Last night at elder's meeting my pastor shared how God is moving in a number of circumstances that let us know God is setting our church up for the next stage. It's exciting, painful, and a little nerve wracking. At the same time we can see a huge amount of good that will come from it. Most change is like that.

It's no one thing that's bringing it about. It's a conglomeration of circumstances all coming together under the hand of God. We just finished our deliverance retreat and a revival series of meetings. Many people were freed. They're now seeking God hard on the next step in their Christian life. Many workers, leaders, and ministries will come out of this group.

Then there's a distinct leading among the elders that we need to step up the pace in three areas: Prayer, construction, and mentoring. We feel God is leading us toward something big, and we need to pray it in. We also need to have the space for the new people. Finally we need to develop some leaders to maturity because the existing leaders won't be able to deal with a huge influx of people and their needs.

Example: In church last week a lady started to manifest the demonic, and the deliverance team moved in and cast out two of them. That was wonderful, and God gets the glory. Now imagine if our church explodes with growth and 20 people need deliverance. As the person who trains the teams I now have a sense of urgency in training. We feel this urgency in many areas.

The circumstances are going on all over the church. One couple feels called to the pastorate, and God just opened a door for them. A sister church down the road just lost their pastor, and this couple will go to fill in. I can see they'll be taking that church in due time.

Another couple feels called to the mission field, and others feel called to banner ministry, children, or music. God is moving people on throughout the congretation. It's taking us out of our comfort zones, but it's also reminding us that the Kingdom of God is never stationary. A stationary church is in danger.

Is your church on the move?

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2004

Answers

RP:

Our church is just waiting for someone like you to come and set our souls on fire. You are the epitome of American greatness. Please come to our church and preach the gospel. You have the gift now come to us and show us the way. We are a black congregation but you have the answer to help us see it the right way. You and your family can us folk how to do it right. Please come right away.

On second thought that's okay stay put.

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2004

OK everyone, Revelations says,

"They overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony." Let's hear some inspirational testimony about how YOUR church is on the move. Share your secrets to success so all readers can benefit. That's hopefully one of the purposes of this board.

If your church is stagnant or dying, let this post stir a hunger from the Holy Spirit in your heart. Get with your pastor and ask what can be done to breathe life back into the church. If he/she is spiritually stagnant or dying you may need to begin the effort in prayer by yourself or a few other hungry friends.

It's an exciting thing to be part of a church where God is powerfully at work, where the people are in unity, and where there is a sense of anticipation.

Is this the case with your church? If so, tell everyone about it and include how you arrived at that point.

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2004

RP, there is only one Church. Praise the Lord that your local congregation is on the move; but what has God done recently? God didn't call you to make all local congregations like yours. Enjoy your work, be blessed and bloom where you are. To brag about what is being done is to give space for the devil.

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2004

Giving God credit for His mighty deeds among His people is giving place to the devil? I don't get it.

BTW, today we baptized 6 in water and accepted 12 new members. We also dedicated some children from a military family. This was HUGE because the mother is from Indonesia. Her Muslim mother has fought very hard against any Christian influence in this family. For this young lady to allower her children a Christian dedication was truly amazing.

We're on the move, and all glory goes to God! We're merely vessels in His hands!

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2004

RP, you didn't baptize anyone; you didn't save anyone; give God the glory. He used dirty folk to preach the gospel; the rocks crying out could have accomplished the same; so take no credit; praise God instead. Question: Why did God punish David for numbering the people?

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2004

Brother RP,

Praise the Lord!! It is truly wonderous to hear of the mighty work the Lord is doing among his people. We too in the A.M.E church are experiencing a mighty move of the Spirit. More and more of our congregants are taking up the sword and the shield and are on fire to engage the enemy. The sound of sharpening swords can be heard throughout our zion and feet are being fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Across the connection our numbers continue to grow and the deadness of traditionalism is being replaced by the belt of truth that is being taken up the warrior spirits and buckled firmly around their waist. Songs of victory are on our lips and visions of paradise in our hearts as the great day of the Lord draws near. Even now we are forming into squads, companies, batallions and armies, readying ourselves for the march to the field of war in full strength and by the might of Him with the sharp two edged sword. Oh yes brother, we are on the move alright, under the command of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

In Christ,

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2004