True Renewal
One of the newsletter services I subscribe to is a piece that comes from Pastor Rick Warren of the huge Saddleback Community Church in Southern California. I find he has amazing insight into the present day culture in which we live. Last week he sent out an article that stated it was his conviction that we are getting ready for another reformation in the church both in our nation and around the world.
If you are not aware of the first reformation it took place 500 years ago and was basically spearheaded by a German Monk by the name of Martin Luther. That reformation dealt head on with what the church believed. Well it’s Rick Warren’s belief and I strongly agree that the coming reformation will have everything to do with what the church does.
I think this is true because of things like we see happening in Lakeland and other places around the world – is enforcing the fact we are to be “doers” of the Word and not just hearers. I thought it was cool that the House of Prayer gang had about 20 go to the mall on Monday night to simply share Jesus.
In Warren’s article he said that God in bringing about reformation in the church will send the church through five stages of renewal to accomplish this end times principle. I personally equated what he said with Ephesians 1:17ff. I shared this yesterday with the New Jersey Presbyters of the AG. If ever there was a time for the believer to walk in the ‘Spirit of wisdom and revelation it is today. Further four times in the prayer to the Ephesians Paul talks about all of this being done in the realm of the “Spirit’s power”.
Well it seems like for this power to be realized in the local church God sets forth a strategy or pattern of development. This pattern involved seeing the church (and individual) do more than just believe (first reformation) but move into action. Notice the steps and for greater insight consult Rick Warren’s ministry toolbox. (Good stuff Rick thanks)
· Personal renewal – it starts with your heart and God
· Relational renewal – it moves to affecting all of our relationships with family, church and community.
· Missional renewal – once we discover what God wants he moves to touch us with what he wants to do and furthering his Kingdom.
· Cultural renewal – then he begins to change the culture of the church, radically altering the DNA so a church can reproduce what God wants not what we want
· Structural renewal – then he works on the governmental aspect of the church to better facilitate what he has wants done.
So often the last aspect is where churches start – when all it needs to be the last thing accomplished. So my prayer for my life and church as well as yours is simple: God just let it start with you and me and right in my heart.
