Monday, June 21, 2010

Churches Serving Churches for the Kingdom


What kind of church would invest significant amounts of time and resources to help another church?

This actually does happen occasionally, and I know of several churches that do this. This last week I got to experience this first hand, and it was amazing.

This last week a team from Northeast Houston Baptist Church came hundreds of miles, used lots of financial resources, and worked hard to serve the people of First Baptist Southlake and our missionfield here in Southlake.

As I was reflecting on what happened last week, I was blown away by the servanthood of NEHBC and this mission team. Why would they do such a thing?

The answer is because they know that they serve more than just their church. They know that every church is about kingdom growth above and beyond anything else. This week NEHBC was used for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. That took place outside of the boundaries of their own local congregation in Houston to another congregation in Southlake.

Two different local churches, two different geographical locations, two different personalities, but ONE PURPOSE – the spread of the gospel to the glory of Christ.
It is easy for us as individuals to become self centered. It is also easy for churches to do the same thing. But, what the Great Commission requires is a different focus, a kingdom focus. I am thankful for the cooperative effort that took place last week.

There are many people today that have a negative view of churches. If they could have seen what I saw last week, I think their perceptions might change drastically.
I saw a great cooperative adventure between First Baptist and Northeast Houston Baptist. There were so many people from these two churches that worked and served alongside each other for the advancement of a kingdom agenda. Seeing the people of First Baptist work hard for the gospel, and the same thing from those of NEHBC was incredible. That is the work of God.

I am grateful to the Lord for all that NEHBC has meant to me personally, and to this church that God has graciously called me to pastor here in Southlake.