I interrupted my posts from last week to interject one about Sunday’s sermon. I’d like to finish that series of posts with this one. For the purpose of review you can see the others:
#3: To be involved in our community.
It is easy-as a church and as individuals-to bury our head in the sand or to put our hands over our eyes and say, “It doesn’t happen here. If so, I don’t want to know.” The church needs to stop hiding behind its walls and stained glass windows (which we don’t have) and get involved. Change won’t happen unless we do. We will bemoan the fact “our town is going to hell in a hand-basket” but really have no right to say that unless or until we do something to stem the tide.
Speaking for OVCF, we have no desire to be one of those churches.
It used to be (and I’m ashamed to admit this) but my world was secluded to the church and church people I was called to shepherd. I did very little, and cared very little, for those outside the church walls. How ugly is that? Then I harped on the people to invite their friends and neighbors. I look back now and say, “Why? Why would I invite anyone to hear me?”
Everything changed when I moved here…gradually. I fell in love with the people of the church first, and by proxy, the town. But then I started making myself available in the community. I’m a member of the Chamber of Commerce board and other ventures. We have an annual Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas breakfast where we serve the community free. I’ve recently taken a deep interest in human trafficking and will be talking to a local judge who is spearheading the task force as to what we can do. Next Sunday, the 6th, OVCF will be partnering with two other churches in the community to do our Day or Service. The church building is a registered Safe Place venue.
I could tell you so much more. Huh, maybe I will in the next post. GET INVOLVED. DON’T HIDE BEHIND WALLS.
Motivating post brother. We heard the same today from our church about building relationships outside our church. It’s so easy to be inclusive here, so many projects to be involved in with our church folks. Good reminder Bill, good reminder
Hi Bill! Your post is a call to arms for all soldiers in Christ. I think what you experienced is very common. We think of our churches as our spiritual homes…so why look outside of that?
But as you learned, what kind of impact will we have for Christ if we limit ourselves? God needs us to do his work everywhere, not just inside our homes (wherever we see that to be).
Great thoughts today,
Ceil
Such a wake-up call, Bill! Our church is involved in lots of outreach ministries, and you’ve convicted me to become more involved with them.
Blessings!
What sort of religious teaching allowed you to get it so wrong for so long? I am sure it is still being taught and people are still being led down a path that locks them into an us and them mentality.
What a great and refreshing attitude and perspective, Bill. That’s the heart of our Savior. Love is action, not just feelings.
Yes! We do need to get involved in our community as well. Truthfully I don’t think that we, as Christians, realize that evangelism goes beyond simply preaching the gospel and reaching out to the lost souls. That’s only half our job! Great post Bill! Looking forward to hearing more!
So true!
Jesus called us to”Go”…not wait for people to come to us.
Thanks for putting action to words and challenging others to do the same