“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16.18

The Christian Ministry: Part I, chapter II
Charles Bridges (1794-1869)
“The dignity however of the sacred office belongs to a Kingdom ‘not of this world.’ It is distinguished therefore, not by the passing glitter of this world’s vanity, but by eternal results, productive, even in their present influence, of the most solid and enduring happiness.”

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. These are what we should be seeking in and through our churches. It’s harder, to be sure, to labor for these spiritual and heavenly results – so much easier just to count heads! But this is what God expects of those who are called to the office of pastoral ministry: seek the Kingdom and His righteousness; everything else will fall into place. The local church is both a sign of the Kingdom – advertising its existence – and an outpost of the Kingdom’s progress in the world. In the church we make disciples. Growing disciples build healthy, growing churches. And healthy, growing churches are the epicenter of Kingdom initiatives to turn our communities rightside-up for King Jesus.

How would you expect to see the Kingdom of God coming to light in your community? What is your church’s role in signing and advancing the Kingdom to your neighbors?

The Kingdom Turn
The problem is that, for many Christians, the “Kingdom of God” is just an idea, merely a theological term – not a living reality in their lives. Our book, The Kingdom Turn, can help you lead your people to realize more of the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom, by helping you to enter the Kingdom more fully, consistently, and fruitfully in your walk with and work for the Lord. Order your copy by clicking here.

The Church and the Kingdom
How does the local church “sign” the Kingdom to its community? What can we do in our churches to make sure the Kingdom is advancing through us into the world around us? Should our churches expect to make an impact on the culture around us? If so, how? These are some of the questions we introduce in our course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview. Read more about this free course, and register for it, by clicking here.

Your prayers and gifts make this ministry possible. Please seek the Lord in prayer about sharing with us at The Fellowship of Ailbe. You can use the Contribute button at the website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.