CHURCH OUT IN THE WILD - SERVING THE CITY

JER. 29:7  - "SEEK THE WELFARE OF THE CITY."


As given by our three-step church planting-discipleship framework, a key outflow of joyful Kingdom living is impacting and influencing our cities for good (Is. 61:4).  We are called to "let our light shine so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16).  We are called to have a bias for action.  As such, churches should be hives of gospel-inspired social and outreach activities.  This is an opportunity to show organizational creativity as a way to re-imagine for the city something they haven't seen before, in the same way that Goliath did not expect God to send David into the fray (1 Sam. 17:42-43).   Through creativity we have a powerful tool to cause the giants in our city to pause and take another look at what this "church is about," so we can "hit 'em between the eyes" with the love of God.  Just as King Uzziah was an inventor-king (2 Chr. 25:15), so the church must leverage innovation in its programming and organizational strategy to bring fame to Jesus (2 Chr. 25:15).


ACTION CENTRES

With money freed up from lowered overhead (see "MATH" section), funds can flow freely to action centres based in the church.  This becomes the hub for outreach, social initiatives, and the basis for enthused volunteer mobilization.  Deacons can be intimately involved as modelled by the original seven in Acts 6:3.  The church thus provides amply opportunities to serve and build relationships with people in the community, other non-profits and agencies which then produces a natural leavening effect - showing kindness and care in the name of Jesus.  The focus is on demonstration, putting feet to the mission of making Jesus known in tangible ways. As Paul said, God's people should be "zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:14) and engaged in "meet[ing] pressing needs" (Titus 3:14).