Building Communities and Collective Mission Where Christ Rules | Apr 21, 2025 | MR

Ministers Rest | Apr 21, 2025
Look around you. The expansiveness of the sky, the rhythmic waves of the ocean, the intricate design of your own body—all bear witness to a magnificent Creator. When your body is injured, it instinctively works to heal itself, a divine engineering that speaks of intentional design. Only spiritual darkness could blind someone to this evident truth.

Your journey with God begins with mercy—His compassion covers you like a parent tending to a helpless child. But God doesn't intend for you to remain there. Just as children grow to understand their parents more deeply, you must mature to know not only God's mercy but also His truth. This balance of mercy and truth marks the path of spiritual maturity.

Be cautious of two corrupting influences that can infiltrate your spiritual life: religious hypocrisy and worldly power systems. These are like leaven that, once introduced, spreads throughout the entire batch. Many leaders derive their authority from credentials, connections, or constitution rather than the Holy Spirit. Examine your own heart—where does your sense of authority come from?

Christ is searching for a place to rest His headship. Many gather people to themselves rather than to Him. True kingdom communities aren't built through control but through allowing Christ's government to regulate every member, beginning with you. Step down from the throne of your ministry, and let Him take His rightful place.

Move beyond personal silos and isolated visions. The ecclesia functions as one body, not as competing kingdoms. Embrace properties, talents, and vision collectively—"our land," not "my land." This collective mindset unlocks resources that individual thinking keeps bound.

When commissioning others to serve, release them fully to the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than keeping them under your control. True apostolic leadership equips and sends, trusting God's work in them, not demanding continued loyalty or financial tribute.

Ask yourself: What burden are you carrying? Is it for your own success or for God's purposes? Many labor under burdens of their own making, while true kingdom workers carry God's heart for His people.

The world will only be converted when they see the level of love flowing among believers—not through impressive buildings, programs, or numbers. Build something the world hasn't seen before: a community where love eliminates class distinctions and creates economic equilibrium, where every member is valued not for their status but for their place in Christ's body.