Ministers Desk 10th March 2013

One of our congregation’s Core Values is Intentional Outreach.  We say that “we value serving generously and sharing the gospel locally, nationally and internationally, as called by Christ.” 

 

The authority for the church to be involved in outreach is founded in the truth that God has a clear word to communicate to the world. The Bible’s revelation of God, both old and new testaments points to a God who reaches out and draws humans into a deep and personal covenant relationship with him. 

·       Adam and Eve

·       Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

·       Moses and the Israelites in Egypt

·       The Israelites who wander in the desert

·       The Israelites when they constantly sin

·       The Israelites in exile

·       Jew and Gentile through the ministry of Jesus Christ.

·       Gentiles through the missional journeys of Paul

 

To know God is to know a God who calls people into relationship with him.  To follow Jesus Christ is to participate in a lifestyle that calls others into a relationship with him.  Outreach though is not something that we do as an activity apart from Christ.  Outreach is our participation in the saving work of God. 

 

Intentional means that we are being deliberate and focussed on what we are doing.  Outreach means that we are reaching out beyond those who already know Jesus as Lord and Saviour and telling and showing others the good news of Jesus who wants to be Lord of their life. 

Intentional Outreach therefore encompasses a very wide range of activities, things done together in groups, acts of service undertaken individually and faith sharing relationships.  What they all have in common is our intentional decision to make Christ known through what we are doing.  When Christ calls us to discipleship he makes it very clear that the call is to outreach, to make him known to all people.  Matthew 28:16 – 20 puts this call very bluntly.  The question for us is not whether or not we’re involved in outreach, but how we will do it.

 

Our purpose (Growing Disciples who Exalt, Explore, Embody, Engage) challenges each of us to have at least one intentional relationship with a pre-Christian friend where we are able to share the gospel.  How are you doing with this?  Is there someone in your life that you’re intentionally sharing the gospel so that they too may know the good news of Jesus Christ?

 

Grace and peace