bits from bob....
WHEN THE CHURCH GETS SERIOUS ABOUT GOD'S PURPOSE
by Bob Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]
Tim Maxcey is an elder who is actively involved in missions. Not long ago, he visited the Contact church in Tulsa. This is a church with a missional, evangelistic focus. The Contact church is reaching out to its community, especially among the poor. This church has an outward focus. When Tim served as a deacon, he was responsible for missions. He continues to serve as a missions liaison. He has been on several mission trips. He is actively involved in foreign mission work. He is a fan of mission work and missional churches.
He shared his reflections after his visit. He made a list of things he noticed. His list reflects the things he learned about helping a church get serious about God's purpose.
- Churches that are serious about God's purpose and reaching out to those around them will not ignore the children. Children are an important part of future-oriented ministry. Children are the future of the church; they are also vital to the present.
- Churches that are serious about God's purpose and reaching out missionally will seek and find multiple connecting points with the surrounding neighborhood, community, and world.
- Churches that are serious about God's purpose and work will cultivate in every member and worker and visitor a positive outlook and an appreciation of God's grace.
- Churches that are missional, outwardly focused and serious about God's purpose will learn flexibility and patience with those who were not accustomed to being in "church".
- Churches that are serious about God's purpose will meet the needs that both children and adults have to be loved and valued.
- Churches that want to fulfill God's purpose will learn that it is hard work to make the church work, but it is worth the effort.
Articles Index
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/articles/serious-about-gods-purpose.htm
Last updated March 7, 2011
|