'We are called by Christ to grow 'the' church and our own individual churches'
JOE MILLER JR.

Joe Miller Jr. is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Newton.

1 Corinthians 3:5-17

Paul started the church in Corinth, a city in Greece. After Paul left Corinth, other preachers took up the work where Paul left off. The church grew, which is what we want churches to do. We are called by Christ to grow "the" church and our own individual churches.

However, with growth in Corinth came some dysfunction; various groups within the congregation grew in different directions. As a result, the congregation began to splinter.

Paul wrote this letter to try to pull them back together and unite them in a uniform purpose. Throughout the letter he reminds them of the crucifixion of Christ, and in this text he refers to Christ as the foundation of the church.

Looking back on this early church, it is easy for us to criticize them for their errors. However, it is not that hard to lose our purpose just as they did and be tempted to distort the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to bring about growth in numbers.

Imagine a TV ministry that requires a great deal of money to operate because the expenses are so high. Can you envision a TV evangelist promising divine material rewards to those who send money to his or her ministry?

Also, sometimes our church programming can be aimed at attracting youth (which is good!), while sacrificing the gospel at the same time (which is bad!). Contemporary worship can be done in spirit and in truth, but it can also water down the gospel if not done carefully.

It is easier to elicit an emotional response based on fear rather than follow a salvific path based on scriptural study and active discipleship.

It is important that the church have a uniformity of purpose that is founded on Christ rather than have various groups drift in different directions guided by expediency rather than the gospel and the Holy Spirit.

What is the purpose of the church that you attend? Is everybody pulling in the same direction? Email me at newtonumc@valornet.com with your thoughts.