Devotionals

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The Pastor had been worried about the lack of vitality in the downtown church to which he had been assigned by the Bishop. His marching orders had been "turn that church around." The size of the congregation had been shrinking and they were facing deep financial problems. The people were pleasant and loving but something was lost or misplaced. Besides financial problems, the signs that the church was dying were everywhere he looked. The most striking evidence, in his mind, was the lack of adult baptisms. There had not been a single conversion throughout his first two years at the church.

During a week long spiritual retreat, a plan evolved. God had heard his prayers and his sense of urgency. The plan was a simple one and not a new one, of course, but it filled him with hope.

Now three years have passed and what he sees is a brand new community; a church alive and vibrant at every turn. Some say it was the beginning of small study groups in people's homes around town. Others claim it was the church-wide study of Acts - a biblical foundation that had been missing. There are those who feel it was sound and visionary leadership. Whatever the reason, most people agreed that God was involved. Inspiration ran deep. Ideas and new programs burst forth. Every corner of the church from the worship teams to the feeding program became alive with hope, purpose, and intent.

The Pastor smiles as he reaches into the baptismal font and prepares to perform the ceremony that had once, almost been forgotten. Now, on a regular basis, adults were coming forward and committing themselves to Christ. The church celebrated each new baptism with excitement and encouragement. He wasn't certain how many recognized the difference. He still wondered if enough focus on reaching the lost was being addressed. The new Alpha and Celebrate Recovery ministries were certainly a step in the right direction but he knew it would eventually need a church-wide emphasis. The leaders were in place. The visions stated. The Strategic Plan approved. And now, the future lay before them.

He turned out to the congregation and gazed at their joyous faces. Their numbers had increased and their passion enflamed. He spoke the words and administered the water. He knew, as certain as the nails in the cross, this was their purpose.

Inspired by: Luke 15:1-10 and the church family at FUMC Albuquerque, NM

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