Rock or Pebbles?

(How is your church's preaching, music, and discipleship?)

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, to be faithful, and to be an example to other churches. Perhaps we should follow Paul’s example.

I would like, therefore, to make a small attempt at this by giving the example of a church 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 continue to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ for His glory.

Higher Rock Christian Church is a fellowship of about 500 in Metro Manila, Philippines. It rents facilities in an office complex on a main road surrounded by bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is one of 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 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 grasp of the major doctrines (teachings) of God’s Word. The pastors 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 who then pray) with the main exposition (sermon/message) being given later by the pastor of 45 to 60 minutes!

2.Music. When I have spoken in the church, every hymn and spiritual song not only had a beautiful melody (and easy for all 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 is emotionally-tuned for feeling but have absolutely no true uplifting, biblical truth. Many times only the worship leader and band are singing even though the words on a screen, as the song is not easily sung for all. 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). Are the words true to Scripture?
c.The music is not to be worldly sounding (not to cater to the flesh), in which one would mainly want to dance.
d.The hymn/spiritual song should be easily for all to sing and worship God together.

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!

Let me encourage you with the following, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren [and sisters], be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, nasb).

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