Dr. Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. is a bishop with the American Methodist Episcopal Zion church.What are the qualities of an evangelistic church?
There are many factors, but I think one of the primary factors is a faithfulness to the Great Commission...it becomes one of the core values of that congregation.
But along with that is the pursuit of holiness. To not only proclaim the gospel, but to live it. In the way that we treat each other and in the love that's demonstrated in the congregation.
Leadership plays a major role in something either becoming or continuing to be a core value.
Everything rises or falls on leadership, especially that which is in the heart of the pastor.
Pretty soon, if that pastor stays there long enough, what's in his or her heart will eventually impact the leadership of the church.
How can you tell a holy congregation?
One of the things happens, is that the Holy Spirit gives people a sensitivity to God.
Through this sensitivity, He makes us aware of how our actions and attitudes bring glory or shame to His name.
What are we pursuing if not holiness?
I sometimes think that we look at the evidences of God's blessing and make them the goal rather than God the goal.
So we begin to look at attendance numbers and also finances. The problem is we make those things the end themselves.
Anytime we make anything other than the Lord, His presence, His will our focus we are in trouble.
What should lay people do to make a Great Church?
It's not an easy thing for a church to experience renewal and revival. But one thing seems to be clear in the scriptures and in church history. That is, every movement of God starts with a praying people. A group that prays and calls on God consistently.
It doesn't have to be a large number of people.
There are some factors that could help or hinder authentic revival - division, hate, people holding things against whole groups of people. Until God can bring some healing and reconciliation that's authentic. Some of the national move of God will be hindered, I think.
What are some of the things that stand against revival?
There's a void, an emptiness, in too many. We're just living in an age where there are so many thing that promise to fill that void, which never do and often put us in bondage.
Only Christ can fill that emptiness and only when we share it can others know it.
I agree strongly with you Bishop Starnes. evangelism is a must in leading people to Christ and growing any church. However, too often a time the words "we are not ready yet" is used. AME Zion must become a church that understands that the life line of our growth is evangelism. REFOCUS, RETOOL, REVIVE, must be at the center of our attention to equip every congregation for spreading God's Word.
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