“A Different Kind of Building Project”

I enjoy doing projects around the house. I did 90% of the projects well. That last 10% takes time for me to finish. Just ask my wife. Before I finish, I start a different project that is new and exciting. The DIY projects never end, plus I get to buy more tools!

Ministry is about building, too. Our church building is a wonderful place to worship God, have Bible studies and much more. Yet, that is not the kind of building I’m talking about. 1 Peter 2:5 says, “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house…” The word “built” is a construction term. The difference is these stones are alive! I’ve heard noises in my house as if it is alive, but Peter is not saying this. The living stones are people, and the house is the Church, the body of Christ.  Thom Rainer says, “You are called to partner with God in a great building project. You are to build the spiritual house by bringing people into a relationship with God.” (Simple Church, p.110)

Blueprints are essential when building a house or a ministry. Since the purpose of the Church is to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), what are the blueprints? One way to remember is G.P.S. The “G” is for GOSPEL. The first step is to know the Gospel (good news) of Jesus, that He died on the cross for our sins and rose again to provide salvation to all who trust in Him as Savior. That is why Jesus is called the “Cornerstone.” He is the foundation. Remember – the building is not the Church, it’s the believers in Christ. Make sure to know Christ and to make Him known to others.

What about the P. and the S.? Stay tuned.

Pastor Phil Newby