If someone asked you what you do to grow in your faith, what would you say? Many of us would perhaps start with things like personal prayer and Bible reading or attending corporate worship or serving others. However, have you ever thought about how the annual church business meeting can help you grow in your faith? In Acts 2:42 we are told that the first church in Jerusalem devoted themselves to four activities: prayer, fellowship, teaching, and sharing food. Interestingly, each one of these is incorporated into the annual church business meeting. So, let’s look at each one.
First, at the business we offer singing and corporate prayer to the Lord for the provision he has made for us over this past year. It is an opportunity for us to corporately remember the Lord’s goodness and respond to him together in thanksgiving.
Second, we practice fellowship by encouraging and being encouraged by others; this happens specifically as we hear from elders and staff about the overall landscape of life and ministry at Grace.
Third, there is specific content that is taught about financial stewardship. When we reflect on last year’s expenditures and next year’s budget, we are doing so through principles provided to us in God’s Word. If you need a model for how to personally steward your money well, the church business meeting is one of the best places to get it.
Fourth, we end our evening together with a small snack; this is not to be diminished, for it provides us a light-hearted opportunity to enjoy each other. And, hey, who doesn’t like a cookie every now and then?
In all seriousness, the church business meeting should be a priority for every member of Grace. It is a once-a-year opportunity to remember who we are as a unique church family and who God is as our Shepherd. Through prayer and fellowship and teaching and food that are present at the business meeting we are engaging in the same sorts of activities that were present in the early church that can still help us to grow and mature in our faith together today.
Ben
monthly resources
Below are some articles I’ve run across this past month that you may find helpful: