How One Simple Sentence Transformed a Pastor and His Church
I recently had a conversation with veteran International Mission Board missionary, Kenny Dubnick. He serves as the IMB Cluster Leader in Ireland and the UK, excluding London. Kenny now lives in Dublin, Ireland, where he is helping to plant a church. Years ago however, before becoming a missionary, Kenny served as a pastor of a dynamic church in the south. He told me how one simple sentence radically transformed his ministry: “The light that shines farthest burns brightest at home.” After hearing those nine words, Kenny determined to lead his church to shine farther by taking the Gospel to the nations. And as it did, Kenny’s church began to burn brighter at home and grew more than ever before!
“‘The light that shines farthest burns brightest at home.’ After hearing those nine words, Kenny determined to lead his church to shine farther by taking the Gospel to the nations. And as it did, Kenny’s church began to burn brighter at home and grew more than ever before!”
Kenny’s experience illustrates the often-overlooked relationship between going and growing. Jesus commanded us to go make disciples of all nations, and as we go, He promised to us His presence and power. In other words, when a church begins to embrace the Great Commission of Christ and goes to the nations, it also begins to thrive at home and experience God’s power at work. God has promised to do this.
“Could it be that we have overlooked an essential ingredient? Pastors, do not wait until your church is strong before you obey the Great Commission: Obey the Great Commission now, and watch How God blesses your church and causes it to thrive!”
Every pastor and church leader I know longs to see their church thrive. We fervently pray and labor toward that end. Could it be that we have overlooked an essential ingredient? Pastors, do not wait until your church is strong before you obey the Great Commission: Obey the Great Commission now, and watch How God blesses your church and causes it to thrive! Kenny was right: The church that shines farthest burns brightest at home!
Sam Taylor serves as the Global Partnerships Mobilizer at the Baptist Churches of New England.