the mission of the Church
Last week I had the opportunity to visit the campus of Columbia University. I was there for an event called "Praise on the steps", organized by Christian groups on campus. The idea was to have all the Christians on campus gather together on the steps of the library; praying, and singing songs of praise. And this was a totally informal event... all it took was a few guys with guitars, and a few laptops... and the rest was up to God.
I was reminded that day, that worship in itself is the most amazing tool of evangelism. Basically, gather a few believers together in a public place, have them sings songs and worship in an authentic way. Those who pass by will wonder what's going on, and they will be intrigued... because that's what God does. If the presence of God is there, it will be felt by all those around... and they will be affected one way or another. As Christians, we're all about making an impact in the community.
It all of a sudden hit me, that this is clear picture of what churches are supposed to be doing. If GOD calls me to it (and I think He will), I'd like to plant churches someday... and it's so important to have a clear vision.
"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." -- (Acts 2:46-47)
The Biblical model of Church is placing a group of believers in the center of a community, where they will worship, share the gospel, and love others... therefore, impacting the community. These days there are many reasons why someone would want to start a new church... sometimes it's about politics & power, sometimes it's about being exclusive, sometimes it's about doctrine & theology, and sometimes it's about pride & money... but how much of a difference would it make, if everyone who planted a church kept in mind that their mission is to love others and to give them Jesus.
For me, it'd truly be a privilege... if someday God brings me to a place where the gospel is rarely heard... (and that doesn't necessarily mean another country; there are places here where the gospel is rarely heard!) And it'd be great if I can team up with a group of believers, with the same vision... to worship, and add numbers to the kingdom.
I was reminded that day, that worship in itself is the most amazing tool of evangelism. Basically, gather a few believers together in a public place, have them sings songs and worship in an authentic way. Those who pass by will wonder what's going on, and they will be intrigued... because that's what God does. If the presence of God is there, it will be felt by all those around... and they will be affected one way or another. As Christians, we're all about making an impact in the community.
It all of a sudden hit me, that this is clear picture of what churches are supposed to be doing. If GOD calls me to it (and I think He will), I'd like to plant churches someday... and it's so important to have a clear vision.
"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." -- (Acts 2:46-47)
The Biblical model of Church is placing a group of believers in the center of a community, where they will worship, share the gospel, and love others... therefore, impacting the community. These days there are many reasons why someone would want to start a new church... sometimes it's about politics & power, sometimes it's about being exclusive, sometimes it's about doctrine & theology, and sometimes it's about pride & money... but how much of a difference would it make, if everyone who planted a church kept in mind that their mission is to love others and to give them Jesus.
For me, it'd truly be a privilege... if someday God brings me to a place where the gospel is rarely heard... (and that doesn't necessarily mean another country; there are places here where the gospel is rarely heard!) And it'd be great if I can team up with a group of believers, with the same vision... to worship, and add numbers to the kingdom.
posted by Sunny Shih at
7:11 PM
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