Praise For The Past – Prayer For The Future

Acts

Navigating Change: 6 Prayers for a Growing Church

Have you ever felt uncertain during times of change? Whether it’s a new job, a move to a different city, or shifts in your church community, transitions can be both exciting and challenging. As our church prepares for a significant change – moving to a new building – I’ve been reflecting on how we can navigate this transition while staying true to our core mission and values.

In the book of Acts, we see the early church facing numerous changes and challenges. From rapid growth to persecution, they encountered it all. Yet through it all, they remained focused on their calling. As we prepare for our own transition, let’s look at six key prayers that can help us stay grounded in our purpose.

1. Pray That We Stay True to the Same Mission

“Our mission will never change. But our methods will change,” I shared with our congregation. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new building or new programs, but we must never lose sight of why we exist as a church.

Acts 1:8 reminds us of our core mission: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

No matter where we meet or how we structure our services, our fundamental calling remains the same – to be witnesses for Christ and to share His love with our community and beyond.

2. Pray That We Are Empowered by the Same Spirit

A beautiful building means nothing if we’re not filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31 describes how the early believers were filled with the Spirit: “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

We need the Holy Spirit’s power for boldness in sharing the gospel, for victory over sin, and to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Let’s pray for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit as we enter this new season.

3. Pray That We Remain Dependent on the Same Coming Lord

It’s crucial that we never become self-reliant, thinking we’ve “arrived” because of a new facility. Acts 1:11 reminds us that Jesus will return, and we must live in light of that reality. Our dependence must always be on Christ, not on our own strength or resources.

4. Pray That We Stay True to the Same Gospel Message

In a world that often wants to water down the truth, we must remain committed to the full gospel message. As Peter proclaimed in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

We’re not just about being better people or achieving worldly success. We’re about the life-changing power of the gospel. Let’s never shy away from proclaiming the truth about Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

5. Pray That We Enjoy the Same Fellowship and Community

A new building doesn’t automatically create community. We must intentionally cultivate relationships and prioritize fellowship, just as the early church did. Acts 2:42-43 describes their devotion to “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

I encourage you to get involved in a small group, invite someone to lunch after church, or find ways to serve alongside others. True community happens when we share our lives, not just a building.

6. Pray That We Submit to the Same Scriptures

Finally, let’s recommit ourselves to the authority of God’s Word. The Bereans were commended because they “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

In a changing world, God’s Word remains our unchanging foundation. Let’s be a church that values, studies, and submits to Scripture in all areas of life.

Putting It Into Practice:

Set aside time this week to pray specifically for our church’s transition, using these six points as a guide.
Reflect on how you can personally stay committed to our mission during this time of change.
Reach out to someone new at church and begin building a relationship.
Commit to a regular Bible reading plan or join a Bible study to deepen your engagement with Scripture.

Remember, navigating change isn’t about our own strength. As I shared in the sermon, “Everything I just preached, it’s impossible for you to do it.” We must humbly come before the Lord, acknowledging our dependence on Him, and ask for His help to be the church He’s called us to be.

As we step into this new season, let’s do so with excitement, humility, and a renewed commitment to our calling in Christ. The building may be changing, but our God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.