Weekly Thought – September 17, 2019

Fred’s capacity for gratitude was well known among his friends and family. He believed in the power of appreciation. And he sincerely believed he had nothing that he had not been given by God. He saw himself as a steward and managed well.

Work continues on the What’s Next Roundtable at Palm Beach Atlantic University in November. Financial support is needed and would be received with genuine gratitude. The men and women who are preparing for this event eagerly expect to see what God has in mind for them and the students.

Listing Assets

A well-known woman of international fame called me one day and said soberly, “Fred, I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer.” My immediate response, “List your assets.” When people come to me wanting to talk about their problems this is the exercise I recommend.

Invariably, they start with their financial resources. They rarely think of their spiritual assets at first. For example, a troubled man walked into my office. I asked him to list his assets. “Well, I have a bank account, but there isn’t much in it. I have a little equity in my home.” After a few items like this, I said, “Let’s stop and go back a little bit. Are you alive?”

“Well, yes…” “Good, you look that way to me and some people, especially those in the ICUs and the terminally ill think of that as a strong asset.” I continued, “You’re healthy?” “Yeah.” “You have a loving wife and a good family?” “Yes.”

As we sat there I queried “Do you have an education?” “Of course.” “How about work experience?” “Yes.”

“Okay, now that we have established the major assets, we can look at the minor ones like money.”

When I sit with someone and see a breakthrough in a session like this I know we have a gratitude foundation from which to operate. We can start attacking their problems with a different perspective. If they answer the first questions with a “yes, but…” I know my job isn’t finished yet. They still haven’t grasped the power of gratitude. They are still not grateful.

They are still wanting something more. Gratitude is being grateful for what you have, not for what you hope to get. I was reading in the Psalms and it said to honor God for what He has done. It doesn’t say honor Him for what He is going to do. Gratitude, like honor, is a reaction to what is, not what you want to come.

In my reading I found a study saying gratitude is the emotion with the longest shelf life… that those with a grateful spirit are prone to better mental health. The old hymnist never read this study, but certainly expressed in the words, “Count your blessings, name them one by one… count your blessings, see what God has done.”

Being truly grateful is more than just a courteous “thank you.” Nurturing a mature attitude which demonstrates appreciation is a healthy exercise.

This week think about: 1) How healthy is my grateful spirit? 2) Who needs to hear from me with a message of appreciation? 3) What can I do to cultivate a culture of gratitude at work, in my family?

Words of Wisdom: “Gratitude, like honor, is a reaction to what is, not what you want to come.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The LORD strengthens and protects me; I trust in him with all my heart. I am rescued and my heart is full of joy; I will sing to him in gratitude.” (Psalm 28:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – September 3, 2019

Fred liked to say “service is the rent we pay on the space we occupy in life.” How he lived this out! A cynical physician recently wrote that after 75 life just deteriorates and we take more from society than we give. He never knew Fred! He gave back right up to the last breath.

The repairs on breakfastwithfred.com are progressing well. Also, updates on bwfli.com are in the works. The sites had grown “old and cranky,” so this needed work is being done. Thank you to our financial supporters who make this possible. Your contributions make the wisdom of Fred Smith, Sr. available online. Thank you. Check out the Facebook page: Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute.

Little Good, Big Good

Dick Halverson served as the Chaplain of the Senate for 14 years. Three or four of his friends spent a weekend at his farm engaged in conversation. As we sat around, talking, one of my favorite descriptions of Christ came to mind: “He went about doing good.” That was so much the way Dick chose to live.

I find it interesting to see how Christ lived his life. No rushing around, no to-do list, no trying to make it to the next “significant encounter,” no prioritizing – just going about doing good. He stopped as he traveled to the home of Jairus, responding to the tug on his robe by a woman with a serious female problem. He paused, touched her, and then continued on His way.

Can you think of a better obituary than “He (or she) went about doing good – and doing good just where he (she) was? It isn’t about creating a platform for doing good, but recognizing that just where you are is your opportunity.

Sadly, I watch Christian celebrities who strive for the “big good.” They want the visibility, the prestige, and the limelight. Many times these people move from organization to organization moving up the Christian “doing good ladder.” On the other hand, I see Christians who feel they aren’t productive because they are doing “little good.” How wrong they are!

Those that plant seeds and “bloom where they are planted,” as the cliché goes, may be operating in the power of the Spirit way more than the celebrities who run to the bright lights. In another outstanding conversation time I sat with a group of Christian leaders, including Stephen Olford. After a stimulating discussion on leadership he quietly asked, “I have had my share of celebrity. I have been recognized.as one who faithfully teaches the Word. But when I die if my family can’t say they saw God in me, then I have failed.”

The little opportunities to do good day by day, wherever we are, should be our agenda, not rushing from meeting to meeting gaining recognition. Don’t misunderstand me – I certainly see the good in public ministry… just not the “be all,” and the sole reason for service.

It is about recognizing who we are, what our gifts are, and where God has planted us – then making service a priority.

This week think about: 1) How focused am I on what is right in front of me? 2) Who models blooming where they are planted in my life? 3) What can I do this week to strengthen my “going about doing good?”

Words of Wisdom: “Service is the rent we pay on the space we occupy in life.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 23, 2019

Fred cultivated friendships, nurturing them for a lifetime. During one hospitalization the doctors told him his days were short. Rather than mope, he made a list of friends and asked to have each called. For an entire day he told others how much they meant to him, specifically appreciating experiences. Gratitude was a core value of Fred’s, especially for his friends. One friend and mentor was Ray Stedman, theologian, pastor, and author. When someone asked about Dr. Stedman, Fred shared these remembrances.

Please pray for us as we work on the updated edition of You and Your Network. The content continues to reflect the timeless nature of principle-based thinking.

My friend Ray

I know of no one who can interpret the Scriptures quite as clearly as he. Once I asked him if he ever got burned out. Christian periodicals were featuring lead articles on the examples of many preachers and ministry leaders. He responded, “How can I get burned out discovering the mysteries of God?” He never lost his enthusiasm and excitement for Scriptural study. I also remember one of the last times we had time to visit. We were riding to the airport after a men’s meeting. It was Saturday night. “What are you preaching about tomorrow? What are you going to say to the congregation?” Those were my questions to him. His answer was truly Ray: “I’m going to tell them to stop praying for what they’ve already got!” His study was in Ephesians and he wanted them to realize what they possessed as Christians. He wanted them to realize they sometimes pray for something they already have.

“They just need to have a realization of their blessings.”

Once we were talking about what the Scripture meant to us. Ray said, “My life changed when I found out that God was FOR me and NOT AGAINST me.” So often we think of God as judging, not bestowing. This misconception of God causes so much anxiety.

Probably the most unique thing about Ray was his total freedom from ego control. Oswald Chambers talks about going through the white funeral of losing our ego before we go through the black funeral of losing our life. Ray was probably one of the very few men I’ve ever known who has truly been through the white funeral. He didn’t look nor act like the expected preacher image. He didn’t go around speaking in a theological brogue, or take on an affected piety which offended and alienated others.

He was not soft on sin and certainly never preached “cheap grace.” BUT, he preached Jesus who brought words of life. He often engaged in cultural discussions with college students in his Palo Alto area, sometimes without identifying himself. When they saw how interested he was in them and his honest involvement they wanted to know who he was. He then invited them to church, telling them how welcome they would be.

He reminded me one time that Jesus encountered the woman at the well in a way that was beyond acceptance. “Yes, He accepted her, but after she accepted Him, she was never the same again.” That was Ray’s heart – changed lives.

(BWF Note: Ray Stedman’s sermons are archived at www.raystedman.org)

This week consider the following: 1) Who has influenced my thinking about God? 2) How am I engaging others around who God is? 3) What has scripture meant to me?

Words of Wisdom: “My life changed when I found out that God was FOR me and NOT AGAINST me.” (Ray Stedman)

Wisdom from the Word: “What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 16, 2019

Fred respected his gifts and worked diligently to nurture them. Principle-based thinking allowed him to apply wisdom to diverse situations. Even until his final days men and women came from great distances to ask him questions. When the website (www.breakfastwithfred.com) began, one element was an Ask Fred column. After hearing the question, he would dictate an answer which appeared on the website.

Bob Tiede develops leaders for Cru, business, and other ministries. His appreciation of key questions is a major part of his lifework. Check out his website: www.leadingwithquestions.com

The time for repair and refreshment arrived this year for both websites. Please pray for wisdom as we make decisions about the direction, the sources, and the content. Thank you. If you can financially support this undertaking, we will gratefully receive all gifts.

Ask Fred

“Fred, how can a man conquer his weaknesses?”

“In the first place, he never will. It is fundamental humanistic thinking that asserts man is perfectible…he is not. In fact, I was very much interested in one of the ancient mystics whom I greatly respect saying God leaves sin in people’s lives so that they might remain humble and it also gives man an opportunity to see God’s work. It also lets us see how flawed we are and how very far we are from perfection. I don’t know how this fits with my Southern Baptist teaching, but the idea intrigues me.

You have to be sure you are clear when you talk about weakness on the difference between human mistake, and sin. A human mistake can usually be corrected with good effort and intention. Sin has to be dealt with through confession and repentance. There must be a turning away through the power of the Holy Spirit. When you say “weakness,” are you thinking human mistake or sin?

One caution: be careful not to call sin a mistake. I believe very much in prayer and asking for the Spirit’s help in the struggle against human frailties which are sin.

Also, I must ask tell you about two questions I ask myself: “What are my constructive strengths and what are my destructive weaknesses?” If what I see as a weakness is not destructive, then I don’t spend much time working on it because I found the energy expended on a minor weakness could be much more effectively applied to my productive strengths. I am convinced the things I do well, I am much more eager to do than focusing on overcoming weaknesses.

I repeat: when you talk about overcoming weaknesses are you talking about skills, or character flaws? Training programs can be designed for one, but the other is strictly dealt with on a spiritual basis. Make sure you understand how you are defining weakness, then handle it appropriately. But if it is not destructive, don’t waste your time trying to improve when true progress is made in the area of your strengths.”

This week think about: 1) How honest am I about defining my destructive weaknesses? 2) What energy am I applying to my constructive strengths? 3) When do I feel tempted to call sin a mistake?

Words of Wisdom: “I believe very much in prayer and asking for the Spirit’s help in the struggle against human frailties which are sin.”

Wisdom from the Word: “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought- July 2, 2019

Fred lived in a state of realistic hope. He disciplined himself to take neither a darkly pessimistic, nor hyper optimistic viewpoint. He challenged others to “wait to worry.” He was a fact-based thinker which allowed him to live in hope while keeping current on the situation and not drifting off into the wish mentality.

2019 is an exciting year for BWF. The revisions on You and Your Network are being done. We are working with Tracey Jones, President of Tremendous Leadership Books. A manuscript for What’s Next is in process, as well. And, of course, the vital and necessary updates on the websites are beginning. Please continue to pray for these projects and if led, please help us financially underwrite these efforts.

Grounded in Hope

The three key words in the closing verses of 1 Corinthians 13 are “faith, hope, and love.” Is the Apostle Paul making a climactic statement that hope is more than faith and love is greater than hope? Certainly, it is one of the controlling emotions in our lives. Faith is largely present, hope is largely future, and love transcends all time. Hope is our belief in the future based on Christ who holds it. Hope is not for the seen, but the unseen much like faith.

As the philosopher said, “a man can stand almost anything as long as he has hope.” When hope goes and hopelessness becomes the ruling emotion, suicide is often the course. Scripture says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is like a tree of life.”

I have a Polish physical therapist whose job is to stretch my muscles back into usefulness after months and months of being bed-bound. I find when he counts out loud I have hope of his quitting because I know the routine and know when the end is coming. When he doesn’t I don’t have the confidence that the end is in sight. Hope energizes patience. It gives reason for tenacity. It promotes discipline in accomplishment.

The source of hope is not hoping in hope, but in putting hope in something larger and more permanent like Scripture, or our belief that our life has purpose – even when we don’t see it. Hope requires a definable object. Hope for the Christian is eternity – the “blessed hope.” That opens the door for us to hope while here on earth. Mary Alice’s favorite hymn was “Take the Name of Jesus With You.” She rocked our three children and sang that song. As we said goodbye to her, the family stood together and sang that hymn. One of the phrases refers to the hope we have in the name of Jesus which is “the hope of earth and joy of heaven.” Another favorite hymn line is : “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’s blood and righteousness.” That is hope anchored in reality and truth.

Hope also provides peace for those of us who require objectivity. We can take hope in a changeless God. He can be the standard because he doesn’t waiver. We can hope in who He says He is because he means it.

This week think about: 1) Where is my ultimate hope? 2) How do I distinguish hope from wishing? 3) What allows me to live with hope?

Words of Wisdom: “Hope energizes patience. It gives reason for tenacity. It promotes discipline in accomplishment.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 11,2019

Fred believed in the sovereignty of God. His acknowledgement of God’s overarching power and control was a fact of life for him. It did not allow him to shirk his human responsibilities, however. He was wise, discerning, and hopeful. He was pragmatic, intellectually astute and bottom line, as well.

The work has begun on updating the breakfastwithfred.com website. Also, Tracey Jones and her publishing company are working with BWF to do a reprint of You and Your Network. This is a busy year for BWF. Your prayerful support is greatly appreciated. And if you can financially support us as we undertake these large projects, we will accept the gifts with gratitude.

Too Strange for Arithmetic

I got a call from a church on the West Coast where I had spoken for many years at their annual men’s retreat. By this time my physical condition didn’t allow me to travel. They wanted me to do a call which would be broadcast to the audience. Over these years I had built a very close friendship with the group and appreciated this effort.

The retreat was in the mountains. When it came time for the call reception was very spotty. They had multiple technical difficulties with the entire telephone system. Even though their sound men were first class, the retreat center would not help them by letting them use the camp’s phone setup and lines. Without a line they were unable to achieve the conference call which would make this work.

The camp told the church that the lady who lived across the road complained about everything they did and didn’t want to upset her by the use of a temporary generator.

Just as the technicians told the hosts it was impossible a man and his son walked in to register for the retreat. His job was with the phone company! Strangely enough, they had gotten off work, driven up in the work truck which contained all the necessary tools, and spurs for climbing the pole. But the neighbor was still standing in the way.

They went across the road and asked if they could use her phone line for a brief call, explaining the relationship between the group and me – as well as telling them about my being bedbound.

She graciously invited them in, agreed to what they wanted, gave them lemonade, and hugged them when they left. Mission accomplished. When they called me I could hear them clearly and the sound guys said the transmission was top notch.

So many things happened against the odds that we knew the Lord got the credit. Many times His work defies human mathematics. Since then I have seen other occurrences to the point that those around me talk about events being “beyond arithmetic.”

Non-believers may call these “coincidences,” but we who understand the sovereignty of God see them as evidences of His active presence in our everyday lives.

This week think about: 1) When have I had a “beyond arithmetic” experience? 2) How quickly do I acknowledge the hand of God in my day to day? 3) What can I do to trust Him more this week?

Words of Wisdom: “Many times His work defies human mathematics.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Acknowledge God’s power, his sovereignty over Israel, and the power he reveals in the skies!” (Psalm 68:34 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 23, 2019

Fred grounded his faith in scripture. His profound belief in God and His Word formed his foundation. He did not spend time trying to justify objections from non-believers. He valued intellectual integrity, but didn’t “put much stock” in endless debates trying to prove God.

BWF Project, Inc. has large goals for 2019. We are excited about the work that is ahead. And thank you, as always, for your faithful participation with us.

The Practicality of Faith

Being immobilized and bedridden, I watch a great deal of educational television (or so they name it). Recently I heard four scholars discuss the authenticity of the Bible. On another night archaeologists discussed the discovery of Noah’s Ark. They followed Biblical directions to Mount Ararat. After a group of my friends lost real money on an oil exploration in Israel based on the existence of tar pits as described in scripture, I find such endeavors less credible.

I watched a long program discussing the historical evidence validating the resurrection. I acknowledge there are weighty Biblical scholars who major in the area of scriptural validation and verification. I choose to accept its authority and authenticity by faith. What it says I believe.

I certainly applaud those who are gifted to study the historicity of scripture, but it cannot be just an academic exercise – it has to be taken beyond that to a faith position.

My personal conviction at this advanced age is to focus more on obedience to the scriptures rather than the validation. By faith I substantiate it.

Those who search for Biblical antiquities like the Ark assuming its discovery will cause non-believers to immediately turn to faith in Christ are operating on sight, not faith. I am not diminishing their scientific enterprise, but to think salvation comes through seeing the Ark seems counter to scripture. Those who are blinded to spiritual truth will continue to be so, even in the presence of the original Ark.

I had a preacher friend who became popular in Hollywood, divorced his wife, and married a young, more glamorous woman. When we met sometime later he said, “Fred, I have become a Universalist, let’s discuss religion.” I said, “There’s no point discussing what you want and need to believe.” The humanist is not going to accept the Biblical definition of truth. Jesus said, “I am the truth.”

At a couples’ retreat I was drawn into an intellectual discussion about comparative religions (against my better judgment). I thought I was holding my own until one of the wives broke in to say, “I don’t understand one word you all are talking about. All I know is that I love Jesus.”

I am not saying faith is putting your mind on the shelf. After all, we are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We are to be faithful “dividers of the word.” But we aren’t to spend our time on useless debates. And we are to be prepared to defend the hope that is within us. But it isn’t to be an intellectual dueling match.

My own prayer is, “Lord, I believe – help thou my unbelief.” I don’t need proof – I need obedience.

This week think about: 1) What do I accept by faith? 2) How apt am I to get into circular arguments about religion? 3) What is my source of authority?

Words of Wisdom: “My personal conviction at this advanced age is to focus more on obedience to the scriptures rather than the validation. By faith I substantiate it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.” (Genesis 15:6 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 16, 2019

Fred’s exceptional verbal skills often made him the “go to guy” for public prayer. He preferred to keep prayer private. The frequent competition seen (and heard) by vocationals prompted Fred’s hesitation. His family remembers their Dad on his knees beside the bed in earnest prayer. That image taught them the reality of his faith.

BWF Project is undertaking several major projects in 2019: upgrading You and Your Network, a book based on the What’s Next Roundtable, and website reconstruction. We are thankful as you stand with us in this exciting year.

Prayerfulness

Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious. Marvelous that a sinner saved by grace can at any time commune the Lord Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. In the night when I awake and am tempted by frustration because I am bedbound, it is comforting to be able to talk with the Lord about it.

One of psychiatrists who helped select the first astronauts told me about the one of the tests they used. They needed to see how much they could withstand in total isolation. He said some could go indefinitely. When they did further examinations, they discovered these were the ones who could pray. If we could only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.

Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my request affect God’s love for others? How can my prayer influence His activity in their lives? Yet, in scripture we are instructed to pray for one another. Frankly, I would be so frustrated if I didn’t have the opportunity to pray for others when there is absolutely nothing else I could do for them.

Often people will say to me, “At least I can pray for you.” I remind them praying is the most they can do for me. I have never felt the number of those praying is the vital point. I do not believe God is impressed with celebrity Christians. I think of saints who are known only to a small circle of friends, who endure hardships, and pray with devotion and power. I think of those who prayed for me as I grew up in the Mill District of Nashville with little material resources, but great faith. I felt like the sweet widow lady’s prayers were just as effective as those of Billy Graham. I do not think God is a politician who counts votes and is influenced by the numbers. Still, I am grateful for each and every one who encourages me by saying, “Fred, I am praying for you.”

The other day I found a bit of humor when I thought of all those who have said, “after your near death experiences it is evident God has more work for you to do.” A friend then not-so-gently reminded me that maybe heaven just isn’t ready for Fat Fred. I pray for you as you pray for me. The comfort of this communion is marvelous and mysterious. Prayer is one of God’s greatest tools and gifts.

This week think about: 1) How am I growing in my prayer life? 2) What is my answer to “why do you pray?”3) Who is on my intercession list?

Words of Wisdom: “In the night when I awake and am tempted by frustration because I am bedbound, it is comforting to be able to talk with the Lord about it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “O LORD, I come before you in prayer.” (Psalm 25:1 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 2, 2019

Fred particularly appreciated the writings of Paul. In his latter days he quoted the words from Romans 5 in which the Apostle said “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope.” He learned each day about the abundance of freedom in Christ. These thoughts of Fred’s will bring hope and encouragement.

During 2019 BWF is working on both www.breakfastwithfred.com and www.bwfli.com to bring new content, greater functionality, and ease of use. This project will enable us to further the reach, deepen the impact, and preserve the lifework of Fred Smith, Sr. Your prayer and financial support is greatly appreciated as we undertake this major effort.

Christ and the Abundant Life

Christ said: “I came to give you life, a abundant life.” I have been thinking about what abundant life really means. I certainly think the foundation is the purpose of Christ’s coming – to provide and assure us of eternal salvation. Too often we do not appreciate enough the abundance of our salvation. We are not even conscious of the true salvation. The richness of His grace will only be fully realized in heaven. There I will “see as I am seen, and know as I am known.” There I will understand the abundance.

Another aspect is freedom. Without Christ’s freedom we cannot do the things that abundant living calls for. Steve Brown calls it “scandalous freedom.” I like that. Too many run around claiming freedom and liberty when it is really just license and irresponsibility. The abundant life flows from true freedom.

I am convinced the third part of the abundant life is usefulness for Him and the Kingdom. Genuine usefulness and productivity comes from our acceptance of eternal life. Freedom is really a reaction to the love of God. We love because He loved us. We are helpful and useful because He loves us and creates a place of service for us.

An important aspect of abundance is joy. The Apostle Paul constantly referred to joy, especially in his prison letters. That is hard for us to understand. Too often we confuse happiness and ease with real joy. I think joy is founded on the love of God. When we think of His love it is a source of true joy, despite our condition – or even our spiritual maturity. This is the way I like to think of joy and happiness. One is a pleasing rain; the other is a deep well. The rain of happiness can be random and spasmodic; joy is an aquafer which provides an ongoing source.

I cannot define the abundant life without considering peace. This is not a common trait, especially in these days of upheaval and turmoil. As individuals in this world, we will have tribulation. The ability to have peace with acceptance and gratitude for suffering is the result of our loving God and knowing He loves us. It is the overflow of the abundant life.

The abundant life is relationship with God, ever hour in and with Him and His will. We hear people saying, “Now THIS is living – this is the good life.” They are speaking materialistically. They eagerly draw others to join in the race. Personally, I believe there is no financial component to the super abundant life in Christ. This authentic, genuine abundant life is about Him – His power, His peace, and His joy. I can say with assurance “Man, this is living – in whatever circumstances I find myself… housebound and bedbound, but HEAVENBOUND!”

This week think about: 1) How do I define the abundant life? 2) What is bringing me to spiritual maturity? 3) Who needs the encouragement of Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “I can say with assurance ‘Man, this is living – in whatever circumstances I find myself… housebound and bedbound, but HEAVENBOUND!’”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.” (Philippians 4:12 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – March 26, 2019

Fred respected the mission of the church. He refused to join into sarcasm and public criticism. He was not unaware of the soft spots, but he addressed them as a member of the family, not a critic. He was the fourth born child of a Southern Baptist pastor. He saw the gloriousness of the God and the goriness of mankind growing up. However, he always kept his eyes focused on the ultimate nature of the Bride.

Thank you for covering us in prayer. Would you consider joining our prayer network and lifting up Christian higher education month by month? No memberships, no fees, no meetings – just a coming together of men and women whose hearts are attuned to the purposes of Christian education.

The Big Three

Within the life of any church, there are three broad-based umbrella areas speaking to the purpose of the church and the mandate which is drawn from that purpose and vision. 1) The salvation of the lost 2) The maturing of the saints; and 3) The spiritual community and fellowship of believers. All evaluations of a local church’s mission and activities need to proceed from these three fundamentals.

Each local church may put more focus on one or another of these three legs, but they should all be visible. How they weight them will affect their mission statements and strategic planning. For example, a church with the belief its mandate is evangelism will develop tactical action steps turned toward the unsaved. They will develop outreach programs. They will ask questions like: “What actions are we taking to win the lost? What are the specific programs which focus on evangelism? How are organizing and evaluating those programs? How best can we speak to the nonbeliever?”

According to church consultant Lyle Schaller, as much as 85% of “church growth” is actually transfer growth. Sadly, there are churches who wave the banner of evangelism who are really just spiritual poachers, robbing members from other congregations.

The maturing of believers requires its own strategic plan. The first step is to define “mature Christian.” Then the church must look at ways which this can be accomplished. The measurement of maturity isn’t clear cut. Certainly there are Scriptural examples of men and women who follow Biblical principles and help grow others. Leaders must design not only a plan, but an assessment. “Is the congregation growing in grace? What tells us we are stronger followers of Christ? What sermon series helped in the maturation process? How did our other programs point believers to Christ? What are the outward signs of inward change?”

It is too easy to think of fellowship as food and get-togethers. It is easy to confuse social activity for spiritual fellowship. Even small groups are prone to deteriorate into social gatherings without direction and specific goals. The idea of connection and community is central to Scripture, but it is to be focused around the Word and the moving forward in faith. There is nothing wrong with a good casserole and a big piece of pie (I wasn’t known as Fat Fred for nothing!), but it is key to differentiate between Biblical fellowship and just good old down-home socializing. Spiritual fellowship should have elements of accountability, strengthening, and belonging. And most of all, fellowship should be about encouraging one another to strive for Christlikeness.

Finally, it is important to distinguish a program from a mandate. Programs come and go – as they should. Leaders should always be looking at programs in light of the proper relationship to the mandate. If they aren’t pushing the mandate forward, they should be cut.

This week carefully consider: 1) How am I helping my local church clarify and follow the mandate? 2) What do I see as the central focus of my church? 3) Which programs in my church do I find most helpful in my spiritual growth?

Words of Wisdom: “It is important to distinguish a program from the mandate.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all the things God had done with them.” (Acts 15:4 NET Bible)