Excellence in Ministry
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The Edification of Excellence
Text: I Corinthians 14:23-25
Intro: Can you imagine what it would be like to be apart of a church where everyone went after what they wanted. “Me Church” Video. This passage we could call the “Tale of Two Church Services”. There is a lot of teaching back and forth on the subject of tongues out of this passage and as much as good doctrine can be gleaned from an honest look, Tongues is not the main lesson to be learned.
Trans:
Service #1
1. Speaking in tongues. (We know that we do not need extra-biblical revelation. In this day and time this was a valid gift and so there was instruction on such a gift.)
2. vs. 4 shows us that those that speak in tongues are interested in one thing primarily – edifying themselves.
3. So those that would speak in tongues were primarily interested in expressing themselves and their individual ministry or gift. Edifying themselves over anything else going on in the church service.
Service #2
1. Those that gave themselves to prophesying. (This is a less spectacular event simply declaring the things that have already been shown to us by the Lord.)
2. vs. 5 shows us that those that edify are better than those that speak in tongues. Only because they are focused on the edifying of the whole church not just themselves.
Result
Service # 1 – The visitor or lost man leaves thinking every one is mad (crazy). That is when everyone comes into the church seeking to express their gift over anything else that is going on in the church.
Service # 2 – The visitor or lost man is convinced of all (everyone is called) . He is then convicted of his heart and calls on the name of God. And then leaves telling others outside that God is at this place. (By the way that is exactly what I hope others will say when they come to South Knollwood Baptist Church).
I. The Pattern for Excellence
Explanation: A. The fruit of excellence is the Edification of the church.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Argument: To excel at edifying makes our ministry more convincing.
Illustration: When the greeters, choir, SS teachers, Adult Bible Class teachers, Song Servants, everyone strives for excellence it convinces the lost that our gospel is true. It convinces the visitor this church knows that what it is doing is making a difference.
Application: A.
Now in Application let me ask you – we are going to look at the different aspects found in this passage. But I want to ask you what in this church serves the one purpose of edifying you.
That thing that is in this church to make this a better experience only for you.
Not the beneficial ministry that you also enjoy along with any guests.
Some were comically put in our video
- Bathroom trips in the middle of church
- Snickers through the offering
Hey I haven’t even hit the Sacred Cows yet.
Let me ask you a question how many would allow there to be a hard heart toward their pastor if he removed the pew at the back of the auditorium.
Think about it for a second. It is a convenient spot but is it convincing. It says to guest glad you’re here but if we’re shaking hands you’ll come to me. No one is getting picked on I am asking where are the things in this church that serve only us. It is not edifying to the lost or visitors. (By the way this isn’t a slick way of getting your approval to remove the pew. The pew is probably going. But I’ll just take it out.) The reason I mention it tonight is that it is a clear example. Some would not only allow a pew to keep us from edifying the church but they would allow it to interfere with their relationship with pastor.
The information center in the lobby is a great example of how a church should take on a step toward excellence. When I came I moved the couch out and put that information center in it was a great change. When a guest comes in they are no longer greeted with knees to get around they are met with the smiles and resources it takes to enjoy themselves here. (Edification)
Conclusion:
Excellence in Tradition
Excellent Tradition balances correct doctrine with a relevant connection to people. Standing on truth without disconnecting from compassion. We are grateful for the hymns of yesterday these will be a major part of our worship experience. All of our teaching and preaching will continue to declare God’s Word as found in the King James Version.
Community built around relationships in all Life Stages
God made human beings relational in His image; therefore we will seek to build close, spiritually beneficial relationships in the Adult Bible Class program. (Acts 2:46-47)
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Reaching out to see Lives Changed
God is passionately concerned about lost people; therefore we will strive to present to as many people as possible a clear explanation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Teaching and Preaching of God’s Word
The Word of God is our perfect standard for life and eternity; therefore we will preach and teach it faithfully and practically in our worship services and gatherings. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Clear strategy for Developing Leaders.
The current generation of church leaders bears the responsibility of training the next generation of leaders; therefore we will seek to identify and train those God has called to serve as leaders in His church.
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Developing strong families that model Godly living.
Strong families are the foundation of a strong church and a strong society; therefore we will aim to build families upon the standards of God’s Word and seek to model Christ-likeness in our interaction with our family members. (Ephesians 4:17- 24, 5:22-6:1-4).
Inclusiveness of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds
God displayed wonderful creativity in the diversity of His creation, with human diversity being the prime example; therefore we will welcome and respect individuals of various ethnic backgrounds as fellow children of the living God. We will seek to highlight our unity in Christ. (Acts 13:1-2; 17:26; Galatians 3:28).
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Worship that exalts God
God desires people to worship Him in spirit and in truth; therefore we will design our worship services to provide opportunities to meet with God. Because we also recognize that worship encompasses our entire lives and not just worship services, we will strive to live in a way that actively praises the Lord in our day-to-day affairs (John 4:24, Romans 12:1-2).
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Active Restoration of Hurting or Fallen Christian
Sin victimizes every person on earth. This is a trait that all of us share. Many times churches are unable to deal with the fact that Christians fall. We have decided to be a people that forgive indiscretion and apply grace to the humble. We refuse to alienate what God draws close. (James 4:6)
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
