When Jesus issued to us the call to make disciples, it was not just an individual, but also a corporate call. As part of the same universal church and even the same local church, God has given us the privilege to work in close connection with one another in our disciple making. By God’s grace, we can accomplish so much more working together than we ever could apart. We each have a unique role to play in helping each other (and outsiders) come to Jesus and become stronger disciples. We are each a link in the chain of faith.
A great example of this can recently be seen in our church. Several months ago, Nola let me know about an apartment complex next to her house that seemed like a potential mission field. This complex had lots of children, and so targeting it with fliers for our Easter festival fit nicely with our ongoing church outreach plan. A week before the festival, Thomas and Eric volunteered several hours of their time to go and hang fliers on the doors of each apartment in the complex.
As a result of this, a lady from these apartments named Rhonda showed up with her daughter at our Easter festival. Many others from our church family served so that the Easter Festival could happen and Rhonda would have a good experience with The Way.
At the festival, Michelle befriended Rhonda and invited her to attend the women’s Bible study led by Charity. Michelle was then able to help Rhonda with transportation in order that she might attend the study. I don’t know where Rhonda’s story ends, but it’s encouraging to see God at work!
The point I want to make through telling of this story is that if we are to be the church Jesus has called us to be, we must work together and each fulfill the role God has given us. What a privilege it is to be used by God!
I’m thankful that Nola, Eric, Thomas, Michelle, Charity, and every single person who volunteered at the Easter Festival were faithful to serve God together. They were each a link in the chain of us reaching our community with Gospel truth. This is why it’s so important that every believer be an active part of a church community. This is why I am thankful to be part of The Way Fellowship Church with each of you.