I wanted to share some reflections with you. Some things that I have been discovering, learning, thinking and praying about this year. I’ll try not to bore you. I hope these things inspire, challenge, and spur you on in the formative work that God wants to do in your life.
The Gospel is Good News (for Everyone):
This has been a major theme for our church in 2024. Some people criticize the Church saying that we don’t preach the “whole” Gospel. I think this is a misunderstanding of the word. The Gospel literally means “Good news.” Gospeling is to share good news that changes the trajectory of your life with joy! Jesus’s death and resurrection prove his love for us and promise us forgiveness and grace. This implies that we need a Savior to forgive us. However, this does not imply that we convince others that they are sinners who are hopeless and stained before a mighty God. Although this is true, the essence of the Gospel is the news that we are loved, saved, and freed from that identity! We teach the truth of the Gospel and live like Jesus for the sake of one another and his glory.
Sin:
Does the Church talk enough about sin? I have the unique role of sitting in most meetings with our staff where planning is done for our discipleship and teaching topics. Our need for a Savior from our sin is the driver of all we do and say and teach. I’m not sure that talking more about sin will do what we think it should. We may prefer to talk more about the big sins that our culture argues over rather than the personally convicting sins of pride, greed, fear, lack of love, selfishness, secret sexual sin, etc. We believe that the “big sin” conversation will convince people where the Church “stands” on certain issues. Maybe. But is that the focal point of the Church? Sin is real and it kills. Jesus loves and saves. They will know we are his followers by our love. Perhaps looking inward at our personal sin and trusting the Spirit who has saved us and works to transform us will get more mileage for the Kingdom of God.
Generosity:
How often should the Church talk about money? I hear this conversation among Christians a lot. Some say we talk about it too much. Maybe. I think there is a better question: Why does it bother me when money is the subject of the Church’s teaching? Jesus talked more about money and the dangers of wealth than any other topic. Two to three times more than he taught on sex or lying, for example. He did so because material possessions have a strong hold on our hearts. They are easily the place where we put our security. Money is also the strongest resource we have which can help alleviate the needs of the poor (another main teaching subject of Jesus). Not only that, but the ministry of the local church (White Oak specifically) is funded by the generosity of its people. There are no grants or denominational headquarters writing us a check. Ministry impact happens as a direct result of the generosity of the congregation. Could we talk more about volunteering? Theology? Baptism? Global missions? Maybe. We actually teach about those every week, too, and no one seems bothered by that. So, why are we a bit troubled when money is the topic of teaching? Everything we have is God’s on loan to us to steward for his purposes. We shouldn’t be bothered, then, when God wants to talk about his stuff with his kids.
Habits:
I have never been one to have good consistent habits. Perhaps in the gym, I have. But what about my habits with my work, family, care for others, time for rest, and time with my Heavenly Father? Those haven’t been that great. I need to ask myself: What kind of man, husband, dad, leader, and disciple of Jesus do I want to be? It’s easy to think about habits that make me physically healthier (though they are difficult to implement). It’s much harder to think about the habits that form my character, relationships, and heart. One author put it like this, “What you crave is not the habit itself but the change in state it delivers.” We each have some work to do in inviting the Spirit to do work in and through us. He does the work. We make ourselves available through habits. The habit is only a means to an end. The result is being a more selfless, loving, caring, generous, hard-working, man of faith.
Those are just a few things stirring around in my head and heart lately. I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. Not by a longshot. I invite more learning, growing, and challenge. I hope you do, too, as the New Year approaches and brings with it the opportunity of freshness to faith and obedience.
With you,
Nathan
I want to thank you and invite you to continue your generosity or to consider partnering with White Oak in your end-of-year giving. To be included in your 2024 giving for tax purposes, be sure to include your gift before December 31, 2024.
You can do so by going to www.thewocc.com/give.
Nathan Hinkle
Lead Pastor