We have a community of people and business located around the church I attend. Our goal is that God receives the glory and worship He deserves. We are to go, with bread for life and The "Bread of Life."
Here are three ways we as a community of disciples of Christ can practically, engage the community around us. Ther
e are more. Some may depend upon seasons of weather.1. CROSS THE STREET- Along with saying "Come and See" a great idea is to "Go and Tell." It is something we all can work on, as we pray for boldness, to talk to someone washing their car or knocking on the door and ask "How can we pray for you" and "What are your needs"? We can pray and/or be the answer to prayer or even guide them to someone who can. It may sound different but you can walk and merely talk to the resident/business neighbors of the Church without any agenda other than to meet them, letting them know you mean them no harm. We then can realize an open door to tell the good news of Jesus Christ.
2. PIGGYBACK- One awesome idea is to come along side another church or non profit organization that has community services already in place. Resources of all kinds or volunteer workers are needed at food pantries, clothes for shelters or monetary donations for local and global missions coming from your small groups or entire church. Churches I have been a part of, worked with men/women shelters, Boys and Girls club and Salvation Army as well as senior adult campuses.
3. OFF CAMPUS AND INFINITY GROWTH GROUPS- The best way for true "community Development" is going in the area and having meetings, bible study in homes and apartments, library, motel conference room, beaches. It is one church with many locations. I mention infinity groups which are merely a segment of your city that will have the same interests and like others might not enter a church building but might meet on the Bike trail, cooking recipes, Artists or Book club. All the above can share scripture prayer and worship and then take part in the similar interest. It is us sharing the gospel leading others into discipleship. They then share the gospel leading others into discipleship.
I believe God is relational and seeks to have a relationship with people. He sends you and I into our own church's back yard and zip code being ambassadors speaking to others on His behalf.
What a great adventure we would have experiencing the purpose and power of God.
Thank You.
