I have led Cornerstone for 26 years. One of the things I learned during my journey as pastor of the church is the need to balance competing principles. Let me explain...

Worship and Teaching: I believe there needs to be a balance in the church with worship and teaching of the Word. The church needs to be strong in both areas. They are not enemies, but sometimes, the church views them as competing with each other. You can have strong worship and strong teaching. You do not have to sacrifice the one for the other.

Evangelism and Discipleship: I didn't realize when I first began to pastor Cornerstone that these two areas would clash with each other. If you do too much discipleship in the church, people will rise up and wonder about outreach. If you do too much outreach, people will speak up about discipleship. The one that is being neglected will speak up and demand attention. The Great Commission commands the local church to find the lost and teach the found. The local church is to do both. You can do both well.

Freedom and Order: In every service there is a tension between the liberty of the Holy Spirit and the necessity for order. The bible says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." The Bible also says, "Let all things be done decently and in order." Too much order and structure leads to a lifeless worship service. Too much freedom leads to emotionalism and fleshly displays. A wise pastor will lead the church in liberty and order. God will help you blend the two.

Abounding and Abiding: This is the tension between abounding (working hard) and abiding (resting in the Lord). The church and people need to work and labor for the Lord. The church also needs to rest in Jesus. Everyone needs to find the balance between faith and work. I try to serve the Lord with a relaxed diligence. This enable me to stay in the ministry for the long haul. Remember, ministry is a marathon not a sprint.

Leadership solutions and Spiritual solutions: Did you know that every problem in your church is either a leadership issue or a spiritual issue? It takes great discernment to know which one to use. If you are having problems in your church with two people fighting, this is a leadership issue. You need to act on it with wisdom. You need to speak to the people. You need to solve the problem with godly wisdom. If you lack wisdom concerning a direction in the church, this is a spiritual issue. You need to pray. You need God to speak to you. You cannot solve a leadership problem by simply praying. You cannot solve a spiritual problem by enacting leadership principles. Sometimes you need to act (leadership) and sometimes you need to pray (spiritual).

Balance is key in a local church.
Balance is key in the life of a believer.

Grace to you, Pastor Tim