THREE KINDS OF CHURCHES: …sequel to ministry today…

Looking through the church today, though born a Baptist and having observed and attended quite a number of other denominational settings; Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Pentecostal among others; I realize they all have something in common. This common ground is what defines the type of church we found, belong or attend – the three kinds of churches. 1. The Church that Leads Through: This is the Master’s church. And the most acceptable form of church setting. This kind of church thinks of leading men to God first through Christ. As a matter of fact, this was the kind of church Christ himself instituted and promoted. He said in John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast away.” And in John 14:6 He also said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” This can also be termed the balanced church – they are driven by the great commission: His mission, His message, and His members/body. Their mission is to turn many to righteousness. Their message is that of hope in Christ Jesus that doesn’t make ashamed. And they are sold out to seeing their members become true disciples of Jesus. What a church! Lord, give us churches that points men to You. 2. The Church that Locks In: This is a mixed church. They think numbers first: our size, our reach and popularity. They also keep members at all cost whether they are growing or not. This is a kind of church instituted and promoted by the Scribes and the Pharisees. Jesus said: Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you compass sea and land to make a proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves (Matthew 23:15). 3. The Church that Casts Out: This is another form of a mixed church. They think of doctrine most: our name, our image, and our tradition. Their rule is: kick them out if they refuse to learn or abide by our doctrine. John 9:34 reads: They answered and said unto him, you were altogether born in sins, and do you now teach us? And they cast him out. You will understand this kind of church setting better if you can take time to read John 8: 1-11 and the whole of John 9. This same type of church setting will not even mind ‘casting out’ Jesus all in the name of doctrine (Luke 4:18-29.) Don’t forget that it was this type of setting that prevented the move of the Holy Spirit particularly in the Orthodox Church in time past; to the effect that you dare not speak in new tongues. This could also be termed the ‘careless church.’ Where whether you come to church or not (you are lost or found), nobody really cares. Once the size of the church is still massive and the pastor is cool; you’re just on your own. They may not literarily cast you out – but once you’re out, you’re out. We need a revival! While it is not impossible to find a church in the first category, the second and third category is the order of the day. But shockingly, most churches are a mixture of these three and that’s where the danger lies. They want to lead us to God, but they don’t want to know when their work is done; and most times they throw us out for fallen short of church rules and regulations all in the name of doctrine. What doctrine! Is it their doctrine that was crucified on the cross for our sins? Mr. church founder you have no right to throw people out of church for whatever reasons. Just lead them to God – that’s your job. If it means fasting and praying yourself out to achieve that – go ahead! After all Jesus died for this same people. If you can’t give ministry what it takes, then don’t take it. The Balance: There is nothing wrong with ‘sound doctrine.’ But it shouldn’t be to the detriment of the life of the people that Jesus died for. It is important to curb the excesses of men. However, there is vast difference between the doctrine of discipline/correction and the doctrine of damnation. The church is to save the lost and not to tell them to get lost. What matters most is to lead as many souls as possible through to God, no matter what. And as for you wayward church member, I have a word for you in the next subject – the three types of members. Wait a minute. Your church, what kind is it; the Master’s church or the mixed/careless church?