Over the past few years, I have worked in various ministry positions involving ministry teams, World Changers, and many other activities. While all of these things are great ministry opportunities, they are no substitute for evangelism/ministry events in the community surrounding your church. So many times I have seen people (and I have been guilty of this as well) watch others come in, do ministry, and leave and then think that is enough. The problem with this model of ministry is the teams that come in form relationships with the members of the community and then the team leaves leaving the people to whom they ministered with no connection to a local church. I am not saying ministry teams and World Changers are negative experiences. They can be very positive experiences and can be very effective in ministering to people, but we can look on and convince ourselves that these events are enough.
There are so many opportunities for the local church to impact their community and effectively minister to the people they encounter. These opportunities include but are not limited to block parties, yardwork, an Operation Inasmuch event, providing free gas/oil changes, bike repair, getting involved with local sports teams/schools, etc. Take a drive through the neighborhoods surrounding your church one evening during the week and/or a Saturday and see what kind of activities are going on that you could possibly get involved in. While on your drive, take note of what is going on around you and think about what you/your church could do in order to show God's love to the people involved. You do not have to come up with a program or your own event. Maybe you can hand out water/snacks at a sports game or practice or get involved with after-school activities or tutoring. Talk to the people in charge and see if there is any interest in you coming alongside of them or if they are in need of specific items. Start the relationship and see where that leads. Just don't sit inside your church waiting for other people to come along and "do ministry" in the neighborhoods around you. Get out and do something to show the love of God to people.
I leave you with this. Pastors and church leaders, what are you doing in your communities? What practical ways can you get involved and show God's love to those around you? Church members, what is your church already doing that you can get involved in? Are there other practical ways that you could show God's love? Share your ideas with your church and see if you can mobilize others to join you in your efforts. On a smaller scale, what ways are you showing God's love to those you encounter daily (i.e. your coworkers, friends, boss, waiter/waitress, checkout person at the store, etc.)?
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