2 posts tagged “valparaiso fl”
It's been a while since I did one of these.
Most social good in our country, reflected today in institutions like hospitals, orphanages, civil rights organizations and universities, began with Christ-followers sensing a call to live out the gospel. Somewhere along the way, many churches withdrew from the needs and dreams of their communities. (Leadership Network)
According to Thom Rainer, Outreach magazine, January-February, 2006, “nearly 95% of the average church’s ministries are for its members alone.”
Bunny and I went to see the movie Amazing Grace yesterday afternoon. It was an awesome portrayal of the efforts of a group of Christians to change the world. So what happened? When did we as followers of Jesus turn from change agents "those who turned the world upside down" to keepers of the store?
I believe that God wants to see His church turn back to the mission He gave us. To seed our communities with grace, with truth, with Jesus' love. To partner with other faith communities and other agencies and entities that serve our community to help our neighbors.
What would that look like?
A partnership with the local schools.
A "theology of the hammer" kinship with our fellow believers in other churches to help people whose houses need work.
A "loaves and fishes" ministry.
Worship outside the walls.
Block parties, affinity groups.
Summer enrichment for the kids in our neighborhood.
And a lot I haven't even thought of yet.
But maybe you have.
Tell me, what should a church that Jesus would love - do?
