In his article “Following the Heavenly Father”, John Edmiston writes about the importance of following God while leading others in ministry. He observes from John 5:19-20 (“I tell you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. He will show him even greater things to do than this”)that Jesus’ ministry was based in the fact that he saw what God was doing and joined in with Him. In the same way, he argues that we as leaders in the church should do the same thing. Instead of trying to come up with fancy new programs or just doing the same old things that we always have done, Edmiston argues that leaders in the church should see where God is already working in our community and the world and join in there. God still works in our world, and it is up to the church, and the leaders of the church to join in. He offers several practical ways to determine what God’s will is in our world and community: observing the world around us, studying the scriptures, and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When leaders consistently engage in these activities, they can join in with what God is already doing. If Jesus could not do anything apart from the Father, how can we as leaders in the church ever manage to either?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Following the Heavenly Father
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got this one!
ReplyDeleteJoel – I believe that this is such an important thing. Jesus only did what the Father was doing and I believe that we also need to the do the same. I think your article hits the nail right on the head in describing how we as leaders in the church need to follow Jesus’ example and do what the Father is doing.
ReplyDeleteSo many churches focuses on numbers and growth, when and where did Jesus ever do that in the Bible. Was he not more concerned with the condition of one’s heart and soul?
I also love how the article talks about seeing what God is doing within the community outside the church and having the church come along side with what the Lord is already doing. It is an amazing thing how God works in this world. I love how the article encourages us as leaders to see what the Father is doing in this world and then to come along with Him and follow HIS LEAD.
In discerning God’s ways I believe we as leaders need to be open to the guidance and leading of God’s Holy Spirit. We need Him and can do nothing without God’s Spirit living inside us.