Four of us went to a training event on Evangelism last night. The leader, Rev. Steven Soulen was appointed two years ago to a church in a declining community. His church however is growing. Steven said he didn’t profess to be an expert but shared things that have helped turn his church around. The first was prayer. He said become a praying church. Have your leaders pray at the altar together. Second, be relational. Develop relationships within and beyond the church family. Go deep, he said. Don’t stop at talking about baseball, ask about their faith experiences. Finally focus on leadership development. Study together instead of just having meetings.
I think we can apply those principles in our own lives, especially when faced with trials. First, become a praying person. Pray fervently and expect answers. Lay all your concerns before God. Even pastors sometimes just get so caught up in problems that they don’t think to pray to God about a solution. Second, develop relationships within your family and beyond. Two are better than one. Third, work on your own spiritual growth. Steven said faith is like a muscle; you can develop it and become stronger for whatever challenges might face you. These three simple things can have a positive effect upon our lives but it is up to us to make them happen. Mentos has a new gum called UP2U. Maybe we should all carry a pack around to remind us that our success really is up to us!
Gracious God, help us not to give up when all around us seems to be going downhill. We know that you are faithful and that you equip us with gifts and talents to make our way in life, if we will use them. Be a constant presence, encouraging and helping us to grow in our prayer life, our faith and our relationships. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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