What About Your Church?
Foundational Principle:
We are always better together. Gathering friends and families who care about the same things provide powerful spaces for good. Your local church is a great place to start.
Scripture to Begin:
Acts 13:1-3
1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Learning
Western culture tends to push us to thrive as individuals. Personalized workout plans, personality and social media profiles, personal salvation all seem to only heighten our focus on being self-focused. However, too much emphasis on the individual can hinder us.
In the New Testament, early Christians understood a more communal sense of spirituality. While personal salvation was important, they also focused on social justice and community development. The Good News was meant to transform households and systems, not just individuals.
Take the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3) for example. This was Paul’s homebase and he relied on their support for his missionary work. Through the laying on of hands, fasting, prayer, support, and encouragement, this body of believers was a part of the mission to which God had called Paul and the others.
Today’s local churches can play a similar role in their communities. Your church is meeting the needs of your city and neighborhood. Your church may have leaders who share your passions for issues like marriage and family and want to join your vision. By working together, you can achieve more than you can alone.
Reflection
Think about your relationship with the body of Christ. How has connecting with your church blessed you and your family? Who in your church has a history of faithful service? What can you learn from them?
Applying What We Learn
Brainstorm individuals, leaders, or small groups within your church community that might share a similar passion to the one you have surfaced. Consider a coffee date, or a small dinner party to gather those folks and chat about what God may have you do together.
GUIDE MAP
Start your journey to build up your local ministry here.
