I hope the application to ministry is clear. How often have I tried to plant a church in a community without paying any attention to the condition of the soil? When was the last time I asked what type of church would grow well in this particular soil, rather than insisting on the type of church I wanted to plant?
Peter Roennfeldt has devoted a lifetime of ministry to the vital work of church planting. His lead article in this issue of Ministry challenges us to go back to our roots as a church-planting movement. Our primary mission, as pastors, should not be to babysit churches that already exist but rather to disciple lay leaders to care for existing churches while we train and support other lay leaders in the process of planting new churches.
One of the best ways to grow a vibrant church is through small groups. Ted Hamilton has taught a dynamic small-group Bible study for many years. In his article titled “Growing in Grace: The Transforming Power of Sabbath School,” he explores the essential components of a life-changing small group. Apply the principles outlined in this article, and you will also witness remarkable growth and an abundant harvest in your small-group ministry.
Melak Alemayehu brings the theme of seedtime and harvest to a personal level in his article titled “Abundant and Abiding Fruit Bearing.” He gleans important lessons from the teaching of Jesus about the Vine and the branches. He reminds each one of us that we can experience a bountiful harvest in our own lives through a living connection with Jesus.
We have received a significant amount of feedback regarding the series “Does God Believe in Restoration?” The author, writing under the pseudonym of David Solomon, challenges us to reevaluate our response to moral failure by a Christian leader. Some critics are quick to proclaim, “You reap what you sow! You have experienced a moral failure. You’re out of the ministry!” But does an opportunity for a new beginning ever exist? Can a field still yield a good crop after a dismal crop failure?
Jesus shared some important insights about seedtime and harvest at Jacob’s well on the outskirts of Sychar: “ ‘Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest”? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both . . . may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: “One sows and another reaps” ’ ” (John 4:35–37, NKJV). Whether you are currently involved in sowing or reaping, may the articles in this month’s issue be used by God to bless you spiritually, intellectually, and professionally.
We wish you God’s richest blessings during this Advent season. As you reflect upon the outpouring of God’s love to our broken planet, may your life be blessed beyond measure.
