Ministry in the Community
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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
The church is a witness for Christ to the world, especially to the community and town where we live. If Christians are not careful, the church can become a community of believers who comfortably minister only to themselves. The purpose of the church is to make disciples and to prepare them to go into the community to reveal Christ. Imagine what the church could do if Christians prayed together and searched for ways to bring Christ to the community.
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15). During the routine of a normal day Christians need to reflect Christ to everyone and tell others about Christ whenever the opportunity arises. Praying for opportunities to witness to others helps to prepare believers to move the conversation toward Christ. The more Christians are prepared, and the more they desire and pray to minister to the world, the more God will open doors to do just this.
There are opportunities in most every community to bring Christ to people. For example Bible classes can be held in nursing homes, prisons, and homeless shelters. Twelve-Step Christian recovery programs like Celebrate Recovery can be organized at homeless shelters and addiction recovery facilities. Biblical booths can be set up at community events where Christian brochures can be available, or the church can provide lunch in the park.
These and other opportunities for ministry can be implemented in your community, and the more people involved the more powerful and widespread will be the message of Christ. Imagine the possibilities for Christian outreach if the majority of church members prayed and searched for opportunities to minister to the community! We are the hands and feet of Jesus, and we must take the Gospel message to the world wherever we are. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38). Ask the Lord to send disciples into the community.
Today see yourself as a witness for Christ, an ambassador for Christ. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5:20). Whatever you do today, do it for Christ whom you serve, and you will reflect Christ in whatever you do.
Let’s Pray: Lord, guide me in the Spirit today to reflect Christ to everyone by my actions and words. Fill my heart with your love, compassion, and wisdom, and help me to see people as you see them. Keep molding me everyday to be more Christ-like. In Jesus name, Amen