pastoring...
If you were a new pastor of a small church - what might be your expectations as to what the people to know about the Bible? Some of the Basics? None of the basics? Would it depend?
In last night's Bible study we discovered that "only the blood of Jesus" makes us adequate before God and that by the blood of Jesus:
* we have been justified (Romans 5:9)
* we have redemption (Eph 1:7)
* we have been brought near to God (Eph 2:13)
* we have peace (Col 1:20)
* we are cleansed from sin (1 John 1:9)
* we have been freed from our sins (Rev 1:5)
I think this was new for some in the church, and they have been coming for quite a long time, maybe 10yrs or more. Perhaps it's normal?
What say you?
posted by Brian @ 9:51 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
there's a tribe in Nigeria, the Bajju, where many of the women don't know who Jesus, not because they're Christians, but because they can't read and their churches are all done in a different language. They haven't had a change to learn...
yeah, that is tough
who will go teach them?
Brian,
Unfortunately, I think its impossible to make a blanket statement about what people know or don't know. As you're finding out, some know basics while others don't. Your example just reminds me that people are different, and we should disicple them as individuals with different needs, problems, strengths, weaknesses, gifts, etc.
-Alan
Thanks Alan for the comment, I see your point - though this is a pretty small church (10-15 - primarily due to the highly transitional nature of the GC National Park) and a couple folks have told my wife and I no one has really given them any solid teaching like we have been doing since they've been a part of the church, which is sad to say the least. I understand the point on discipleship too. Thanks.
often times, it seems to me that "the basics" are assumed by others in a church, so that while some might know them, others, such as in your church, do not.
on the Bajju, its improving. They have the Bible translated in their language, so even those who cannot read can have it read to them. But its a slow process.
(oh, and "They haven't had a change" should read "chance.")
Brian,
One blog that I read is by a pastor in NC who focuses quite a bit on small churches. His name is Les Puryear. If you are interested, his blog is www.lesliepuryear.blogspot.com.
Eric
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