T=Teaching People

For my blog readers who regularly attend Bronx Bethany (or who obtained a CD of the most recent sermon), you will note that I am now venturing into territory that Pastor Sam did not discuss in detail on Sunday. You may have also noticed that in yesterday's post I left out some incredibly valuable moments that we experienced when Pastor Sam discussed the fourth point. However, I felt that it was important for us to re-acquaint ourselves with every section of our vision statement, and therefore have chosen to move on to the final section.

Today, then, is the day we consider the final point in the vision statement: Teaching people to develop a servant's heart in radical obedience to Christ. 

The tandem relationship is vital. Why? Because there is always the danger of service without obedience. And there is always the danger of radical obedience offered without a corresponding heart-desire to serve others. 

In our small groups (care groups), we are taught to develop a servant's heart in radical obedience to Christ. The teaching occurs in a number of ways:

Formal instruction. There is a book, chosen by our pastoral staff, that each care group reads and reflects on over a period of several weeks.

Informal instruction. In times of fellowship and socializing, care group members learn the value of service and obedience from the other members of their group.

Prayer. As the members of each care group petition God, the Spirit of God changes their hearts. Service is given in the name of Jesus not because we have to do it, but because 1) we recognize the privilege of being chosen to do something for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom and 2) He has developed in us a longing to do His will.

What sort of lesson does our service to God teach to the people of God? If our service in the court of the King is marked by our yawning disinterest, or by our "going through the motions" with no heart involvement, or by faithful service conducted with an undercurrent of disobedience, then perhaps we ought step down for a season of refreshing and renewal. I pray that we all will take time today to reflect on where we stand concerning this part of our church's vision.