Show Notes – Episode 29

What Is Gospel-Centeredness? (Part 3)

What does it mean to be gospel-centered?
—Theological
—Philosophical
—Practical

Helpful Metaphor for Gospel-shaped Ministry: Greenhouse vs. Machine Shop

Machine Shop Church: Everybody looks the same, acts the same, sings the same words. Everybody fits the same mold. Fruit is forced. It’s anti-growth. Conformity is the goal, not growth.

Greenhouse Church: Growth is cultivated. Seed is sown; fruit grows. The goal is to cultivate an environment of health for “God’s plants.” Protection from pests and pestilence. Fruit is not forced; God is “allowed” to grow people in His time and way. Growth does not stop at any point. Results are slower, yet truer.

Colossians 1:23 “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”

What does Gospel-centered theology and philosophy look like in practice?

1. Your Model Will Vary

Give yourself the freedom to let this greenhouse be what God needs it to be. —Andrew Browning Click To Tweet

A gospel-centered model gives me permission to be a plant in the garden and not just an under-shepherd. I also get to grow in the body with others. —Cary Schmidt Click To Tweet

2. Your Schedule Will Vary

We want to be a church on message and on mission. —Cary Schmidt Click To Tweet

Jesus is Lord, not other men’s models. —Cary Schmidt Click To Tweet

3. Individual Christians Are Accepted Regardless of What They Offer

We value everyone regardless of what they bring to the table. The Gospel says they are accepted in the beloved. —Andrew Browning Click To Tweet

There is unity around the Gospel through a diversity of people. —Cary Schmidt Click To Tweet

4. The Pulpit Ministry is Authentic, Helpful, and Encouraging

If you teach the Bible for what it is–good news and hope–and do so from a heart that is real, pretty soon you’ll be speaking to a room full of people who desire that. —Cary Schmidt Click To Tweet

Preaching is to be unifying and not purposely divisive. —Andrew Browning Click To Tweet

5. Control Is Lost, Growth Is Gained

We never feel sufficient, but we know the Lord is. —Cary Schmidt Click To Tweet

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

What are the boundaries in a Gospel-centered model?

Am I violating God’s holiness?
Am I misrepresenting His love?

Personal Questions:

1. In leading in my church, do I follow Jesus or man?
2. Am I tending to a greenhouse or running a machine shop?

Team Questions:

1. Is our leadership growing with the people in the Gospel?
2. How might we better lead in the Gospel as a team? What practical steps can we take?

Resources:

The Gospel-Driven Church by Jared Wilson

Growing in the Gospel