OUT OF THE BOX

Dear Pastor Friends This article is primarily written for pastors and church leaders. I am sharing some relevant thoughts related to church growth. I am not claiming to be an experienced expert. I am not saying, “Follow me.” I am simply sharing some perceptions I have had over recent years. I am not giving the answers, but hopefully giving some questions that may inspire some of us to be more receptive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. It is God’s favor that establishes and builds a sure house. I remember years ago looking at the church we had planted. I thought, “This is solid. God has given us some great people. This will stand firm.” Then something happened that caused me to realize that whatever we have built, no matter how great it seems to be, is like a dandelion in the wind apart from the grace of God. We are always on the verge of keeping it all and losing it all. There is something spiritual that holds things together. And the building process itself should be spiritual. What we

DEALING WITH STUMBLES AND FAILURES PETER'S EXAMPLES "Get thee behind me, Satan" -Matthew 16: 16-17, 22-23 We learn through our mistakes if we remain humble, teachable, and entreatable. At one moment Peter received a great revelation from the Father; the next moment he was influenced by the enemy. In one moment he was praised for his insight; the next moment he was rebuked for speaking without knowledge. Experiences such as these helped Peter to grow in discernment. If Peter and the other disciples had to learn through their mistakes, how much more should we expect to do the same? Instruction and discipline are the way of life. We should not be surprised and ashamed when we need them. "Lord, let us build three tabernacles..." -Luke 9: 33 Peter stood in the glory of God and, even there, spoke foolishly. He wanted to build tabernacles to Moses and Elijah. The Father had to silence him and move Peter's focus back to Jesus. It is a mistake to think a person is i