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Is The Church Bearing Fruit?
Richard WaialealeLuke 13:7-9 (NIV)
7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'
8 "'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it.
9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"
This reminds me of the church today. When a person starts/plants a new church, the true measure of the church comes after three years. Is the church bearing fruit? How healthy is the church? Are the people growing in their walk with Jesus? How many small groups are in the church? Has everyone or most believers been baptized and gone through a new members class? Are the people in the church aware of the Next Steps program?
After year one, evaluate with the counsel or core leaders the temperature of the church (is it healthy and bearing fruit?).
When Jesus visits the church, I’d better be bearing fruit. Knowing this I’ve recently evaluated the condition of NHM after one year, and want to aggressively begin a campaign of building our congregation. I must ensure we are actively engaging with the people, loving on them, doing everything possible to build relationships and care for the people (we value everyone).
Lord thank you for opening my eyes to build on those that You place into my sphere of reach. Lord I pray that you help me create new and exciting programs and efforts to build huge heart in the people of New Hope Manoa.
