Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 9/19/2006

Question
Dear Don,

What is your view on church campaigns. Our church is in its second. I have such mixed feelings about this.

             Kate

Answer
Hi Kate,

Thanks for this great question.  I am not sure exactly what youmean by campaign, but I think I know.  The Bible does not have a "thou shalt not campaign" clause anywhere, so we must apply some principles.

1.  Is it used to do what it takes to reach people?  God's word gives us a sense of urgency to reach the lost.

2 Corinthians 5:11
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

1 Corinthians 9:18-22
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Paul did what it took and became who he needed to be in order to reach lost people with the truth.

2.  Here is a real simple principle.  If it is not CLEARLY AGAINST the Bible, and your pastor is for it...then it is right for your church.  He is the man of God for you folks, and he has the wisdom from God to lead where he needs to lead you.  If he messes up, God knows his address and phone number...God can lead your pastor.  All you have to do is follow him.

Hebrews 13:7,17
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.  

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.  

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this is a help to you.

In Christ
Pastor Don