| |
|
 |
| In The News |
|
 |
| Your generous contributions are enabling us to minister globally! |
| Thank you for helping us to send Pastor Larry to Kenya for a special missions trip in the Spring 2009. Pastor Larry was invited by a local church to speak at a pastor’s leadership conference in this Kenyan village. We believe that lives were changed, leaders were equipped, and souls were comforted and healed in the name of Jesus Christ. Lawrence Powell Ministries is committed to ongoing global missions initiatives and partnerships that wholistically impact persons, families, local churches, communities, and nations abroad. |
| Stay tuned for more exciting news and thank you once again for your generous financial donations to our ministry! |
|
|
|
|
A church that really matters
The following article by Pastor Lawrence was recently featured in the September/October 2008
Issue of Gospel Today Magazine: 15 Phenomenal Ministry Leaders – Portraits of Passion. |
|
 As a child, I remember saying to myself in a moment of inexpressible boredom, "When I grow up, I’m not going to church anymore!"
As a young boy, church seemed extraneous, and most significantly, a waste of precious television time. I couldn't understand the point of it all—having to sit quietly and be still for what seemed an eternity was tantamount to child abuse in my opinion. It was only after receiving salvation as a teenager that my attitude radically changed.
It was good for me to feel what I felt then. Indeed, it has affected my ministry today. I've come to believe that "church" should never be boring and impertinent. Instead, it should be alive, vibrant, relevant and transforming. After all, Jesus, the Head of the church is every one of these things.
With this in mind, I am passionate about leading a church that really matters. Let's face it, the sad reality is that there are some churches that don't. If they closed their doors today no one would even notice. On the other hand, if a viable, lifechanging church should cease operations, the world should feel the devastating effects immediately.
A church that really matters is one that is clear on its purpose. The church is not just brick and mortar, it is the "Body" of Christ—an innumerable company of redeemed, born again believers whose faith is in Jesus Christ. Basically, the church universally exists to glorify God, edify believers and evangelize the lost. All that we do as members of the church should facilitate this mission. If what we are doing fails to fulfill this purpose, then we must make instant corrective changes.
To truly glorify God, edify believers and evangelize the lost, we must have vision and wisdom to act. While the message of the Kingdom remains the same, our methods must change from time to time in order to best reach people. We are no longer living in the 1960's. We must employ current technology and other pertinent advancements to most effectively communicate the Gospel in every man's world (i.e. business, medicine, education, government, athletics and entertainment).
Purpose, position and power are master keys to reaching people effectively.
A church that really matters is clear on its position. "We are seated together in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 2:6). What an advantage! From this place, we function in delegated Kingdom authority. We are not seeking the earth's permission to exist; we are here by God's choice and design to be the salt and light of the world (see Matthew 5:13-14). Like salt, we can season, preserve, create thirst and melt hardened hearts. As light, we reflect God's love in the world's utter darkness to bring mankind to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
A church that really matters is clear on its power. We are not wimps among wolves. We are more powerful than we imagine. Scripture teaches that the gates or powers of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18). We've been given Kingdom keys to bind what is loose and loose what is bound. We've been empowered by God Himself to enforce heaven's victory here on earth according to His will and pleasure.
Purpose, position and power are master keys to reaching people effectively. Relevant churches and ministries can reshape societies with the Gospel of the Kingdom. Good news exposes people to the joys of receiving and walking with Christ. Let's not keep the world waiting or make them indifferent to our message because of our methods. "He that wins souls is wise" (Prov. 11:30). |
| Download Article (PDF) | Order Gospel Today Magazine |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Bio 
