experience. Future prayers events can take on a different tone, such as praying more specifically for certain aspects of the ministry or vision of the church and so on. As always, we appreciate feedback on how we may build up our prayer life as a church.
Whether it is centered around a room, or we gather in corporate prayer, as always, we ask how every member may contribute to build up the ministry rather than waiting for an ideal approach to arise.
Now that it is over, from here, we will dedicate Titus Room for prayer and small group ministry. It can also be used for personal/group prayer, small discipleship
groups or counselling. We will continue to furnish the room appropriately and
streamline a process for bookings.
Meanwhile, Pas Emmanuel or other staff can
help to coordinate and just let us know if you like to book or use it.
Recently at our staff meetings, we have also been discussing on the primary role of the Church to help members to grow in their faith. One of the best ways to have this is small group bible studies, including “follow-up” groups for new Christians. Learning is most effective if it is systematic, with one layer resting on the previous.
We see this clearly in other fields. In Math, we learn basic arithmetic before progressing to algebra. In language, we progress from vocabulary to reading and writing. Learning to cook is similar: you progress from basic to more complex recipes.
Taking time to lay the foundation and introducing ideas sequentially will help a
new believer to understand. Good understanding will also lead to better living
and vice versa. As the Christian faith is more than just concepts but about life
itself – though it should be said that good books can help a lot – we grow best in
interaction and dialogue with others. To some extent, Cell groups can fulfil this function occasionally, but it will need careful planning as in a Cell, believers are at various stages of maturity.
As a modern city church can be bombarded by many ideas, it is good to hold firmly to our priorities. One thing is certain, we cannot live the Christian life for another. We can help, guide, teach and even shed many tears, but each need to walk his or her own path. In other words, we cannot babysit our members. Being aware of this also helps us to be more circumspect and avoid over-controlling
those we are trying to disciple. Like good parenting when children come of age,
we have to entrust them to make the right (and wrong) decisions for that is how
they will learn to follow Christ.
However, we do need to care that the other is growing in Christ, and this is something which we should give our energy to.
As Paul has said: Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28,29
Comments