If your church disappeared, would anyone notice?
What do people in your community say about your church?
Is it positive? Negative?
Or do they even notice your church?
It was reading Gary Nelson’s book – Borderland Churches: A Congregation’s Introduction to Missional Living – that first prompted Lane Scruggs, pastor at Oak Park Church of Christ in Calgary, AB to consider these questions.
It made him wonder – if the gospel is Good News, then how is this good for our community?
How can we best proclaim the gospel of Jesus?
Recently, it was a city councillor and a local MLA who acknowledged the good work that Oak Park is doing in their community.
They could see that people were being fed and clothed and cared for – in all sorts of ways.
Other organizations in the community also spoke well of Oak Park.
They endorsed their integrity and character.
They knew this church not only existed but was compassionately present to the people in the community and eager to actively serve.
Someone said they could see the hand of God at work through the church – even though they’re not a person of faith.
Wouldn’t this be an incredible witness to the truth and love of God if all of our churches were considered essential for the sake of their communities?
Photo creds: Cosmic Time Traveller (Unsplash)