One of the things I miss about being the “primary” presence in the pulpit is the opportunity to take relatively small, insignificant ideas and present them as short-term, weekly challenges to the church as we strive to live out the reality of Jesus in our world. Most of our folks are not missing the desire, they are missing the method. They need ideas about how they can make a difference. It is almost as though (putting on my academic hat for a moment) they need “homework.”
In reviewing some of my recent sermons, I have challenged us to….
With the holiday season upon us, I suggest another possibility. On the Wednesday before Christmas, we are having a congregational devotional. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we encouraged families to go out after that devotional (and during the next two days before Christmas) to spread a little “Joy to the World” by making a visit or taking a card, care basket, small gift, donuts, etc. to someone whom we would not otherwise contact. Maybe we could take something to someone who is working the holidays–hospital or nursing home workers, police or fire fighters, etc. Perhaps we could touch our families in new and fresh ways–both our physical family and our spiritual family–by going the extra mile. Perhaps we could say something significant to our friends and neighbors. Wouldn’t it be great if families and small groups of Christians did this together?
In a world where many believe that the primary interest of the churches is focused inwardly, could it make a difference if we attempted to show that we have a genuine interest in others? Could it make a difference if we took the spirit of Jesus outside our four walls? A Starbucks employee recently observed, “It seems like a lot of churches are just inward focused and don’t get out in the community.” In most places, the church has a huge PR problem. The unchurched think that the church ought to exist for others, to serve the hurting and broken, and to be involved in the community. We need to do things in the name of Jesus and to make clear that we are doing them because we are Christians. Doing good things causes others to praise God (reread Matthew 5 and 1 Peter 2.)
I applaud outreach ministries that focus on evangelism. But sometimes our outreach effort needs to be as simple as serving others in very specific, individualized ways that go beyond hosting spectacular community events. The personal touch is essential–whether it be in a food pantry, food baskets or food backpacks, serving in a housing development, or whatever. The key is that the church acts only as its members act. The problem with too many programs and ministries is that we are outsourcing ministry and leaving to the professionals those things that the church should be doing at the grassroots level.
So my idea is that we come together briefly on that Wednesday, and that we encourage and equip people to go out and do mission and serve. Maybe the church could arrange to have on hand the things necessary to make up small care packages, fruit, cards, food items, etc. depending on the needs to be met. Perhaps the church could enjoy preparing their gifts together and praying together.
Little by little, with efforts such as these, we could communicate to our community the heart of this church, so that we live out the message on our sign: “touching hearts, transforming lives.” What would happen if some of your family, friends, neighbors, or acquaintances knew that this is a church that cares? Would that help overcome any negative stereotypes? Most people need to encounter an authentic church in order to come to faith in Jesus. Are we such a church?