Intentional Grace

Every time I read the classic Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness by Jerry Cook with Stanley Baldwin, I am reminded how much I like it.  The book resonates with me because it is written with grace and practical examples we can apply in our own lives and ministry.  He holds forth a simple philosophy founded on scripture that the church is people, equipped by the Holy Spirit, to meet needs everywhere in the name of Jesus.  Rather than seeking to wield or maintain control over others, the approach to ministry held forth in this little book embraces releasing people to serve by faith in God.

One point Cook makes is to consider what messages we send, that fruitful Christian ministry is reserved for the trained professionals, the gifted or experienced.  Rather than implying real ministry takes place primarily in a church building, Cook encourages people to use their spiritual gifts in the situation God places them in the real world.  While there is a valid place for teaching, training and preparation, our methods can convey what king Saul did when he was willing to let David fight Goliath:  he was permitted to fight as long as David wore his armour.  Saul wanted David to resemble him externally when David was filled with the Holy Spirit and prompted by faith in God within to do what Saul was afraid to do himself.  Cook writes:

"What I'm saying is this:  people who are filled with the Holy Spirit are already basically equipped for ministry.  What the church needs to do is help people to understand this truth, not mislead them into thinking they are somehow unqualified to serve.  

Christianity is not difficult to communicate.  It's simple.  We make it hard by our extreme efforts.  We give soul-winning courses that take eight weeks or eight months.  This communicates to our people how difficult it is to win anyone to Christ.

As a result, Christians are scared to death to tell anybody about Jesus.  They memorize every possible question any non-Christian could ask as well as the correct answers--they want to have all the bases covered.  When they have done that we say they are equipped.  They aren't equipped, they are incapacitated.  We have them so intent on nailing people with the Bible, giving answers to them, that they forget there is a person there--hurting.

Maybe the correct answer does not help.  Maybe what a friend or neighbor needs is a cup of coffee to drink and an arm around his shoulder.  Someone to listen and care.  Someone to exercise the greatest spiritual gift of all--love.  It doesn't take a professional to love."  (Cook, Jerry, and Stanley C. Baldwin. Love, Acceptance & Forgiveness. GL Regal Books, 1984. pg. 58-59)

I encourage people to sign up for courses and take classes offered by a church for the spiritual health and instruction of congregants.  Rather than seeing these as a hindrance to ministry, they can enhance our understanding and ability.  What is refreshing about Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness is not the institution of a pattern, but it is a timeless exhortation to be yielded to the Holy Spirit, know God rules over all, and a gentle reminder to examine what patterns have been established in our church or ministry and the unintended messages they might send.  If the ministry and usefulness of the church is limited to what I can do, nothing will come of it.  Yet if we walk together by faith in Jesus Christ, rely on His guidance and serve one another in love, God will never cease to do amazing things by His grace.