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Ok, so I’ve been sitting on this for some time now, but I think it’s time for me to finally post it! As I contemplate the year ahead, and all the things on my to-do-list, the family getaways that need planning, and the endless amount of admin, my thoughts frequently drift to the church. It’s something I am very committed to: The church of Jesus Christ who is the bride that Christ is coming back for. In many respects, we the church seem so far from ready. There is a growing popularity of church entertainment and programs that seem so far removed from the example I see in scripture. I’m constantly asking myself: Is this what Jesus wants? Would the apostle Paul do this? In order to reach the unchurched, we’re resorting to entertainment, gimmicks and bribery to get people into church. If they were around today, would the apostle Paul or Peter or any of the other guys resort to some of this? I think not!

I don’t lead the biggest church nor do I want to. I understand the complexity of leading a large church. I lead a church plant which is a sapling in many respects, but I have been around the block a few times. Church life and the challenges that we face is not new to me. We do want to make a difference for Christ in our city, we want to make a difference in the lives of the people that God sends to us, but I firmly believe that we must stick to the pattern set in scripture, the example we see in the Word. Yes, we aren’t the same as those in the Bible, culturally and technologically… times have moved on. I’m not saying all of this because I’m feeling insecure about how fast (or not) our church is perceived to be growing. I’m realistic about how easy it is to steer a small boat and how difficult it is to steer a much larger boat. I understand that its tough ground here in the UK and the West at large, and I understand the need to be innovative and adjust the “how”, but not the “what” we communicate with a constantly evolving culture. Call me old fashioned, but when it comes to some things the church needs to remain “old fashioned”! Specifically our theology must stay the same and perhaps some of our method. In scripture, the Lord always gave the message and the method. When He commanded Noah to build the ark, he also gave him the way to do it, what materials to use etc. The same principle applied to the tabernacle and the temple. God gave them the message and the method to multiply. The fruit of our theology and method will, in time, show how biblical it truly is.

What I am saying is that when we start tinkering too much, what happens when we adjust the message and the method we raise up believers who aren’t accustomed to dealing with, and pushing through, hardships, believers who aren’t willing to carry their cross daily, and believers who don’t understand what the word humility means anymore. I’m not saying that we should live lives in constant suffering and constantly unhappy thinking that this pleases the Lord. With all this advancement, people aren’t opening their bibles anymore, let alone their bible apps. We create a “if I feel like it” culture. Commitment, sacrifice, service aren’t prioritised any more. We’re meant to be pointing people to Jesus not to ourselves. There is such a thing as affirmation addiction and sometimes we in the church are just as guilty of it as anyone else.

Too many Christians attending church aren’t being discipled as they should be. In the previous church I lead, sure we had people leave from time to time for greener pastures, but some of them are now worse off and their marriages and families lie ruined. I’m not saying that our church was perfect, but what we saw as important was (and remains true today) that every person that God sent to us was to be loved, cared for, and discipled. That is the Great Commission after all. A friend of mine recently suggested I read a book called “Simple Church”, and the book echoes exactly my desire to keep things simple, stick to what’s important, and build HIS kingdom, not ours. To be drawing attention to Him and not to ourselves. After all, it’s all about Jesus - Jean Seevaraj

Ok, there are some things that make me unhappy about the state of the church in the UK and abroad, particularly in the west. A good friend of mine recently reminded me that, “the temptation is to take a back seat and moan, rather than to step up and be the difference.”

I think that there are some churches in our nation which have lost sight of the Great Commission, reduced their adherence to the pattern of the church in scripture, and perhaps “evolved with the times”, communicating a message which is more palatable to the unchurched and immature. Certainly these churches will draw large crowds, but for me, a crowd size isn’t the only metric when considering health (obviously, healthy organisms grow). For me the fruit should be healthy families, strong marriages, mature and growing people who aren’t perfect but are committed to Christ, scripture, fellowship, prayer and change.

How are we affecting the popular culture we are in? Or are we being changed by it? These are the questions we the church need to ask. The church is, and will continue to be the vehicle for change in the world. It will require regular realignment to scripture if we are to continue to impact this world as we should.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” (Matt. 28: 18-20)

As I prepare for this Sunday’s meeting, I’m aware that my thoughts regarding the church and Christian ministry have evolved over the years. While the fundamental truths of scripture are the basis for my life, and remain unchanged, my perspective on church life, church growth, and church planting have changed. There is one overriding truth that remains the bedrock of my life and should be the bedrock of the church: It’s all about Jesus Christ who is the Head of the Church and Lord of all; and following on from that truth, scripture is the pattern we build our lives and the church on.

The Primary focus should not be on buildings, bands, projects or events. The focus should always be on Christ and how that relationship outworks itself in our every day lives and decision making.

I remember all too well the pressure I felt as a young church planter all those years ago, on how I was to grow our local church in Brighton. Actually, the words of Jesus to Peter pretty much sums it all up for me now, as to what my role should be, “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (later he says) “Take care of my sheep.” “Feed my sheep””. (John 21:15-17)

When God’s people are cared for, nurtured and fed, the church grows. Simple as that!