Church and the City. The Welfare Matters.
Posted by Jake Rasmussen | Posted in Blogging, Church Planting, Community Transformation, Epic Church, Jesus, Random Thoughts | Posted on 16-02-2009
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Sitting in the Starbucks tonight studying for class and working on my sermon for Epic Church two weeks from now, titled: Growing a Movement. This picture came to mind as I see the people coming and going.
The church used to be the focal point of any community, the tallest building and the soul of the city. Only 50 years ago, it was the place where neighbors and near neighbors came together at least once a week. Today churches can be difficult to find in the city where the skyline is dominated by banks and business buildings. Still, the search for purpose goes on and the hunger for spiritual wellbeing is as great as ever. As it says in Jeremiah 29:7 – “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
It begs me wonder, what am I doing to on Jesus’ behalf for the welfare of the city? And what I am doing, is it enough? Maybe it is enough but could I be doing it better? And who could be doing it with me? Our communities have real problems, real hurts, real needs and as cliche as it sounds, Jesus is the answer. The question is though, how am I being Jesus to my community?
How are you being Jesus to your community?
Good post. This has been on my mind recently and I’ve shared it with my staff. I find that our congregation is to centered on “church happening” inside the four walls of our physical address. As it is now, we have tons of great things happening for God, but outreach isn’t one of them. Thanks for the post and the encouragement that has helped me to continue to think through what it means to be a light for Christ in the community.