congregation vs. kingdom

This past week was a time to dream with a couple of men that have been huge encouragers and partners to our family. We talked about a pyradim shift. A change of thought and action.

There are some churches with a congregational/local "world" view. They are concerned about the roof, walls and floors of "their place". Their members, leaders and ministers are very important to them...as they are. Members are often pew warmers. The leadership meets frequently and accomplishs little. The ministers are frustrated or more concerned with keeping people happy than growth or transformation. The church is not too worried about much outside their city limits. They nearly refuse to work with any other congregation. Their missions budget is a very small percentage of their overall income. (Biblically, funds collected were used to help other congregations and to send the gospel out). In general, this kind of church is often small, inward focused and in short, will die out soon!

On the other hand you have churches that have a "kingdom" view. This is the church that cares for their members and equips them for ministry. Their leadership is more concerned with prayer than meeting. The ministers are servants who look to the Spirit for guidance. This church defines success as lives transformed and not numbers!

There are more comparisons, but I think you already know them. I chose this picture for a reason. It's the idea of "He's got the whole world in His hands". A "local" church trusts their resources, abilities and is guided by their limitations. The "kingdom" church trust in God's power, they utilize the gifts Jesus gives them and follow where the Spirit guides! What kind of church do you worship with?