Only Jesus

What if?

Several years ago, I read a scripture passage that has focused my efforts as a leader, especially in the creative arts department.

“When they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Matthew 17:8

Peter, James, and John, disciples of Jesus, had ascended up a mountain. On that mountain, they experienced a holy moment. Jesus appeared to them, along with Moses and Elijah. People who had been dead, but were spiritual heroes. And Peter, James, and John never wanted it to end! Why would they? God was speaking to Jesus, Jesus was present with them, Moses and Elijah - this is like the holiest and holy moments!

Instead, after bowing in fear and reverence, when they looked up, all they saw was Jesus.

Churches can be known for a lot of things. People arrive into our buildings, see a lot of music, art, and people. All good things. But what if, when all is said and done, people saw Jesus only?

What does that mean practically?

• Don’t make your senior pastor or star worship leader the main attraction. Don’t put your mega-star pastor or leader on every website, piece of branding or photo. When people look up, they’ll see a lot of the pastor, but not Jesus.

• Use art, music, and great people to open the front door. But create an experience that is all about Jesus by the time it’s over. When people leave and are done with the worship experience, they should realize everything that has been done has been about Jesus.

• Get out of the way when possible. Your church will not be built on your back. It will be built on Jesus. Don’t operate and lead as if it all depends on you.

There’s probably a lot more to this, but my hope for all churches, including the one I’m a part of, is that when people look up, they don’t see me. They don’t see the teaching pastor. They don’t see the music and the lights and the videos.

They see Jesus. Only.

What else would you add to make sure people see only Jesus in our churches?