Embracing Change: Transforming the Church Community Together
Summary
### Summary
This week, I had the pleasure of being a tour guide for my visiting family from South Africa, which led me to reflect on the nature of change. I love roller coasters, but only when I can see where they are going. This week, I experienced a ride that changed its direction, making me nauseous and uncomfortable. This unexpected change served as a metaphor for the church's current state. We are about to embark on a transformative journey that will challenge our expectations and require us to adapt.
The church, as we know it, is about to change. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results. The foundation of our church remains strong, but we need to adapt to meet the needs of today. Over the next four weeks, we will explore four key aspects of the church: the church is people, the church is active, the church is united, and the church is equipped.
Our church has faced significant challenges and changes over the years, and we are now in a rescue mission. If we do not adapt, we risk losing our relevance and impact. We must be willing to change how we volunteer, greet, worship, and interact with each other. This change is not for the sake of change but to see lives transformed and to grow our community.
The local church saved my life, and I am passionate about its potential to save others. We must move beyond our comfort zones and embrace the quirks and imperfections of our community. We need to be together, support each other, and be willing to change. The church is not a social club, a place, or a self-help program. It is a movement of people following a loving God and helping each other walk out their God-given purpose.
We must be willing to go where God leads us, not just where we want to go. We need to be prepared, stay connected, and be willing to give rather than just receive. Our church is a reflection of our individual commitment and passion. Together, we can create a thriving, inviting, and purpose-driven community that impacts not just our local area but the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Change for Transformation: Change can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for growth and transformation. Just as a roller coaster ride can be thrilling yet unsettling, the church must adapt to new ways of doing things to remain relevant and impactful. Embrace change as an opportunity for spiritual growth and community transformation. [01:55]
2. The Church is People, Not a Place: The church is not a building or a set of traditions; it is a movement of people united by their love for God and each other. We must focus on building relationships and supporting one another, rather than clinging to old ways of doing things. Our foundation remains, but our methods must evolve. [04:06]
3. Create an Inviting Culture: We need to cultivate an inviting culture where people feel welcomed and loved. This means being genuine in our interactions, offering support, and creating a space where people can find rest and healing. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the love of Christ, drawing others to our community. [50:01]
4. Operate with Purpose: Everything we do should be intentional and purpose-driven. From our finances to our ministries, we must align our actions with our mission to serve and transform lives. Discovering and living out our God-given purpose will lead to a thriving and impactful church community. [01:00:15]
5. Unity and Collaboration: The church is a body with many parts, each with a unique role to play. We must work together, supporting and encouraging one another, to achieve our collective mission. By embracing our individual gifts and collaborating, we can create a powerful and united community that reflects the body of Christ. [57:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Roller Coaster Metaphor
[01:55] - Embracing Change
[02:50] - Adapting to Meet Today's Needs
[04:06] - The Church's Foundation
[04:35] - Four Key Aspects of the Church
[05:01] - The Rescue Mission
[05:59] - Volunteering and Serving
[07:14] - Personal Testimony
[09:00] - The Power of the Local Church
[10:08] - Loving Others
[11:15] - The Church's Role in History
[12:28] - The Parable of the Bridesmaids
[13:58] - Shaking Up the Order of Service
[14:51] - Defining What Church is Not
[17:13] - Church is Not a Self-Help Program
[19:00] - Leaders in the Word
[20:49] - Giving and Receiving
[22:03] - Church is Not a Building
[23:14] - Individual Churches
[24:20] - Church is a Movement of People
[25:21] - Embracing Quirks and Imperfections
[26:00] - The Need for Community
[27:35] - Church as a Surge of People
[28:59] - Flourishing Like Trees
[30:09] - Wisdom from Generations
[31:42] - Embracing Digital Tools
[33:19] - The Call to Flourish
[34:20] - Addressing Spiritual Dryness
[35:54] - Overcoming Church Hurt
[37:11] - Building Connections
[37:59] - Financial Prosperity
[39:30] - Cedars and Palms
[41:04] - Starting New Ministries
[42:15] - Staying the Course
[44:34] - Fruit of the Spirit
[46:43] - Discovering the Thrill of Serving
[48:30] - Providing Shade and Sanctuary
[50:01] - Creating an Inviting Culture
[51:24] - Keeping Our Hearts Pure
[52:44] - Personal Invite Culture
[53:26] - Room for All
[55:39] - Embracing Everyone
[57:20] - The Body of Christ
[59:00] - Moving from Following to Being Like Jesus
[01:00:15] - Discovering Your Purpose
[01:01:30] - Operating with Purpose
[01:02:56] - Reflecting on Individual Churches
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 92:12-15: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 'The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.'"
2. Matthew 25:1-13: The Parable of the Ten Virgins.
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What metaphor did the pastor use to describe the nature of change and how did it relate to the church's current state? [01:09]
2. According to the sermon, what are the four key aspects of the church that will be explored over the next four weeks? [04:35]
3. How did the local church impact the pastor's life, according to his personal testimony? [09:00]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says, "The church is not a social club, a place, or a self-help program"? [14:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In Psalm 92:12-15, what does it mean for the righteous to "flourish like a palm tree" and "grow like a cedar of Lebanon"? How does this imagery relate to the church's mission and individual believers?
2. The Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 emphasizes the importance of being prepared. How does this parable apply to the church's need to adapt and change? [12:28]
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12 speaks about the unity and diversity of the body of Christ. How can the church embrace individual gifts and collaborate to achieve its mission? [57:20]
4. The pastor mentioned that the church is on a "rescue mission." What does this mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to the need for change and adaptation? [05:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced significant change in your life. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience that can help you embrace change within the church? [01:55]
2. The pastor emphasized that the church is people, not a place. How can you contribute to building stronger relationships within our church community? [04:06]
3. What are some practical ways you can help create an inviting culture in our church where people feel welcomed and loved? [50:01]
4. Think about your personal God-given purpose. How can you align your actions with this purpose to serve and transform lives within our church community? [01:00:15]
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of unity and collaboration. How can you use your unique gifts to support and encourage others in our church? [57:20]
6. Are there any areas in your life where you have been resistant to change? How can you open yourself up to God's leading and be willing to go where He wants you to go? [11:52]
7. The pastor shared his testimony about how the local church saved his life. How can you share your own story to inspire and encourage others in our community? [09:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Change for Transformation
Change can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for growth and transformation. Just as a roller coaster ride can be thrilling yet unsettling, the church must adapt to new ways of doing things to remain relevant and impactful. Embrace change as an opportunity for spiritual growth and community transformation. The church is about to embark on a transformative journey that will challenge our expectations and require us to adapt. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results. This change is not for the sake of change but to see lives transformed and to grow our community. [01:55]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one area in your spiritual life where you feel God is calling you to embrace change? How can you take a step towards that change today?
Day 2: The Church is People, Not a Place
The church is not a building or a set of traditions; it is a movement of people united by their love for God and each other. We must focus on building relationships and supporting one another, rather than clinging to old ways of doing things. Our foundation remains, but our methods must evolve. The church is a reflection of our individual commitment and passion. Together, we can create a thriving, inviting, and purpose-driven community that impacts not just our local area but the world. [04:06]
1 Peter 2:5 (ESV): "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building relationships within your church community this week? What specific action can you take to support someone in your church?
Day 3: Create an Inviting Culture
We need to cultivate an inviting culture where people feel welcomed and loved. This means being genuine in our interactions, offering support, and creating a space where people can find rest and healing. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the love of Christ, drawing others to our community. By embracing our individual gifts and collaborating, we can create a powerful and united community that reflects the body of Christ. [50:01]
Romans 12:13 (ESV): "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
Reflection: Think of someone new or someone you haven't connected with in your church. How can you reach out to them and make them feel welcomed and loved this week?
Day 4: Operate with Purpose
Everything we do should be intentional and purpose-driven. From our finances to our ministries, we must align our actions with our mission to serve and transform lives. Discovering and living out our God-given purpose will lead to a thriving and impactful church community. We must be willing to go where God leads us, not just where we want to go. We need to be prepared, stay connected, and be willing to give rather than just receive. [01:00:15]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can be more intentional and purpose-driven? How can you align this area with God's mission for you?
Day 5: Unity and Collaboration
The church is a body with many parts, each with a unique role to play. We must work together, supporting and encouraging one another, to achieve our collective mission. By embracing our individual gifts and collaborating, we can create a powerful and united community that reflects the body of Christ. The church is not a social club, a place, or a self-help program. It is a movement of people following a loving God and helping each other walk out their God-given purpose. [57:20]
1 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."
Reflection: What unique gift or talent do you have that can contribute to the unity and mission of your church? How can you use this gift to support and encourage others in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Change is difficult. Well, we're about to embark on a four-week story that might be, to some, the craziest rollercoaster ride you've ever been on. It might also be one that you expect to know where it's going to go, but we're going to change it up on you. It's going to freak you out. Church, as we know it, is about a change. And we can't do the same thing over and over again and expect different results, right?" [01:55]
2. "The church is people. Can I say that again? Church is people. Church is active. Church is united. And church is equipped. Four things we're going to look at over the next four weeks to understand, how do we rebuild what's been done? How do we change what's been done?" [04:35]
3. "We cannot expect us to change Elvin City and expect that that's God's work. We've got nations to conquer. We've got places overseas to affect. We've got things to change in other places. We cannot just be sitting doing the same thing every single day and expect different results." [08:22]
4. "Church is a movement of people. Can I say that again? Church is a movement of people following a loving God and helping each other walk out their God-given purpose. Church is a movement of people. It's you and me. It's what we're thinking, what our attitudes are, what atmosphere exists around us." [24:20]
5. "Church is for everyone. Can I say that again? Church is for everyone. Now, Jesus doesn't leave everyone where they are when they walk in the door. He didn't leave us alone, did He? So, why would He leave somebody else alone?" [54:51]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we don't change, we're going to lose the church. Ouch. If we don't change, the ride's going to close because everyone's going to come to that ride and go, yeah, that one's boring. I've been there. I've done it 110 times. No one's going to stand in the queue anymore. No one's going to stand in the line anymore. No one's going to be there anymore. And we're just going to have to close. Close the doors." [05:01]
2. "I don't do change because I like change. I do change because I want to see lives transformed. I want to see a second service. I want to see a third service. I want to see another campus. I want to see more leaders. I want to see more preachers. I want to see more praise and worship leaders. I want to see more people serving. I want to see communities changing because God is changing us daily." [06:39]
3. "The local church literally saved my life. When I was nobody, when I thought I would never amount to much, the disciplines and the spiritual disciplines of a small group of men and women in a small Methodist church in the back of Johannesburg, South Africa, changed my life. They loved me when I thought I was unlovable. They appreciated me when I thought I was worthless. They gave back to me when I thought that I wasn't worth giving to. And they loved me at a time when I was not worth giving to. At a level that literally pulled me from a life way that would end up, if not in prison, in death. And they pulled me back from the brink of complete self-destruction." [09:00]
4. "Offense blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit. Unforgiveness blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit. It's Holy Spirit cholesterol. It will clog your spiritual veins and you won't feel the flow of God in your life. You will never become and feel like you are a priest in your own church. You will never want to bind together with anybody because they always hurt you. I'd rather just do church at home." [26:00]
5. "If you want to grow, grow, you have to do it on purpose. And I'm not talking about numbers. I'm talking about you, your church, growing your church. What challenges is your church facing right now? Is your giving a bit down in your church? Well, then it'll be down in this church. Is your generosity in your church a bit low right now? Well, then it will be low in this church. Wherever your individual church is, that's where this church will be. Because Light Christian Center is only a reflection of the individual churches that make up the body of Christ called our light." [01:02:56]
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