CHURCH OF INFLUENCE
Pastor Mark Carrillo
Part 1: Church on the Offense
Jesus walked in a broken world and never lost touch with heaven’s perspective.
“I will sing for joy in God,
explode in praise from deep in my soul!
He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,
he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.
For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom
and puts praise on display before the nations.” (Isaiah 61:10-11, MSG)
It’s About Jesus!
Jesus has to be the church’s greatest influence if it is going to have true influence community. An Influential Church is Radically Obsessed with Jesus!
Jesus is in you! You cannot settle for status quo, good enough or just enough.
“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)
Strong’s Definition:
The power and influence which belong to riches and wealth. Power and resources arising from numbers.
Church on the offensive, not one which sits back and waits on the unbelieving world to come to its turf.
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18, ESV)
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;”
(Isaiah 61:1-2, ESV)
An influential church has a “more than enough” mindset and a “nothing is impossible” belief system.
Influence grows from radical generosity, radical hospitality, supernatural compassion, sacrificial giving, spiritual authority and profound humility.
“They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; but you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast.” (Isaiah 61:4-6, ESV)
Apostolic – not just winning souls, but redeeming cultures.
WEALTH is the means — resources, strength, and wisdom — to create positive outcomes in the midst of lack. Light to the darkness. Order in the midst of chaos.
“God cares not only about redeeming souls but also about restoring his creation. . . Our job is not only to build up the church but also to build a society to the glory of God. As agents of God’s common grace, we are called to help sustain and renew his creation, to uphold the created institutions of family and society, to pursue science and scholarship, to create works of art and beauty, and to heal and help those suffering from the results of the Fall.”
Colson and Pearcey; How Now Shall We Live?
#1 – REDEFINE SUCCESS
We must redefine success as it relates to influence.
It is not about making Victory Life known — it’s about making Jesus known!
#2 – TURN THE CHURCH INSIDE OUT
Moving from pew to participation is necessary for healthy Christian development.
Turning the face of the church outward, giving resources away, blessing the community, unleashing the gifts of the people to serve.
Structures must be overhauled to equip and send people into strategic places of ministry.
#3 – CHANGE WHAT COUNTS
Most pastors define success as size, growth, and numbers.
We must count how many go out as important as how many come in. Loose my people! Let them go!
Christians living lives of service creating unmatched influence on the culture.
Love people in the marketplace. Touch them in their world. Relate to them where they are, how they are. See people transformed by the love of Jesus!
IN SHORT: BRING HEAVEN TO EARTH