The gospel: it’s a term that’s taken on a meaning in certain Christian circles that’s not quite complete.
These days, when people talk about “sharing the gospel,” they are usually referring to “witnessing,” with the goal of bringing someone to a place of acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior. And while the gospel is the good news that brings about salvation, it is able to do so much more than that! As Gregg Caruso, one of our VitalChurch interim pastors, says, “The word gospel means good news and is not simply the entry point into the Christian life but it is also the foundation and power that shapes all we do as followers of Jesus Christ, both in our daily lives and in our experience as a community of Christ-followers.”
In other words, the gospel is not useful only for the non-believer, but is vital for the committed Christ-follower as well. It should inform and empower all we do!
Gospel-Centered Preaching and Teaching
At VitalChurch, all of our interim pastors are dedicated to what we call “gospel-centered preaching.” In every sermon we preach in Christian churches around the world, we seek to interpret the biblical text within the context of the Bible’s entire redemptive story. We also do our best to communicate that message with passion and in ways that are applicable to every listener.
True gospel-centered preaching has the ability to connect with both the churched and the unchurched. As Pastor Gregg also says, “The Good News of Jesus Christ is not only the fire that ignites the Christian life, it’s the fuel that keeps Christians going and growing each day.” A gospel-centered sermon must “…aim for change, [and] must proclaim the doctrinal center of the Reformation—grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God’s glory alone…”
Helping Your Church Find a Permanent Pastor Who is Also Gospel-Centered
Not only will a VitalChurch interim pastor preach gospel-centered messages during his time at your church, he will also work with your church’s pastoral search team to help you secure a new permanent pastor who will continue to lead your church in a gospel-centered manner. After all, it is our goal as interim pastors not just to “fill the gap” left by your previous pastor, but to bring about true revitalizations in your church—and that starts with a renewed focus on—and commitment to—the gospel.
Is your church in need of an interim pastor who will lead your congregation with gospel-centered teaching? VitalChurch Ministry can help. We can provide your church with a gospel-centered interim pastor, and also take your church through our proven, biblically-based, three-phase process of church revitalization.
Contact us to learn more, or to see how we can work together to bring about transformation to your church.