When the apostle Paul challenged the believers in Philippi in their obedience to the Lord, he told them: “Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me” (Philippians 4:9). When he wrote the believers in Corinth, he said, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Though not perfect, Paul was willing to say, “You can imitate what you see in me.” Church leaders are wise to constantly evaluate their lives to ensure they can say the same thing. Here are four hard questions to ask yourself.
How evangelistic would our church be if:
How evangelistic would our church be if my example were imitated? In many churches we have an evangelism crisis. In many places few people are converted, not because our message is weak but because our message is not heralded. The gospel is still the power of God for the salvation of all who believe, but the gospel often is not shared. If every person in our church shared the gospel as frequently and intentionally as I do, would our church be reaching more or less people than we are currently?
How generous would our church be if:
How generous would our church be if my generosity were imitated? The apostle Paul challenged the Corinthian Christians to excel in the grace of giving because they knew the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who though He was rich became poor to make us rich (2 Corinthians 8:7-9). If my sacrifice, my commitment to our mission expressed through the level of my giving, were replicated, would our church be more or less generous?
How connected would our church be if:
How connected would our church be if my relationships with God’s people were imitated? Sadly, many churches are led by “cuckoo clock pastors,” those who disappear from people into their secret boxes and then pop out to deliver a word. Many pastors preach about community while living in isolation. Many promote groups/classes without being in one. My brothers, this should not be.
