6 Things I ‘m Asking God To Do in My Church in 2015

 

1. Increase the Desire for Worship-Based Prayer
I believe everything that has been accomplished to this point is a result of people passionately seeking the face of God. Therefore, I am asking Him to stir more hearts for prayer and intimacy with Christ, as we strive to be a praying church and not just a church that prays (Mark 11:17)

2. Supply the Same Passion for Home as the Distant Shore
We will send out 6 international and regional Engage Teams this year. I couldn’t be more excited about these campaigns and their potential for gospel impact. At the same time, I am asking God to give us equal passion for our neighbors across the street. 

The lostness in Louisville is immense and those we live around every day are just as valuable to God. Furthermore, there are people representing multiple nations in our own backyard that need care, love and the hope of Christ. We can meet those needs if our evangelistic fervor begins at home and extends to the world (Acts 1:8).

3. Raise the Level of Faithfulness
God has an incredible purpose for us this year and many causes to lay our hands to both inside and outside of the church walls. My prayer is that busyness and other temporal distractions will no longer be our oppressors; that they will not be allowed to gain a foothold and keep us from being faithful to the mission (Galatians 6:9).

4. Prioritize Sunday Worship and Community
The statistical research is undeniable – church involvement and attendance is rapidly declining and has been for decades. However, I am praying that God will lead us to be counter-cultural and place a high premium on coming together, worshipping, learning and building each other up (Hebrews 10:25). It is for our good and God’s glory.

5. Bring More Unity to the Mission
I am thankful to pastor a church not plagued by nasty behavior and perpetual contention. And while I continue to ask God to protect us from harmful division, I am praying for more unity around the gospel mission. That we would be like-minded in regards to what God has called us to do and be; that we would care, love, be broken over and have a sense of urgency about the same things so the Lord can work through unified people (Philippians 2:1-18).

6. Increase the Level of Authentic Joy 
I am asking God for an injection of spiritual adrenaline into our church. Jesus’ death on the cross sets us free from sin and provides a hope and peace in this troubled life that brings authentic joy. I am praying this truth expresses itself more frequently in our lives, gatherings, small groups and everywhere we go to represent Christ (John 15:11).

 

©2015 Jason Autry.  Originally posted at jasonautry.com