WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO As followers of Jesus Christ, we are citizens of a Kingdom that is breaking into the world all around us. We are called to usher in this kingdom by inviting all people to follow Christ, by advocating for the marginalized, by loving the poor, by welcoming the widows, and by adopting the orphaned. We are a people set apart, a people sent, and we must wisely steward all that is at our disposal to honor our calling. We must engage. We must bear witness to Christ who has transformed our lives and we must seek the justice that echoes in his words for the world around us. The church is God’s vessel for sending and making disciples. It is the local church that is charged with making disciples. If the church outsources the Great Commission then it sells its soul. So, the local church must be about the work of proclaiming the Good News, welcoming people into the body of Christ through baptism, and teaching people how to be obedient to Christ’s teachings. This work is to be done wherever there are not disciples. Thus, sending is critical to the very nature and identity of the local church. Allow me to borrow from David Bosch: Mission is not primarily an activity of the church, but an attribute of God. God is a missionary God… Mission is thereby seen as a movement from God to the world; the church is viewed as an instrument for that mission. There is a church because there is a mission, not vice versa. To participate in mission is to participate in the movement of God’s love toward people, since God is a fountain of sending love. Again, sending is not a program for the church to decide if we will do this or if we will do that. The mission of God is why the church exists. The church must actively connect to the Missionary God of scripture as it embraces the world in love. It is to this sending bride that sent ones, people just like you, must be connected. For when it is sends, the bride bears fruit that confirms its identity and relationship to Christ. Therefore, it is critical that you richly engage in a relationship to the local church. BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR WHAT WE DO Acts 13:2-3 (Send) 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 1:8 (Witness) 8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Amos 5:21-24 (Justice) I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! WHAT WE ARE DOING RIGHT NOW Second Saturdays On the Second Saturday of each month, we are sending teams into the community to tangibly communicate Christ's love through service. We have outfitted a trailer with necessary tools and equipment for a variety of jobs and tasks. We are assisting with the felt needs of our church family, widows, the elderly and single moms. If you have a need at your house or no of someone who needs help, please contact Matt Sprink. Immigrants and Refugees As we have looked into who our neighbors are in the greater Kansas City area we have been very encouraged by the reality that the nations have come to Kansas City. There are Somalis, Sudanese, Ethiopians, and many Latin Americans and Spanish speakers. We are doing our best to identify the felt needs of these communities and to respond in love. Our desire is to greet these neighbors with hospitality and love and to help them as they integrate into the larger community. If you'd be interested in connecting to these communities please contact Matt Sprink. HIV: The HIV community has long been stigmatized and hurt by the church. Our desire is to break that cycle of behavior and reach out in love. As a body we want to embrace those struggling with this disease both in the United States and around the world. We want to communicate to those infected with and affected by HIV that Christ loves them and so do we. If you'd like more information about HIV or are interested in serving this community please contact Matt Sprink. Orphans In Blue Springs and around the world, children are growing up without parents. We want to do our best to love and support these children. We want to champion adoption, foster care, support groups, and ministries to children living as orphans around the world. If you'd be interested in connecting to these children and organizations please contact Matt Sprink. Click the video to hear from one of our recent mission teams |
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