Churches Die When They Prioritize Method Over Mission | #UnfilteredChurch Part 10

Dive into this powerful Worship Uncoiled sermon by Student Minister CJ Muston on "Mission Over Me" from 1 Corinthians 8 at Unfiltered Church! Discover why the average church lifespan is only 40-50 years and how refusing to make church about ourselves keeps the mission alive. Learn that "mission is not methodology," and if we confuse the two, we die. Explore how the church thrives when we prioritize mission over method, inspired by Mark 2:22: "New wine must be poured into new wineskins." Jesus teaches the message stays the same, but methods must change – uncomfortable shifts in locations, services, staff, and musical styles because "it's not about me."

Drawing from Pete Blaber's "The Mission, the Men, and Me," remember: accomplish the objective, protect your team, then take care of yourself. "Methods are many, principles are few" – the mission is sacred, method is flexible. Our guiding principle: "Guiding People Home, leading people to a loving Father, Caring Family and a Life Changing Faith."

Unpack why knowledge without love is spiritually useless (1 Corinthians 8:1-3): "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." The Corinthians were "right" about food offered to idols, but Paul warns being doctrinally correct can be spiritually destructive without love guiding you.

Your freedom in Christ isn't just about you (1 Corinthians 8:4-9): "Be careful that your freedom does not cause others to stumble." Today's gray areas like alcohol, tattoos, secular music, and holidays – ask what love requires. Use these 4 guiding questions: What does the Bible say? What does my conscience say? What does my weakness require? What does my friend need?

Reject both sectarianism (legalism, holy huddles) and syncretism (compromise, blending in) – John 17:15 calls us to be in the world but not of it, as salt and light on a rescue mission. Jude 23: "Snatch others from the fire." The church is a battleship, not a cruise ship (1 Corinthians 10:23-24): seek the good of others, not "feed me, entertain me."

Challenge from 1 Corinthians 10:33: "I don’t do what is best for me; I do what is best for others, so that many may be saved." The church exists for those who aren’t here yet – kickstart a new life cycle by saying "it’s not about me."

Embrace these 5 expectations for every believer: Come ready (worship with expectancy), Man your station (serve on a team), Find your crew (get in a group), Give your first and best (time, talent, treasure), Invest and invite (live on mission).

"Jesus didn’t die just to make us comfortable—He died to make us courageous." Pray for renewal of mission, courage to let go of preferences, and hearts to love the next generation and the lost.

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