Our Focus
This post is mainly for current members of Highland Heights, but all are welcomed to read. Continuing the “our story” theme, I want to write about what God has revealed the focus of the church must be. By highlighting God’s will, we’re able to make our story what it should be, judging whether we’re actually “making the main thing the main thing” or not. If not, we must correct the course as soon as possible. If we’re basically on track, our task is to find ways to do it better, and maybe specialize in a few areas where we can do things the best.
The purpose of the church is stated in 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (emphasis mine). Our central purpose must be to proclaim the word of God. Everything God has made us to be through grace is so that we can rightfully preach about him! Is our focus on proclaiming God’s word? It must be that all our efforts, programs, ministries, activities, etc., are present, because they either provide direct opportunity for spiritual teaching, or strengthen the effectiveness of such opportunities. Also remember that each member of this church has been placed here to serve in some way that will aid the mission to “proclaim the excellencies” of our Lord. I urge us all to consider if we measure up individually and as a body. We must get this right before we worry about anything else. It must be the heart of our story!
When we’re certain we’ve got the heart of our story in focus, we can move on to achieving the goals God specifically has in mind for us. How would we know what God specifically wants? We know by considering what talents and opportunities we have available to us. Most congregations have some talent and opportunity in every area of ministry—and should—but not every congregation has the talent to excel in every field. Some churches focus on foreign missions; others on domestic. Some churches are best at community services like ministry to the poor, or addictions recovery. Some churches focus on age or need-specific ministry programs, others are mostly about magnifying the effectiveness of their pulpits, broadcasting on the net, radio, and television. To see that our story is the one God wants to tell, let’s all make sure we get the main focus right. Then, let’s use the unique talents God has given us to excel in ways that make Highland Heights distinct and special!
Comments
One Response to “Our Focus”
Got something to say?
Wow, yes, God has placed the members in His Body the Church, just as He
planned, so that we mgiht function together as a single body, that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him Who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light—so let us be His light and His salt in our local communities
with His unique giftings to us.