How do you, a member of the Body of Christ, get outside the walls of your church and BE the Body in the world? What do you do personally?
I originally posted this several days ago, and though I've had nearly 200 readers since then, there was not one answer to my question.
**This is something that is weighing heavily on my heart, and I honestly am looking for some helpful feedback. As my understanding of worship has changed over the years, and as I've become more and more aware of how justice is in the heart of our worship, I am very aware that I need to find more and more ways to be light in my community. I need to do more than just be kind to the people who serve me at WalMart and volunteer at my kids' schools...I need to be actively involved in my community so that I purposefully evidence Christ there by meeting people's needs. With so much of my time being spent teaching and ministering in the church building, I am looking for your great ideas of how you have become actively involved in your communities.**
I hope this makes my question less daunting and less vague.
3 comments:
I hadn't posted a response because, honestly, this isn't something I have any answers to for my own life. A lot of people in our church, though, make it a priority to build relationships with their neighbors...the people literally next door. They invite them over for a barbeque, talk to them while mowing the lawn, etc. Also, with your kids in public school (are they still?), it is an opportunity to get to know the parents of some of your kids' friends. When our church went through an evangelism series a while ago, they used the phrase, "Let each one who has received grace reach one who needs grace." Each One Reach One. It was helpful to put it in those terms. We were encouraged to see who God had already put in our lives and challenged to be faithful there. As a stay-at-home mom with Christian neighbors, I'm still seeking as to how to put this into practice in my own life. That's just my two cents. Hope it's helpful. I'm sure there are lots of people with great ideas. I was just hoping by opening up the comments, maybe others would feel more free to give their input.
Wow... that is deep and though provoking...
is being 'nice' enough? I don't think it is....I think you are right...we are called to be more..do more..say more...love more...extend grace and mercy more. Do I know what this picture looks like..nope... Do I get this right all the time...nope.... but it's something I'm going to process and pray about...I want to be effective for Christ not only in our church...but in the community as well... Thanks again Elizabeth for a deep and meaningful question and insight!
Okay, so I've been chewing on this one awhile. Being a stay at home mom I really don't get OUT into the community on a regular basis. BUT I know that life won't always be like this for me. I've been thinking about how I could "connect" with others. I think you have to be intentional. Instead of going to a believer (love you Tina!) to cut your hair go to someone who does not know Christ. Seek the same cashier everytime you go to the grocery store. Be intentional in making a connection with those regulars at convenience stores, gas stations, clothing stores, ups delivery person, mail person..basically anywhere you go. Start conversations with people you see on a regular basis. I find it SO hard to just start random conversations. I don't think you should "stalk" people!! HAHA! I just think in my own life I can be more intentional in listening, caring, laughing, sharing etc. in a variety of situations. I also think that random acts of kindness are a really neat way to connect! Just a few thoughts!
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