Vineyard Church of Knox County
Our Bottom Line
What's the bottom line? Are you a "bottom line" kind of person? Are you most concerned about what is at the core of a decision or activity, what is at the heart of it all? I am that kind of person, so I am regularly reminding myself what is at the heart of what we are doing as Christians and as a church. What is the main focus, the core mission of VCKC?
At a recent Knox Ministerial Association (now “Knox Network of Christian Ministries") meeting, we were discussing the restructuring of the group from a fellowship group to an active ministry group. It means foundational change is coming. One pastor asked the question necessary question, Why (for what purpose)? I felt the Lord nudge me to answer, “Why are we as pastors doing ministry? (i.e. What’s the bottom line?)” I answered my own question, “To fulfill the Great Commission, to make disciples of Jesus of the people in this county. Everything we do ultimately points to that goal. And our restructuring simply better enables the churches represented in this group to partner together to make disciples in Knox County, Ohio.” It was one of those “God moments” when everyone simply fell silent then said “Amen.”
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, paraphrased) is Jesus’ last word to his disciples, his final instructions: I have been given the final say in all matters in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all kinds of people, inviting them into my life, marking them with baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to carry out everything you saw me do and heard me teach. And never, ever forget, I am your biggest fan, your most loyal supporter; I am with you always, everywhere.
Friends, as we move forward with God as he establishes the Vineyard in Knox County, let’s continue to remind ourselves why we are doing what we are doing. We are providing a weekly Celebration Service and multiple home groups for people of all ages. Why? To make and develop apprentices of Jesus. We offer “Equipping Events” on the Second Saturday of each month. Why? To develop full participants in the Great Commission. We are developing ministry teams of lay people to stand with the pastoral staff to help keep us balanced in our priorities (worship, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, outreach). Why? To further fulfill the Great Commission. We are pursuing a facility. Why? To help us make disciples.
As we jump into the Great Commission series this Spring and Summer, I hope to answer these questions, questions I think each Christian asks at some point in life: Why should I get involved (i.e. what’s my motivation)? Do I have to; is making disciples a requirement in Christianity? What is my role (i.e. do I have to become a pastor or missionary to really get involved)? What if I don’t know what I’m doing? What does a disciple look like (if we’re commanded to make them, I should know what one looks like, right?!)? Am I one? How do I fulfill the Great Commission in my family and in my work? What is success/failure? What’s in it for me?
I love answering honest questions, questions that come from the heart. My hope is that as we answer these and other questions, we will not only learn about God and ourselves, but we will each further develop into full participants in the greatest adventure on earth, the Great Commission. I am enjoying partnering with you in this great adventure.
Blessings,
Chris
