I f we are
going to be a missionary church, and then we must be people prepared to Go! The
Great Commission began with the word “Go and make disciples”
The apostles and disciples were first sent to meet people
where they were. Then an invitation was issued to come and see. While we may have the form and function of tradition, we must apply them as though our neighbors and communities are
the mission field that we are trying to reach and invite them to see what a
life changed by Christ means in community. We know the day of Christendom is
over. Gone are the days when we say if we build it, they will come. People are
not attracted to a Christian community by its building, social standing or its
great history. People are attracted to Christ, before they are attracted to the
church. We must be willing to find new ways, new opportunities to live as the
Body of Christ in our communities. Our worship will not always be in a church
building. Worship alone will not be enough; we must help form people into
Christians through worship, service and study. That will not all happen on
Sundays. What does the mission field
look like in your community and how are you called to serve them?
Why John Wesley was so great an inspiration, was that he
prepared the Itinerant Preachers to go where the people are, to create societies
(congregations) where people grew in accountability and were formed as
Christians through classes. They were then challenge to invite others into this
new way of living. The goal was holiness of heart and life changed by love and
grace.
Will those of us prepared to create this new emerging
community, accept this commission and invitation.
