Christ's words to weary pastors in hard places

The Lord Jesus has told us what to do and where to begin. “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24v47).

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1v8).

Christ’s pattern starts where you are, then moves out.

Our context and commitment

Our church is taking that to heart. We intend, by God’s help, to respond to the needs in Stroud in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire. Stroud is known for witchcraft, pagan and New Age influence. The area is hard. Yet the Lord has given encouragement. We have seen good response through open-air outreach. Several members living in and around Stroud are asking for a regular gospel-preaching station. We plan to start a monthly gospel service on the Lord’s Day afternoons in a rented hall - to invite, preach, pray, and care for as many souls the Lord gives us. Please join us in prayer for the souls in Stroud - see the information page on our church website.

These services will follow a simple, orderly worship. The doctrinal basis will be according to our church’s, i.e. Reformed Theology, reverent worship, non-charismatic, and non-ecumenical, warm and passionate preaching of the gospel to sinners.

The duty of every church

Small churches often feel pressure to wait for better circumstances. Scripture never grants that excuse. “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4v2) Faithfulness is possible anywhere. Paul wanted to leave Corinth, yet Christ said, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: … for I have much people in this city.” (Acts 18v9-10) Keep speaking. The Lord has sheep you cannot yet see.

The encouragement of John Bunyan

John Bunyan speaks to this point in his book, The Jerusalem Sinner Saved. Opening from Luke 24v47, he presses the Saviour’s order. “That Jesus Christ would have mercy offered in the first place to the biggest sinners.” He writes: “He never yet called back this word, Begin at the Jerusalem sinners.” He observes that the first church itself “was a church made up of Jerusalem sinners… monuments and mirrors of mercy.” That is our hope for Stroud. Christ has not withdrawn His order. Begin where sin is bold. Preach where hearts seem shut. He delights to save there.

The responsibility of the local church

Our church’s doctrinal standard, the 1689 Baptist Confession, confirms both duty and freedom for any true church, however small. Christ “calls out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit… those thus called, he commands to walk together in particular societies… for their mutual edification, and the due performance of that public worship, which he requires of them in the world.”

Each gathered church “has given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful” to carry out worship, discipline, and ministry. So a small congregation cannot hand off its responsibility to preach, pray, disciple, and evangelise. It must obey Christ where it stands. If a church is so small that it is no longer viable or does not have the means, then she may humbly ask for counsel, workers and practical help and oversight of a likeminded church. That is lawful and wise.

Practical helps for hard fields

1. Fix the pattern. Begin at your Jerusalem. Map one or two streets or estates. Pray for every home. Distribute gospels and gospel literature to each household. Then widen to the next ring.
2. Keep the prayer meeting central. Set clear petitions for conversions, boldness, and open doors. Record answers.
3. Publish the Word. Open-air preaching. Regular tracting routes. House-to-house invitations. Conduct evangelistic services to simply and clearly and winsomely present Christ to those who attend.
4. Train and multiply workers. Pair newer members with mature saints. Give short, clear tasks. Review and encourage.
5. Establish a regular gospel station. Set the same place and hour each week or month. Stability builds trust and draws seekers.
6. Pastor the area. Visit those who engage. Offer Scripture portions, prayer, and conversation. Invite to Lord’s Day worship. Follow up shortly afterwards.
7. Partner wisely. As you work, invite likeminded churches to join you regularly for prayer and outreach.
8. Expect slow, real fruit. Some seeds sprout late. Keep sowing. Christ has not changed His order or His promise.

A final word of hope

The charge is simple and weighty. Whatever our circumstances, we ought to reach the lost, even in the hardest places. If others in the area are not doing it, then don’t make excuses, you do what is your responsibility. Christ commands it. God helping us, we will plant and keep a gospel station in Stroud. Pray for us. Join us. And wherever you are, begin at your Jerusalem.

Who can tell what God will do! He may and can send revival beginning at your Jerusalem!

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This piece has been republished with permission.