Launch News

Matthew — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:14:12 +0000

This past week I heard someone question a group of church planters: “Would the city plead with you to stay if you announced you were closing your doors?” That’s something to think about. We hope the answer to that question is going to be YES! Refuge Point Church exists to build people, not buildings…a church in action.

VIA REFUGE POINT CHURCH:

Over the past few weeks our hearts have been stirred with the question of, “What’s Next for Refuge Point Church”. God has started opening doors that seem to be only from Him. We genuinely feel that the time has come for us to take a step of faith and BE the church Christ has called us to be.

We believe that there are hurting people who need to experience the same life-changing gospel that has compelled us to give our lives to Christ. We are pleased to announce that Refuge Point Church is launching weekly services on March 28th in Downtown West Point, 817 3rd Avenue. We are excited about this opportunity to serve our city, reach out to every person, and advance His kingdom.

We challenge each of you figure out your part of this journey. Visit us at www.refugepointchurch.org and check out our Plan BE page.

Peace and Love-
Matthew

The Church – The role of a Pastor/Church Leader

Matthew — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:46:08 +0000

Over some time I want to attempt to post about how I feel a healthy church should look like. Hopefully you will find these posts helpful and give you an idea of how Refuge Point Church will look. Before we get into the role of the church I think it’s fitting to get an idea of what the Bible says the role of a pastor and/or church leader should be.

Let’s look at 1 Timothy 3: if anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader (pastor, elder…) must be well thought of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, (I LOVE that part) accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be over fond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap…No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued…

Here’s the deal: Churches don’t need kings…(Absolute power always goes bad.) I’ve seen this ‘pastor King model’ and it’s not biblical or healthy. You know…the men who wear the super hero capes, have the guards surrounding them, bla bla…? We just read that a church leader/pastor is accessible and hospitable. Pastor, stop hiding in your office with your door shut all of the time. You are not a god.

What churches need are pastors who will lead by example and who are servants. By the way…isn’t that what Jesus came to do…serve? In fact it seems like he came with a towel in his hand to wash peoples feet, not sit behind a title.

The Pastor’s wife: Same applies bro… and I love what the writer also included on the list: NOT SHARP-TONGUED! Dear Beloved Pastor-if you can’t handle the affairs of your family and can’t keep your wife from gossiping and being slanderous…then you are not fit to lead a church. Apply for something in the corporate world.

Here’s what you should expect from any church leader:

1. That they are continuously growing in their walk with Christ.

2. That they pastor their family – bathe them in the word and bathe them with their love and support.

3. To Pastors – Instead of being a CEO Pastor, try being a spiritual director. Care for the spiritual life of your staff. Support your staff at any cost, because it will cost you.

4. Serve.

5. Lead.

It’s not about advancing a “pastor’s” kingdom…it’s about advancing HIS Kingdom. “let Your kingdom come, Lord.”

Love You, mean it-

Matthew