A missionary church: Go

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.