Hey! Watch This!

This post continues the thought from my last post considering 4 important questions for congregations.

Question #1 (see previous post) was, "How is your congregation being the church right now?"

Question # 2 - What is God doing in this church right now?

When I have asked that question, I usually get one of two responses.  (1) A blank stare because we haven't given a thought to what God might be doing in a long time or (2) An enthusiastic assertion that God is really at work, but we really can't give any example except that we've been able to keep the doors open.

The sad fact is that many Christians have never been told that God is at work and that He wants to show up and show off among His people.  We have only been told what we, as Christians, are supposed to be doing.  

Can I let you in on a secret?  God is not terribly concerned about what you might do for Him.  He is abundantly concerned about what He wants to do in and through you.  In fact, the Bible says that apart from Him we can do nothing.  So that means that if He is not doing something, then whatever we are doing is empty and without meaning.

So, let's re-frame the question.  How is God bringing about His purpose through your congregation?  What unexpected ministry opportunities have arisen?  Whose life is being transformed?  Who is God moving into expanded ministry roles?  How are forgiveness and grace being offered and unity being restored?  How are people being released from bondage to sin and self-centeredness?

These are all works of God.  When you see those things happening, you can say, along with my friend Paul Atkinson, "God showed up."

If you are not seeing those things, either something is standing in the way, or your eyes need to be opened.  God is saying, "Hey! Watch this!"

Are you watching?