Disputes
All churches will from time to time experience some kind of dispute.
Whether it is a rule of Old Testament law, a more recent church rule, or a matter of custom, there will be different opinions. In such cases, we need to remember that there is something far more important than our opinions on lesser matters.
"We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:11 NLT)
Sometimes disputes arise over personnel. Paul and Barnabas had such a dispute.
"Their argument became so intense that they went their separate ways." (Acts 15:39a CEB)
I dream of a church that is not shocked by occasional disputes because church life is not, and never has been perfect.
Paul Evangelizing
There are many opportunities to spread the Gospel. At the time, the synagogue was open to public discussion.
“So as usual, Paul went there to worship, and on three Sabbaths he spoke to the people. He used the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2 CEV).
In Athens Paul also reasoned in the marketplace (vs 17). I really doubt that such openness would exist today in most places of worship of any religion. Yet, there are other opportunities available. Some have put up a table in a public place offering prayer or stand in a public place with a Bible in hand shouting to passers by. Others use the internet, door knocking, advertising, tracts and personal contact. Be prepared to be humiliated, as Paul experienced!
“some mocked. But others said, ‘We will hear you again about this.’” (vs 32b ESV)
I dream of a church where members are unafraid to evangelize by any and every opportunity.
Missionaries
Elders called to pastoral care of a local congregation may stay a long time, but that was not the calling of a missionary apostle like Paul. In Corinth for example, “he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” (Acts 18:11 KJV) “Now Paul, when he had remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sisters and sailed away to Syria” (vs 18 NASB).
I dream of a church where some are called to the apostolic ministry of missionary or church pioneer, so that the church of God will multiply exceedingly.
Time to Leave
In some places there may come a time to move on. For instance, “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.” (Acts 19:8-9 NIV)
I dream of a church where, if people refuse to believe the word of God, those who do simply move out and meet elsewhere, valuing the Word of God above any habitual meeting place.
