Every church has certain aspects of mission and vision that are unique to each church. At Hope, we’re discussing the things that make us who we are at our very core, our DNA as a church.
We strive to be Relevant and Effective.
Jesus often told stories using relevant examples from His culture. His healing and miracles helped people in their greatest needs.
Matthew 28:19 (NLT) The last words Jesus said to the disciples were about going out into the world and making disciples of all people.
1 Corinthians 9:1-2 (NLT) Paul gave a short resumé of who he was, but it wasn’t enough.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT) Paul tried to do everything he could to find common ground with everyone, so he could share the Gospel with them.
Paul tried to be as relevant as possible to as many as possible and to be as effective as possible at leading as many to Jesus as possible.
Eugene Peterson wrote this in the message: “I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ – but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.” 1 Corinthians 9 (MSG)
Two observations from Paul:
1. We contextualize the Gospel. We don’t compromise it.
Reject
Receive
Redeem
2. Our mission stays the same. The methods need to change.
The bottom line is that we need to be as relevant as possible to as many as possible and to be as effective as possible at leading as many to Jesus as possible.
What can we do?
1. Be relevant and effective in our Church.
2. Be relevant and effective in our Community.
