Rock or Pebbles

TO: Notes from the Founder
FM: Doug Nichols
RE: Rock or Pebbles?
SENT: May 11, 2007

The writer of the book of Hebrews instructs us to, “…consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:25, NASB). The apostle Paul encouraged churches to trust and serve God, to give generously, and to be faithful by giving examples of what other churches were doing. Perhaps we should follow his example.

I would like, therefore, to make a small attempt at this by giving the example of a church here in Manila, Philippines which may stimulate you to consider doing the same (or similar actions) in your church -- not just to copy another church -- but to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ for His glory.

Higher Rock or just pebbles?

Higher Rock Christian Church is a fellowship of about 300 members in Metro Manila, Philippines. It rents facilities in an office complex on a main road surrounded by bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is the main church in a small denomination (Communion of Christian Ministries) with a huge impact throughout the Philippines.

Of the many wonderful characteristics of this church, let me mention three things that really stand out to my wife Margaret and me:

1. Preaching/teaching. The pastors, elders and leaders really labor hard at expositional preaching and teaching the whole counsel and Word of God. The church members respond by each bringing and using their Bibles. Most seem to have a tremendous grasp of the major doctrines (teachings) of God’s Word. The pastors really strive to make the “main things the plain things” so all understand. Preaching the Word takes time! Short exhortations of 6 to 10 minutes from the Word are given at the beginning of each Sunday service by elders and leaders and then prayer) with the main exposition (sermon/message) being given later by the pastor of 50 to 60 minutes!

2. Music. When I have spoken in the church, every hymn and spiritual song has been right on, not only with a beautiful melody (and easy to sing together) but also true to the Word of God. As I travel worldwide in ministry, much “worship time” in churches is singing songs that have a catchy or emotionally-tuned for feeling but have absolutely no true uplifting, biblical truth. This is not so with what is sung by the Higher Rock Church of Manila. I asked how they were able to have such wonderful and beautiful hymns and songs each service. The answer was “hard work and strict adherence to their worship guidelines.” These simple guidelines are used to measure all that is sung by the worship team (choir) and congregation.

These are:
a. Each hymn/spiritual song must magnify the Lord Jesus Christ, not self; the emphasis to be on Christ, not an emotional feeling.
b. Each is to be true to the Word of God (doctrinally sound).
c. The music is not to be worldly sounding (not to cater to the flesh), in which one would mainly want to dance.

3. Discipleship. Most everyone in the church are either being discipled in the Word of God or discipling (teaching) others. All of the pastors, elders, leaders (and their wives!) or working with, helping and training others in the things of God. The senior pastor’s wife is very busy with four teenage children and is also discipling several women as well as working with other wives of church leaders in women’s ministry of the church. (The church is especially noted for its effective ministry to women led by the women). There is a strong discipleship program (of real depth) to all ages in the church throughout the week.

So dear friends, does this encourage you to work on these three items in your church fellowship? Perhaps you can do nothing about the preaching, but you can help improve the music and especially discipleship!

So let’s build our lives and churches on the Rock (obedience to Christ) and not pebbles of sand.


Sincerely in Christ,

Doug Nichols