Pastoral Ponderings...

Welcome to the 'Pastor's Page' of the 

Oelwein Evangelical Free Church. 

Here you will find ramblings from the 

Church's pastor, Dan Driscoll.

Jesus told His followers to go and make disciples of all the nations. That is the 'Mission' of the Church. There is a lot of different activity going on in the world today that is good, and godly, and beneficial to people, but is not directly addressing the task of the Church. For instance, a medical facility in an underdeveloped country may be a very good and needful thing. And it may contribute to the goal of making disciples, but it is an 'indirect' effort. That is not to say that it is bad to do works of mercy and charity. Far from it.

But it is important that we be able to discern that our mission is very distinct and definite. The Church's goal must be to make disciples.

Of course, saying we are about 'making disciples' is quite a lot easier than actually doing it! First of all, it is necessary to define what a disciple is. Then the church needs to develop a 'road map' to bring disciples to full establishment. Then the church has to actually implement the plans and programs it has deemed necessary to develop a disciple. Finally, the church needs to evaluate their work and progress. A famous mega-church just went through an evaluation of their ministry and determined that their 'road map' wasn't working very effectively. That couldn't have been a very pleasant conclusion, but it is certainly a necessary one if they are going to improve.

We have to be willing to pay the cost to make disciples. In order to persevere in that cost, we need to be truly convinced that we are on track to achieve our mission, and that it is the correct mission! We have to be intentional in disciple-making, or it won't last. All this takes time. And committed leadership. And prayerful shepherding. And submissive 'followship.' It's too big a mission to succeed just by dint of personality or even a leadership team effort. It requires the church's understanding and ownership of the mission and the strategy. The church must know that what its leadership is directing it to do is God's will, done God's way.

As a church, we are in the stage of defining what a disciple is. Once we get that nailed down, our next task will be to develop a strategy for bringing men and women from novice to apprentice to master workman. That is an awesome challenge. 

So, if this is your church, pray for the leadership as we wrestle with definitions - that we would be Biblical and practical. And examine your own position - where are you in this journey from 'novice' to 'master workman?' Are you applying yourself to the opportunities the church provides? As we 'make our way' to a full definition of a disciple and to developing a road plan to get people there, we discern that involvement in a small group for growth and accountability is crucial. We have several small groups in place. Are you in one?

May the Lord bless you as you seek to follow Him.