Be Well:  Connect  -  Fill  -  Serve
A simple plan for spiritual health and growth in 2010

Over the holidays I read a book called “Simple Church” by Thom S. Ranier and Eric Geiger.   I was impressed with their research on churches that are growing.  Their research shows that churches that have a simple plan for helping people become spiritually healthy in return develop into healthy and relevant churches.  This isn’t rocket science, but their point was that often we get caught up in programs, a clutter of activities, or one-time promotion and marketing events and we forget to focus on fulfilling the great commission:  making disciples.  

I felt it was important this year that we begin with a simple plan for spiritual health.  This plan works both for individuals, and for our community as a whole.   In a bit of a play on words, I suggest this metaphor:  Be Well.   A well was a gathering point for life and community in the ancient world, and in many places in the world today.   A vital source of water and life is essential for modern communities, even we don’t gather at actual wells today.  For a well to be viable, it must first connect to a source of water.   Whether this is an underground river, the water table, or a natural spring, a well must be connected to an ongoing source.  Similarly, we as people, and especially as Christians, must be connected to the source of Spiritual life if we hope to be healthy.  Jesus says in John 15, “Abide in me, and I will abide in you.”  As we remain connected with Christ we will naturally produce health and fruit.  

Secondly, a well usually contains or is connected to some sort of reservoir.  To effectively be a source of life and goodness, the well must be able to protect the water from other debris or contaminants that could pollute the water.  Sometimes this is accomplished through filters, a rock wall, or even a separate metal storage container.   Both a well and a geyser get water to the surface.  However, the difference between a well and a geyser is that a well’s reservoir is filled and stored for later use.   Likewise, the scripture compares us to jars of clay that are filed with the treasure of the gospel, the good news of Jesus.  (2 Cor 7).   We must be built up with the word of God, filled with the Spirit, and encouraged by one another to be spiritually healthy and to bring health to others. 

Thirdly, wells exist to serve a purpose.  They aren’t just there to look good, but to provide vital sustenance for animals or people.   If a well goes unused for a long period of time it can become stagnate or dry up, and actually become a danger to others.   Likewise, the church isn’t here just for our own sake.  In fact, God has prepared good works for us to do in advance  (Eph 2:10).   We are meant to serve Christ by offering a cup of cold water to those in need.   We also bless our community as we share the good news of Jesus, and help them get connected to Jesus as the source of eternal life. 

In the next several weeks we will be going deeper into various ways to connect with God, be filled spiritually, and to serve effectively in our community.


So, “Be Well” in 2010.