High Impact Congregation

We encounter lots of needs.  We need to attend Sunday school and worship.  We need to pay our Shared Ministries.  We need to cover our budget.  We need to help with Wednesday night suppers.  We need to teach in the children’s programs.  We need to volunteer at the Food Pantry.  We need to support the third worship service.  How to prioritize?

In Matthew 28:19-20, the risen Jesus said “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  Wow! Isn’t this more important than everything else?  What could be more important than introducing someone to Jesus for the first time?  That is the beginning, and all the rest naturally follows.  But ugh! That is hard – maybe we can let the pastors take care of that chore.   Really?  Is that what Jesus had in mind?  Hire it done?  
I am excited that Mark Hewitt will come lead an evangelism training series this spring.  As a matter of fact, Pastor Eddie’s recent sermon spoke to that exact topic - his call was for us to be a voice proclaiming God’s love in the wilderness.  God gave us a voice and we must use it to proclaim.  He stated that too many times Christians get caught up in political correctness, not wanting to offend others, but that’s not what God wants - he wants his Word proclaimed!  
As the sermon was coming to a close, one of our social media administrators posted, “Christians must use their voice to proclaim peace and hope in the wilderness.”  That statement feeds right into this evangelism training series coming this spring - to equip us with the practical side of all that - how best to actually do the proclaiming.  I have no idea how to do this evangelism thing.  It scares me.  Maybe I can learn.  Maybe it’s not as hard as I think.  Maybe there are many ways to share Jesus with others.  I think Mark and his series can help me learn how.  
Evangelism is a challenge – doesn’t come easy or natural to most of us – and feels downright uncomfortable to many of us.  I am personally ready to be challenged beyond my comfort zone, and hope that others are too.   Come join me, Feb 23, March 2, 16, 23, 30, and April 6 at 6:30 pm WFH.