In this episode we discuss...

• competition that so often characterizes the rural church!
  • Too many churches see other churches as competition because we have a wrong view of success!
    • We had 200 people on Easter!
    • We had 10 new kids at AWANA!
    • We had to expand our parking lot!
    • We had to hire another pastor!
  • How does Jesus measure success?
    • God’s grand purpose in creation: His own glory!
      • Isaiah 43:1–7
    • How God’s glory is displayed:
      • Ephesians 3:10
    • JESUS does the building of the church!
      • Matthew 16:18
    • There is a lot of pressure on pastors to feel like they have to build the church.  But, if you are the architect, the foundation will crack, the walls will cave, and the roof will fall in!
      • Psalm 127:1
  • 3 WAYS TO STOP COMPETING
    • Define success Biblically and refuse to chase after what looks successful.
    • Identify who else is on your team and partner with them.
    • Show your small church how they are connected to something much bigger.   

Links for our Top Two's:

• When the Man Comes Around by Douglas Wilson
• Trained in the Fear of God ed. by Timothy Paul Jones and Randy Stinson
• ESV Heirloom Bible
• bensbargains.com
• Mink Oil

CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)

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Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/

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