We also need to remember that we want to build any church on a rock, and that rock is “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice” (Matthew 7:24-29). So, in starting a new church, it is the practical words of Jesus that will be the best help. I dream of a church built on Jesus’ words.
The Workers are Few
Most church work is done by a few dedicated people. “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37b-38 NKJV) I dream of a church where everyone gets involved.
Missionary Work
Missionary work is primarily starting new churches. The original missionaries were gifted with miracles rarely experienced today and often faked by counterfeits. Yet, there is something that we can all learn.
“If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.” (Matthew 10:14 NLT)
Rejection is normal. Let’s forget it and move on. Experienced sales people say they love the word “no” because it saves wasting time, and frees us to move on to the next prospect. Like sales, receptiveness to the Gospel is a numbers game. If only one in ten is responsive, we want to spend our time with that person, and move on as fast as possible from those who reject our message. I dream of a church that is outwardly focused on spreading the Good News.
Parables
Like the seed scattered on the footpath, rocky soil, among thorns and in good soil, so too will our efforts only sometimes bear much fruit (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23). Like the wheat and weeds, so too will those who do gather with us be a mixed bunch (vs 24-30, 36-43). Like the parable of the mustard seed, a new church begins very small before becoming very large (vs 31-32). Like the parable of the leaven, take heart that our small efforts will multiply (vs 33-35). Like the parables of the hidden treasure and pearl of great price, we should remember that what we carry is the greatest treasure on earth (vs 44-46). Like the parable of the fishing net, the church will pick up all kinds of people, both good and bad (vs 47-51). I dream of a church that Jesus builds.
A Work of Faith
Like feeding the 5000 (Matthew 14:13-21), later 4000 (Matthew 15:29-39) and walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), building a church is a work of faith. I dream of a church with strong faith.
Vain Traditions
As churches grow certain habits will become traditions. There are both good and bad traditions that churches can adopt. We ought to be careful that we do not break the command of God for the sake of our traditions (Matthew 15:3). Like the brass snake on a pole, a once helpful tradition can become an idol and must be destroyed (Numbers 21:6-9; 2 Kings 18:4). I dream of a church that discards traditions that have become idols.
I Will Build My Church
A most important statement about who will build the Christian Church is often overlooked because of another controversy surrounding the verse.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18 KJV)
Yes, Jesus said that He will build the Church. Though people also build, we must never forget who primarily builds and whose Church it is.As an aside, most early church fathers who commented on this passage said that the “rock” was Peter’s faith, a small number said it was Christ Himself or the apostles as a group. Only a very small number thought that “rock” referred to Peter. So, the greater number of early church fathers are not in agreement with the Roman interpretation of this particular passage of scripture. I dream of a church that is willing to admit it was wrong.
