Scripture: “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”Revelation 2:7
In many parts of the world, the Name of Jesus is unknown or hated, making it unsafe to share your Christian faith. However, God calls Christians to "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone" (Mark 16:15).
Embedded Missionaries
In obedience to this, my church has formed a team that is ready to follow the example of Jesus' original disciples. Quitting their jobs and leaving their extended families behind, they will rebuild their lives in a place where many people do not know the life-saving power of the Lord that can "truly set us free" (Galatians 5:1). Where they will live, it is dangerous to talk about Christianity; so as our missionaries build their lives there, they will also build relationships with their new neighbors and coworkers, striving to live so that people wonder what's different about them and want to know the Lord. With support from each other -- and other "undercover" Christians in the area -- they will live to share God's love with others.
Reaching Out through Relief
My church also shares God's Word through disaster relief. We send teams to stricken areas, where they serve in Jesus’ name -- cleaning and rebuilding structures, and helping those with medical needs.
The Apostle Paul instructed believers to "use your freedom to serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13). This follows Jesus' example: "the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others" (Mark 10:45). The people from my church can tell those whom they serve that they are helping them because of the Lord.
Online Evangelism
Some Christians don't have the ability or opportunity to leave their homes to minister. Therefore, many people in our church use the Internet to share God's Word. Using email, social media, and sites like this one, everyday Christians can touch the lives of people around the world with God's love -- sharing discipleship tools, prayer, and simple fellowship from a world away. This kind of ministry helps fulfill the promise of Scripture that one day "every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).
Churches around the world use these methods to share the Gospel where it's needed most. How does your church share God's love with the world?
Prayer, Care and Share Jesus
* The Prayer, Care and Share Jesus (PCS) series is a guide to help you PRAY and CARE for others and SHARE your faith in Jesus *
“Is your church making disciples?”
Revelation 2:7
Revelation 2:7
Jesus' call to His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) is not only to individuals, but to the whole church.
A church making disciples reaches out to its community and often to far-away communities too, to make disciples.
How do you know if your church is making disciples?
If every member of the church can live as a disciple of Jesus, the church will be truly missional. The pastor will be able to say: "All the members of this church go out daily into the community and pray the blessing of God on all people and places. They care for people in need, befriend them, and and share the gospel with people who don’t know Jesus as their Savior." A church that is making disciples encourages its members to be part of a small group that shares testimonies and encourages each other. They “sharpen” each other in evangelism and discipleship, and are energized and motivated to continue in their outreach.
If the description above does not fit your church, but you would like it to, schedule a meeting with your pastor. Tell him that there are simple ways to mobilize the church to be mission-minded -- reaching out in the community and around the world.
Your PRAY NOW Challenge: "Lord, I pray that You will use me to serve or be a catalyst to change my church into a disciple-making church that works every day to carry out your commands. In the Name of Jesus, Amen."
Tell us how it is going!
Click here to share what changes God is making in your life and how this guide is helping you.
