By David Wright
Captains who fly a passenger jet or navigate a cruise ship have the responsibility of steering their vessel to a specific destination. Technology, like that of GPS and auto-pilot, helps keep them on course. Yet, there are times when a course correction is required by the captain and crew.
Similarly, every local church is on a mission, but when mission drift occurs, the church’s elders must make a course correction. Prior to his ascension, Jesus gave us his directive to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20), reaching the lost and teaching the saved. We pursue the Great Commission in the power of the Great Companion. Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Though some congregations succumb to mission drift, there are many untold stories of others where the elders are staying on course, enabling the local church to be strong salt and bright light to their community and beyond. In working with churches from Alaska to Florida and from Oregon to Massachusetts, and though often going unnoticed, e2 has a front row seat to see how congregations are taking ground for the kingdom. These churches share three things in common in their pursuit of the Great Commission.
Community Engagement
These congregations have developed strategies by which they connect relationally with their communities. For example, a number have become voting centers. Elders have seen the value of using their church campus to serve their community as a precinct. One church in particular welcomed thousands of voters this past November in the presidential election. As people waited for over two hours to cast their ballots, members of the church provided coffee and refreshments, and even saved their place when a restroom break became necessary. Golf-cart shuttles ferried older voters to and from their vehicles. This same church has rolled out the proverbial “red carpet” for the American Red Cross to stage regularly scheduled blood drives and has been a meeting place for special activities of the local police and fire departments. In such instances, churches are using their facilities to welcome people through a “side-door” event in which people are coming to a non-worship gathering. And when they do so, many individuals are heard saying, “I have never been here before, but I think I’ll come back. I have been made to feel so welcomed.” Surely, when we sow seeds of goodwill, they will spread and take root.
We have witnessed other churches welcome people to their campuses for fun gatherings. Through block parties, fall festivals, and spring flings, congregations are spending money to engage their communities. Church members invite their neighbors to come and enjoy a fun-filled day or evening. These parties have welcomed untold numbers of people to the church, many of whom are there for the first time. Good food and fun games are a welcome break from the rush of everyday life. These churches have discovered ways to connect with first-time guests and to make them feel welcome. As these churches work to engage their communities, many new people have begun attending their worship services.
Mission Outreach
We have witnessed mission-driven churches develop an outward focus among their people. As “salt of the earth,” elders have helped people see the need to get out of their “saltshakers” (i.e., church buildings) to serve the Lord on mission.
Most churches support mission organizations and missionaries, both globally and locally. These are excellent opportunities to reach people with the hope of Jesus Christ. We know of many churches that develop short-term mission trips as a part of their mission support, investing relationally and financially in their mission partners. Whether traveling to the other side of the globe or across town, churches are taking ground for the kingdom by serving as volunteers with people yet to be reached with the good news.
College Student Ministry
Several churches pursue the Great Commission by being present and active on college campuses. Student ministry enables us to develop connections with students from across the country and around the world. Untold numbers of international students attend American colleges and universities, and the vast majority are seldom (if ever) invited into an American family’s home. Working through on-campus ministries, people in local churches are opening their homes and their lives to engage students who are far from home. Often international students come to Christ, are discipled in the faith, and return to their native countries, taking the gospel of Christ with them. Campus ministries, serving both domestic and international students, are a great onramp for developing God-honoring friendships with young men and women who have yet to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Prayer Ministries
As we engage our partner churches, we discover that churches with great kingdom impact place a greater emphasis on prayer. In particular, the elders have devoted themselves to leading by example in the discipline of prayer (Acts 6:4). There is a difference between churches that pray and praying churches. A congregation that prevails in prayer opens itself to the indescribable power of God. It is good for individual Christians to pray, yet when many believers engage in prayer, God’s power is both felt and seen (Acts 4:23-31).
A new student minister in a church was introduced to a group of women who lived in a retirement community. He asked the ladies to pray for the growth and development of their congregation’s emerging student ministry. They promised to do so, and as they prayed, God poured out his power. The student ministry grew from less than 100 students to more than 500.
Be encouraged! Do not grow weary and give up! God is working through his people who are moving toward and with him. The constant power and presence of the Great Companion will enable us to pursue the Great Commission.
David Wright recently retired from serving at TCM International Institute and is serving elders through the ministry of e2: effective elders.
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