Values 1.2

Written on July 2, 2008 by Matt

Yesterday we began talking about what “Becoming an Expression of Christ in Community” really means and today we continue by covering the purpose of becoming that expression, namely “transforming our neighborhood and the world.”

When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He sent the disciples to all nations, all people groups, a pretty daunting task for the early church that continues with us today. Yet, even though the impetus for mission was given in Matthew, namely to make disciples, the strategy was given over in Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

While this can be understood to be a step by step undertaking, ie. beginning with Jerusalem and then to Judea, (in our case, De Soto, then Johnson County), etc. It is my contention that we seek to reach our Jerusalem and Judea while also reaching to the ends of the earth as well. It seems as if many churches easily slide to one extreme or the other. Either they are actively involved in local community ministry while doing little worldwide other than giving money, or they are in constant pursuit of the next foreign mission opportunity at the expense of making a sizable difference in the communities in which they have been planted.

Rather than being in opposition to one another, local and global impact go hand and hand. As we seek to transform our neighborhood, it is imperative that we also realize our global citizenship and responsibility to our “neighbors” around the globe. Bob Roberts in his book Transformation calls this speaks volumes about what he calls “glocalization” and our responsibility as members of this global neighborhood.

Transforming our neighborhood in De Soto can take on many forms. Doing yard work for a neighbor, watching kids for that single mom you know or even sacrificially giving so some others can have Thanksgiving and Christmas are good places to start. In all of these, our goal is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by performing practical acts of service.

What are some other ways we can be a transforming presence in our community?

Posted in Beliefs