Not Called To Just Cloister Or Cluster

If the only ministry you do is in church, then you missed most of what ministry is about. True, we are to attend church consistently to learn how to do ministry and exhort one another. Still, our ministry is to be community and world focused. We come in to prepare and grow to go out.

Indeed, if someone asks where you go to church and they never heard of it or have no clue where it is you may be too inward focused. I have yet to hear someone say that they never heard of where I now attend and most will tell me the address or tell me what it is near. We are that community focused. Lest, you think me vain or overly biased we can always do more, but we definitely have boots on the ground and not just hanging around HQ.

The Great Commission says to go into all the world, but if you are not seeking to impact your community, you are not going to impact the world.

Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Note how the ripples work. First, where they are and then areas nearby until it spreads to all the earth. Until you drop yourself into your community, there are no ripples going out to the world.

I will upset some with this, but if your church is way too inward then you need to leave and find one causing ripples. Indeed, the ripple can start with you. There are numerous groups in the community that could use your help. There are city boards that need volunteers. While serving in those groups or on those boards you can let Jesus shine as not everyone in town is a Christian or an active one. The Spirit may use you to ignite a fire in others.

I once belonged to a group that would loudly complain about the evils of the world, but did very little to make a positive impact. Indeed, I think some worried that the might have to be near sinners forgetting that they are just sinners saved by grace.

If all you can do is complain, then you may as well be quiet or at least serve cheese with that whine. We are called to be active ambassadors, not just sitting in the embassy. We are called to be spiritual warriors, not just hanging out in the mess hall or barracks. Many are AWOL and some deserters.

The days are indeed dark and will get darker, which is all the more reason for us to take our lights out of the temple and into the darkness. Does your community know you are a Christian? Do they know your church as a lighthouse or is it just a fellowship hall and a book club? Rise up to your calling even if means rising up and out of your church. Maranatha!!