I’ve been elaborating on an article that captured much of my philosophy of outreach. I’ve already talked about my resolve to stay put and to stay hospitable. Continuing that discussion, I want emphasize the need to stay involved.
The final commission Jesus gave His disciples wasn’t, “Sit ye therefore, and wait on people,” but “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The command is for intentional action. In my mind, involvement in your community is intrinsic to obeying this command and reaching your Jerusalem (cf. Acts 1:8).
I have previously written about some ways that we’ve done this here in Provo. You may think that a church plant has to be involved in its community but that it’s not as big a deal for an established church. So long as there are nonbelievers, I believe it is a huge deal. Throwing yourself into the mix and interacting with people where they’re at is something every believer as an individual and every church as a collective body should be doing in hopes of introducing as many people as possible to the Jesus of the Bible.
I want God to use me to impact Provo with the Gospel, as I’m sure you want Him to use you where you are. That can’t happen if we’re “sitting, waiting, wishing” rather than getting involved in the communities where we serve.
