CHURCH FOUNDATIONS
Why is it so difficult to build upon an existing church foundation?
Spiritual Principle - Paul said I seek not to build upon another man's foundation but to preach Christ where he was not first named.
Romans 15:19-20
19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: KJV
This is due to the fact that each minister will present Christ Jesus and our Heavenly Father in the light that they see Him. If the first minister has shown God to be one way the next minister must watch how he or she presents God so that the people won't be confused. Since God is not the author of confusion it is usually wiser to lay a new foundation to start building the vision God gives to you.
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. KJV
Jesus said, "He that has tasted of the old wine does not straightway (immediately) desire the new.
Luke 5:36-39
36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better. KJV
This highlights the point that many people who have drunken of God's Spirit through a specific container, which influences the taste of God, usually have no desire to taste something different; if they did they would go somewhere else to get it. Your ministry is referred to as your vision (or purpose) and every church has one, the difference is some publicize theirs and others don't. When it is not publicized it is known as a hidden agenda. All hidden agendas in a church are dangerous because Jesus is the Light, and His church should light men's paths unto God and unto a brighter day as we walk out our faith on this earth.
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. KJV
Notice in this next verse the Lord expects fruit from a vision in three years, however in His patience and longsuffering He is willing to wait an additional year. The ministries that are not bearing fruit with-in three to four years are known as problem ministries, simply put something is wrong.
Luke 13:6-9
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. KJV
The reason they get that label is due to the fact that a foundation for a church or ministry should be set-up in the first three to four years that will produce fruit, in the natural usually most fruit bearing trees start producing fruit between one to four years.
Fruit trees pruning - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The four year old tree
The tree will have begun to fruit and only limited formative pruning is now required. Shorten leaders by one third and prune laterals not required to extend the framework to four buds.
From year five onwards
the tree is considered to be established and should be annually pruned as described in the following section.
Another witness
Four Winds Growers - Citrus Tress - CARE & CULTURE QUESTIONS
Q: When will the trees bloom and produce fruit?
A: Since our trees are grafted, the scion or fruiting wood is capable of flowering at a very young age. Most citrus bloom in the spring, but the ripening time varies greatly. See our variety list for specifics about ripening. If fruit develops the first year, we often pinch the fruit off to encourage leaf and stem development. Generally a 2-3 year tree will bloom in the spring, given adequate light, water and fertilizer. Each year as the tree grows; it will have more fruit producing capacity.
Even if it is only limited fruit at least it is producing (the term producing is in reference to growth, not maintaining an existing number of small believers). One test of production in a small church is how many people are coming to the church because you are feeding them and receiving nothing from them. If the number is small (below) ten adults, make a mental note that your church’s diet is not satisfactory to new visitors. Visitors need to feel comfort (things in order) and be well feed (preaching and teaching of the Word of God) to commit to a church, if they do not have both the majority of visitors will keep traveling. It is said in the ministry of churches that every church will experience visitations from guest and the Lord, the key to success is retention. If the church had five new visitors how many decided to come back again? If a church can retain at least one new visitor every two months, that one visitor will usually have a friend or family member to accompany them to the services. This at a minimum would give the church a person a month, at the end of a year they would be at least twelve members. Twelve is the number of government in the Holy Bible, which ties back to our point of emphasis about foundations twelve people in the right position with God's Grace and Purpose is something to build upon under a common vision. This principle of starting with twelve refers to the months of the year, the tribes of Israel even the Apostles of the Lamb. If a church was able to retain twelve a year that same church would have 24 members after two years, 36 after three, and 48 after four and 60 after five so on and so forth. The point is they would be experiencing growth, once a church starts to grow it is easier to grow. However if growth never starts, stops or decreases I can guarantee there is a reason. For the curse causeless shall not come according to Proverbs 26:2
Churches just like businesses need to be people focused to grow, businesses need to meet the natural or soulish needs that people desire to thrive. Churches need to meet the spiritual hunger in people’s lives to produce more people fruit. When businesses don't meet the needs of people they collapse, likewise when churches aren't meeting the spiritual needs of people they usually can't be a successful church. It is not just a matter of existing but rather fulfilling God's predetermined vision for that area affecting the region of people where you are located. Jesus was not content to heal the few in Nazareth, among a whole multitude of people.
Mark 6:4-6
4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. KJV
We must always realize that it is God who sets His Gifts in the Body of Christ at certain times and in certain locations. We must help Him build His Church and not assist man in the building of their church. God is real big on His Vision and His Purpose but He seems to be less responsive to men building their own ministry. Yes, God will still help them but it is not according to His Perfect Will.
1 Corinthians 12:27-28
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. KJV
The man or woman of God over a church will make it a high priority to organize the church structure (setup the church) per their heart!
Example: When Jesus went into the temple of God in Jerusalem He overthrew the merchandise of the money changers, this is an example of a true man of God taking (seizing) control of a church situation and setting up the establishment in His order.
John 2:13-16
13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. KJV
However, this could not be done permanently because Jesus was not the physical owner of the temple. Note the question asked by the temple leadership, in essence who gave you this authority to destroy and/or disrupt our church service. Show us a sign from God that what you are doing is ordain of God. However the sign Jesus was going to show them would not be believed by them, because they were in darkness. Jesus answered them spiritually but they did not understand His speech nor His purpose fulfilling God’s Will.
John 2:18-19
18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. KJV
That brings us right back to a major point of the article it is usually better to build a brand new church than to place a new vision in an old one. Remember Luke 5:36a No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old;
Remember when the apostle Paul tried to minister in Jerusalem and great turmoil resulted because Paul's style was not accepted in the churches around Jerusalem, but this same Paul was accepted among the Gentile believers. Paul's ministry and style didn't mean as much to the Jewish believers because they had Peter, James and John pillars in the church. Some Jewish believers thought that Paul could not present the Gospel in a new form, when they felt they already had the new Gospel personally from those who sat at the feet of Jesus.
Acts 9:26-32
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. KJV
Paul as an Apostle of the Lamb typically used the practice of holding meeting in the synagogue (Jewish temple of Worship) to let his fellow Jewish brothers know first that the Gospel of Jesus is all inclusive. Paul heart's desire was to see all the Jews saved.-Romans 11:26 Paul practiced the principle of going first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles.-Romans 1:16 Some Jews would convert to Christianity, but also some would not resulting in Paul being thrown out of the temple. This compelled Paul to hold meetings house to house or open air meetings to welcome all listeners. In other words Paul laid a brand new foundation to build the Gospel of Christ.
Acts 17:1-5
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. KJV
This same treatment happen to Peter and John in Acts 4:1-7
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? KJV
In other words who told you, you were welcome to preach your gospel on our property? This same type of behavior happened in the ministry of Jesus, our Lord and Savoir. For this same reason Jesus began to hold meetings outside of the temple.
John 11:53-54
53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. KJV
Jesus himself had to lay a new foundation to continue His teaching. Yes, one reason is because they (the Scribes, Pharisee, Sadducees and religious leaders) envied His ministry and another problem was their unbelief. If they would have believed His Word they would not of envied His Ministry. An unbelief displayed by people in the congregation will hinder the operations of God, and is also a good reason to move the meeting else where. For any house divided shall fall.-Matthew 12:25 Generally speaking what people believe strongly in their heart they will produce, what they don't believe strongly in their heart they will not obey. Thus, if the leader has a strong passion to establish a ministry a certain way, only those with that same passion will be a part of that ministry or church.
Currently, in today’s 21st century one way to establish a church is for an apostle or pastor who is called of God and has been inspired by the Lord to do a particular work in a specific location. He/she must have a heart for the people of that area and the inner drive to see the fulfillment of what the Lord has called them to do. That Pastor starts a new work and they present the vision to others and the others who are interested help do the work. This is the ideal situation this is a church started by the founder. This fits perfectly the pattern shown forth in the Holy Bible. Peter and Paul both preached the Gospel of Christ Jesus to the people first, and then noted whether or not their message was accepted by some people in the city. Depending on the acceptance of the message they either established a church or shook the dust off their feet, as a testimony that the Gospel of Jesus was not accepted by that city.
Matthew 10:11-15
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. KJV
Another common way into Pastoring is that you audition and/or interview with a certain church that needs a Pastor and is willing to pay a certain salary in exchange for specific duties. This person should only accept the position with the Lord's approval. If his/her ministry style conflicts with the church or the church is too demanding of the Pastor the relationship will not last. This works some of the time when God has both sides walking in love, but usually doesn't work if one party decides they are not satisfied with the other. For this reason this situation has some risk associated with it. If the new Pastor can agree to carry out the already established vision of that particular church they have a higher probably of success.
Amos 3:3
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? KJV
Another common practice in the churches of today is inheritance. This is usually when the founder turns over the complete operation of the church to one of their children. Typically the certain child has been groomed by their mother and father for this position during previous years. This usually has a higher success rate because the children have the confidence and the back-up of the church (due to past relationships) to make the necessary changes to keep up with the current times. This situation comes only to those few who are privileged to be the Pastor's son or daughter of an already established successful church. The next generation will have enough history with the church to know its roots during inception, and they will know who they can trust to be with them when they implement changes. An example of this was with David and Solomon in
1 Kings 1:28-30
28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king's presence, and stood before the king.
29 And the king sware, and said, As the LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress,
30 Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day. KJV
Another common practice in the churches of today is for a small church to try finding someone to come in and build a church upon another man's foundation. This is a very difficult task with a low probably of success due to various reasons. I will name a few; it is always a challenge to fit a fully developed head on someone else’s fully developed body. It is more natural for the head and body to grow together. Once a body of believers gets use to running a church they have essentially created a plurality of pastors in one body. As we know anything with two heads is a freak. This means the body will fight to keep control of the church based on their vision and if the head disagrees with the body the body simply removes the head again because they believe their pastor should fit their image. The problem is most pastor's are very particular and they have a strong will (you need it in that type of business, ministry is not for wimps) and a strong pastor would rather walk away from a church then let the church tell him/her how he/she will operate. Moses was made head over a people of God and the people didn't see God the way Moses did and it causes some problems. Jesus came to his own body of believers and many rejected Him, even the Divine Son of God.
John 1:9-12
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:KJV
It was not that the people didn't believe in God, it was what they believed that was the problem. Peter was accepted by the churches he influenced just like Paul and Timothy gave positive enhancement to the churches they helped established. But notice Paul could not influence Apollos in the same manner he influenced Timothy, his own son in the faith.
1 Corinthians 16:10-12
10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. KJV
For this reason trying to find a pastor for a small church with an established agenda is a very challenging situation to find peace, harmony and unity between the new Pastor and the established congregation. One might say the Lord can do anything and I would answer yes and Amen! However the Lord is not the problem in any church, it is rather the lack of the Lord's Wisdom and Humility thereof. For this type of arrangement to have any success the body of believer must be willing to surrender all authority over to the new pastor, a test in humility and faith, which only a select few bodies have the faith and courage to pull off. The pastor and the congregation must be co-dependant upon each other.
1 Corinthians 12:20-27
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. KJV
If there is any division between the Pastor and the congregation the flesh and the devil will take advantage of that problem to sever the relationship and cripple the church.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? KJV
Another practical problem is the assets: Who will control the money? Always a point of contention if not properly understood. Whose name is on the assets? If one states that all the assets are in the name of the body, the pastor has no leverage, thus he/she will be leveraged at the member's beck and whim. For this relationship to work the wise Pastor will write out his or her vision, discuss the legal details of church business make a note if there is complete (or close to complete) agreement then pray to the Lord for His approval. If the Lord bids him/her to except they must start implementing the new order of change immediately, or the pastor will not be a happy camper and the church will pay for it. They will be offended at his disapproval of their leadership and they will rebel against his lack of sensitivity to their will and the two will part ways in bitterness and discuss. It is not the Lord’s fault, but know that man will be man, and man will be selfish. For this reason man desperately needs a Savoir. Amen! Sure all things are possible with God, but all situations are not probable with man. That leads me to believe that no one should attempt to lead (Pastor) a certain people without God's clear instruction to do so.
Romans 10:14-16
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? KJV
It is very possible for both parties involved to have a good heart and still get the wrong results. Yes, both the congregation and the Pastor may Love God but not see eye to eye on how the church should be organized and operate. This was the dilemma Paul and Barnabas had before going on a missionary journey.
Acts 15:37-40
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. KJV
It is not enough to have a good heart but just like in the marriage relationship it is a matter of the balance between authority and submission in love for unity. The Pastor is never the reason a church fails, just like the congregation is never the reason a church fails, it is simply a matter of no unity between the two. Yes, some God ordained churches fail for many reasons but nothing of God is held together by only one person, it is always a body of believers working together that gets the job done. For the Pastor to blame the congregation is wrong, just as much as it is wrong for the congregation to blame the Pastor for the failure of their church. God always gives His Children options and if they don't choose the correct option they are to blame no one else. Let us be wise as serpents and yet be harmless as doves. It is not enough just to have a heart desiring to help people for people can be helped in many ways, but rather we must focus on doing God's Will to fulfill His calling upon our life. Knowing the Lord gives vision to His purposes and that is what we desperately need to accomplish His Will upon this earth. For the Lord works all things after the counsel of His Own Will.-Ephesians 1:9-11
Remember according to Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time and purpose to everything under heaven.This everything includes all churches. Amen!
In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster