What is this church gonna be like? Part 3

Read part 1 first

Read part 2 next

Our third part in this series is on meeting needs.

I grew up being taught to be "mission minded". We prayed for the people overseas and sent cards to missionaries on their birthday. We gave special missions offerings at certain times of the year. Some churches give a percentage of total reciepts each month to missions causes and have meetings to learn about the work of missionaries. By doing this they facilitate God's Word being sent into many unreached areas of the world.

That's the positive side of "Mission Minded". But, there is a flip side. A trap that can catch you in some serious complacency if you aren't careful. . . Because giving a percentage and praying once a year for missionaries doesn't exactly equal "mission minded" does it? Giving money is great, but that can't be ALL we do because it isn't enough!

To me, being "mission minded" means that when mission opportunities arise, we act on the opportunity. I am aware that some things work better in theory than in reality, but not setting a lofty goal assures we will not reach one.

When I share this thought with people who have dealt with the needy, down on their luck and the disabled I often get the same response... How do I know which people are legitimate? The answer is always the same. You Don't!! I've been doing ministry on a church staff for 20 years and I have seen my fair share of con artists. Some are obvious and others are good at their chosen profession. And sometimes we let the con artists be our excuse for not having our priorities right about taking the time and resources to help those in need.

Another excuse we in the church world have with meeting needs is often lack of funding and other resources. But how many times have we chosen chosen amazing buildings and elaborate facilities (often with enormous debt) over ministry? I am sure the last statement will strike a nerve with some because it is true and painful. (Not always true, but often enough to be very disturbing to me). One church I served spent 1/5 of 1 % on meeting local needs and when things got tight made their first budget cuts there.

So what is this church going to be like in regards to meeting needs? We will spend as much as we can on our community as a church and on a personal level, but monetary giving will likely not be our primary focus. The greatest blessing comes when we are actively connecting with people.

Investing in them.

Talking. . .

Giving. . .

Sharing. . .

And helping - in whatever way we can.

"so that people who are disconnected from God can know His perfect love" - and live.

If you're ready to make a difference, check us out at one of our gatherings.