It

"It" describes the illusive qualities found in organizations that are extraordinarily attractive and effective in meeting the needs of people

A church acquires the phenomenon of it when its first priorities are to glorify God and love people, and not allow its focus be distracted

Discussion

• What might "it" be? Describe or define it.
• If a church lacks what most people think you need to do church successfully, yet they have it, does that mean buildings, logos, websites, equipment, and so on are unimportant? Discuss.

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• Can you think of an example of a church that had it and lost it? Describe what happened. Why do you think that ministry lost it?
• If you've ever been a part of a ministry that had it, you knew it. Describe what it felt like. What were some of the qualities you experienced and appreciated?

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• What part of your ministry seems to have it? (an individual ministry)? What factors do you believe contribute to it?

My Two Cents

I think "It" is God's Anointing.

The Hebrew word for anoint is māshaḥ (pronounced maw-shakh’). It means “to rub with oil; i.e., to anoint. And the implication is that one deliberately does this in order to consecrate for special service to God. It is a consecratory gift.” The Old Testament generally speaks of anointing in the sense of a special setting apart for an office or function. The New Testament speaks of it in association with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Anointing is the residence, presence, and power of God in our lives, produced by a loving pursuit of God and obedience to God (consecration, resulting in the filling of the Holy Spirit). The anointing brings joy, passion, power, glory, confidence, boldness and authority in life and ministry.

My belief is that when a local church reaches a minimal tipping point of consecrated believers individually and collectively pursuing God, the anointing comes. If such collective pursuit ends and the Holy Spirit is grieved, I believe the anointing departs.

Can you add to that or give an alternate suggestion for "it?"

How Do We Help Our Churches Get "It?"

My Belief

• Model "it,"an anointed life of loving obedience and powerful pursuit of God
• Teach and preach "it," the yielded life and Spirit-anointed power of a fully-devoted disciple
• Honor "it" by placing people with it in positions of church authority/influence
• Ask God for a special visitation of His presence and anointing on your church