The Key to Community Growth
As an individual believes in Jesus, receives salvation, and is led by the Holy Spirit through the process of sanctification, their thoughts and way of life gradually become that of a holy life befitting a people saved by God. Likewise, the growth of a church into a holy community parallels this process of personal sanctification.
In the early days of church planting in Australia, many Korean churches experienced constant conflicts. At first, it seemed like these conflicts were simply due to people from various backgrounds coming together with differing expressions of faith. However, over time, it became clear that there were more fundamental issues at play.
One was that the church was ministry-centred, and the other was that its focus was only inward. While people may have appeared spiritually mature in everyday life, during ministry, when their ego was wounded or conflict arose, they would become angry and unable to control themselves. This is the natural outcome of serving with a self-centred heart, without denying self, and without concern for those who do not yet believe.
One thing I have come to realise through doing House Church ministry is that although we too are imperfect, we treat conflict as an opportunity for growth and training. Because our faith life is centred on soul-saving and relationships, we are more willing to acknowledge our own faults, and we see people accepting and forgiving one another.
It is said that four things—the 4 Fs—are necessary for the growth of a community or an individual: Fulfillment, Faithfulness, Friendship, and Forgiveness. But even if the first three are in place, without Forgiveness, true growth cannot happen.
God always stands with those who repent and forgive. He bestows His grace through such people. So, when you face conflict and feel the urge to confront someone, seek revenge, or dismiss them, I encourage you to intentionally choose to forgive. Because of that person—and even through that conflict—you will witness the growth of your community.
Word of the week
The 4th Creation Science Camp will begin this Friday. There may be tension and challenges during the camp. Those who are serving are encouraged to care for and encourage one another, and to serve joyfully and happily.
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이동주 2025.07.05 19:59
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As an individual believes in Jesus, receives salvation, and is led by the Holy Spirit through the process of sanctification, their thoughts and way of life gradually become that of a holy life befitting a people saved by God. Likewise, the growth of a church into a holy community parallels this process of personal sanctification.
In the early days of church planting in Australia, many Korean churches experienced constant conflicts. At first, it seemed like these conflicts were simply due to people from various backgrounds coming together with differing expressions of faith. However, over time, it became clear that there were more fundamental issues at play.
One was that the church was ministry-centred, and the other was that its focus was only inward. While people may have appeared spiritually mature in everyday life, during ministry, when their ego was wounded or conflict arose, they would become angry and unable to control themselves. This is the natural outcome of serving with a self-centred heart, without denying self, and without concern for those who do not yet believe.
One thing I have come to realise through doing House Church ministry is that although we too are imperfect, we treat conflict as an opportunity for growth and training. Because our faith life is centred on soul-saving and relationships, we are more willing to acknowledge our own faults, and we see people accepting and forgiving one another.
It is said that four things—the 4 Fs—are necessary for the growth of a community or an individual: Fulfillment, Faithfulness, Friendship, and Forgiveness. But even if the first three are in place, without Forgiveness, true growth cannot happen.
God always stands with those who repent and forgive. He bestows His grace through such people. So, when you face conflict and feel the urge to confront someone, seek revenge, or dismiss them, I encourage you to intentionally choose to forgive. Because of that person—and even through that conflict—you will witness the growth of your community.
Word of the week
The 4th Creation Science Camp will begin this Friday. There may be tension and challenges during the camp. Those who are serving are encouraged to care for and encourage one another, and to serve joyfully and happily.