When speaking with church leaders about revitalization, the conversation almost always centers on tactics. “What can we do to reach people,” they ask. And there certainly are things we can do, things we ought to be doing, in order to foster an environment where unbelievers might receive the gospel. But as important as tactics are, they are empty if we don’t put first things first. Which is to remain prayerfully dependent on the Lord.
Conversion, and for that matter the entire disciple making process, is God’s work. As Christ’s body, those comprising the church are His instruments. But conviction of sin and regeneration itself are things only God can do. Prayer (genuine, sensitive, God-focused prayer, as opposed to perfunctory recitation of names and needs) allows believers to yield before the Lord and discern His activity around us. Informed by our understanding of God’s will as revealed in scripture, our discernment is sharpened. Sharpened discernment leads to better action.
I was reminded of this last week while visiting a church we partner with out west. The people of this small congregation were incredibly engaged in their community, serving and sharing with their neighbors at an extraordinary level. And our team heard some wonderful testimonies of how the Lord transformed lives through them.
But what convicted my spirit the most was the way their team prayed personally for every person they engaged. Their prayer room wall was covered with the names of people, noting the progress of each toward the gospel. As they prayed for each one, the team was able to discern their next ministry step in the relationship. And they were fruitful. Through their prayerful dependence on the Lord, He worked through their witness to save those for whom they prayed.
They put first things first. And so too should we.
Where does prayer fall in your church’s ministry plan? In what ways do you seek the Lord for the salvation of persons near you? Think about it. And if we at the GTBN can help you, please reach out.
Blessings,
Bro. Jim