In this episode we discuss...
- Community engagement!
- Does the Bible say anything about community involvement?
- 1 John 2:15
- James 4:4
- Galatians 6:14
- 1 Peter 2:9-11
- Matthew 10
- Genesis 22:17-18
- John 13:35
- Why should the church be involved in the community?
- You’re visible.
- You want people to know you care.
- You’re sent.
- Outreach lets people see what’s going on inside the church
- You build equity that can be spent on Gospel conversations.
- You learn the names and issues of your neighbors and can serve them.
- You can pray more specifically.
- People will remember you in their time of trouble.
- People who might not normally serve have an easy way to get involved.
- Churches have critical mass
- Why should the church teach individuals to be involved in the community?
- Nobody can impact your neighbor like you
- The circle is bigger.
- Much more personal and intimate conversation.
- You have more time.
- You’re not wearing a t-shirt and slapping on a smile.
- What are ways the church can be involved in the community?
- Block party
- Feeding the teachers
- Visiting nursing homes (this is SO critical and SO overlooked)
- Community Christmas Eve Service
- Community Service Events
- Intentional informal involvement (everyone go to the ______ town event and be a warm, friendly, kind presence in the community)
- Movie nights
- Float in the parade
- Take care of your property (be a good neighbor)
- AWANA
- Free Biblical counseling
- Warnings (pitfalls, shortcomings, silly things, etc. we want to avoid):
- Don’t let it stop with a fun event.
- Don’t always make it a revival sermon
- No bait and switch
- Be distinct from the world
- Be distinct, but don’t be odd (let the Gospel be the offense, not your strange behavior, bad breath, veggie tales references, etc…)
- Don’t call someone a brother who is not your brother
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