Ordinary on Purpose

In a world looking for the next “high” and a contemporary church atmosphere yearning for the next amazing “worship experience” or “revival,” ordinary is becoming one of my favorite words.

Why ordinary? Aren’t we supposed to be radical? Shouldn’t we be extreme in our devotion to Jesus? Interestingly, in many places in evangelical Christianity today, there is this underlying assumption that unless what we do is risky or seen as a “leap of faith,” it’s not worth our time.

But ordinary doesn’t mean insignificant. The most important and world-changing tasks we accomplish are done in an ordinary, day-by-day manner: raising a family, building close ties with brothers and sisters in Christ, passing a family business or farm from generation to generation, and so on.

A call to the ordinary is vital in our day. Many are being drawn away by the allure of glitz and glamour, pursuing dreams that distract from Christian discipleship and often, when achieved, do more damage than good. Others are foolishly reinventing the worship of the living God instead of committing to the ordinary means of grace (preaching, prayer, and the ordinances).

What does God desire? A school of supernatural ministry? A rock concert supplanting morning worship? A variety act with dancing, light shows, and sleek media? When the church turns to these means, it betrays a lack of trust in God’s Word and the means He has ordained.

An ordinary ministry is a Word-centered ministry. Biblical ministry understands that Christians are not built one emotional experience at a time, but by the Word of God as it is taught, preached, and lived out.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be writing about ordinary on purpose, with purpose. Join me as we recommit to ordinary Christian living in obedience to God’s Word.