"One of Jesus' greatest gifts to the Kingdom is freedom from fear. John says it this way, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" 1 John 4:18. And yet we find fear controlling and dictating much of what Christians do in the Kingdom. Churches are filled with good people who fear ever disclosing their true beliefs on certain matters of faith for fear of being expelled or sidelined. Leaders fail to make bold and necessary decisions for fear of offending people. Others may fear the sting of rebuke or critique if they are open with their feelings on certain matters. A culture of fear is absolutely contrary to the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God provides absolute freedom for people to be authentic and genuine without fear of being dismissed. The world and the work place both contain certain elements of fear but these should never ever creep into the Kingdom. When they do we have compromised the "perfect love" that promises to cast out all fear in the Kingdom."

Top ten ways to grow your church.  Five ways to create a culture of generosity.  On a daily basis I get at least one email telling me how to grow the church spiritually, numerically, financially, etc. Most of these lists take business principles, apply them to the church, and tell me that this is how to lead the church. What is different about this article is that it takes Biblical principles and applies them to the church.  Imagine that!  A church built on Biblical principles!  That is something I can get behind!  I hope that you will take the time to read the link and reflect on the ways in which it encourages you, challenges you, and opens you up to the freedom made possible in Jesus Christ.

What caught my attention was the line, "Leaders fail to make bold and necessary decisions for fear of offending people."  I think about this in light of our search for new Session members. Will they make bold decisions for the health of the congregation?  Will I? Will we face our challenges in the sure knowledge that God is calling Memorial Drive to be a place where faith, not fear, drives the church?  I pray that we will.  Please pray for the nominating committee, the Session, and our beloved church as we seek to live into our calling as faithful followers of the Risen Lord.