Are We Being the Church?

This month’s Pastor’s Perspective is delivered by Pastor Jason Selman, AIM Church

Are we being the Church? This is a question we must ask ourselves as we see world conditions rapidly changing around us. I have attended church faithfully almost my entire life and have seen many evangelistic events, revivals, and good deeds done through the church, but are we effectively reaching the lost and discipling those within the church? Are we just another church, or are we being the Church?

Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV): 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

There is an abundance of churches in our nation, yet you rarely see churches evangelizing neighborhoods and public areas, especially those areas we deem unsafe or undesirable. Jesus said in Luke 19:10 (NKJV): 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” We are not to wait for the lost to come to us, but we are to go to them. We are to model our lives after Jesus and seek out those of society that the world has rejected and written off. The church’s work is far beyond the four walls of a building, and for that church to flourish with His presence, it must fully engage in the great commission.

Every born-again believer has been called to go! You don’t need someone to give you a title to be a witness for Jesus Christ or to be used by Him. Many people believe it’s the job of the pastor and the church staff to do these things. Paul said to the Corinthian church that we are many members but one body, and how can any part of the body say I have no need of thee? Every person within the church has a purpose! For the church to reach this world in desperate need of Jesus, we must challenge ourselves and those in our churches not to grow complacent.

The job of a pastor is to disciple the people within the church that they may be thoroughly equipped and prepared to go. You cannot go out into the world as a babe in Christ and expect to be very effective. This does not mean God cannot work through a new believer, but there must be a constant longing to be closer to Him each day, which produces a mature Christian. A close relationship with God is developed through prayer, studying His Word, and obedience to His Word. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, our actions will become good deeds with no life-changing experiences. The real victories are changed lives! Peter said to the lame man in Acts 3:6 (ESV): 6 “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Peter gave that man something much greater than money…he gave him Jesus!

When the Church is doing what God has called it to do, there will be growth and excitement in the people. As our church started to go into places that seemed insane to many others, they were presented opportunities to minister to people in broken and hopeless situations. It was amazing to observe 30 people from our church flood the streets and begin to display the love of Christ. I was overwhelmed as I watched our people listen to the brokenness of their lives and then begin to pray passionately with them. Tears were shed on both sides as the presence of God was moving.

Many people will hand someone money or an item or two, but will you slow down and sacrifice your time to listen to them and give them Jesus? As a pastor there is nothing more encouraging than seeing the Church in action as His love pours out of their lives into others. The fields are ripe for harvest; we must go!

Jason Selman is senior pastor at Adullam International Ministries Church (AIM Church) in Wetumpka, Alabama. He took on this position in June 2021 and recently retired from Montgomery Fire Rescue after 20 years of service. The Lord led him to retire at 39 years of age to fully engage himself in ministry. Jason is married to Ruth- Anne and they have two amazing children: Isaiah (7) and Scarlett (6).