Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” is commonly described to support fellowship, accountability, personal and spiritual refinement, and the alike. Perhaps the iron sharpening principle is applicable not only on the brother-to-brother level but also in church-to-church relationships.
I’m convinced that churches can gain a great deal from each other – when they are willing to learn from each other, and as long as they don’t set out to be a replica of one another. One of the first things I heard Rick Warren say back in 1998 at a Purpose Driven Church Conference was something like, “don’t go home and try to do exactly what we do here; take home the stuff that’s good for you and leave the rest here.”
I’m one to believe that each church has a unique calling and character that is providentially designed to enable it to reach a segment of their community for Christ. When Christ stays the main focus and the church’s leadership works to discern, fulfill and protect the character and distinct calling of the church then Christ is glorified and those who do not yet know God come to experience Him.
Churchrelevance.com (March 2007) has assembled a list of The Top 22 Churches in America. The list is in the file link below and while I'm agreeing that the absolute perfect church – this side of heaven – does not exist, the following have the ability to sharpen any who would rub up beside them.
Download churchrelevance.com's 22.doc
I’ll admit I’m surprised that a few of my favorites didn’t make the list. So here goes giving them their noteworthy due:
Granger Community Church, Granger, IN – www.gccwired.com
Port City Community Church, Wilmington, NC – www.portcitychurch.org
Spring Branch Community Church, Virginia Beach, VA – www.springbranch.org
Kempsville Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, VA – www.kpc.org
Williamsburg Community Church, Williamsburg, VA – www.buildingthechurch.org
Hillsong Church, Australia – www.hillsong.com
Great work.
Posted by: Tacita | October 28, 2008 at 02:25 PM