How are we engaging the world?

This afternoon I have been thinking about this question. We have services on Sunday filled with people where great fellowship, singing, worship, communion, lay leadership and pastor's sharing is enjoyed. I was with a Church family in Washington this morning who appear to know that disciples are supposed to make disciples. And, I believe they are catching it and some have actually caught it, some will never catch it. You may know a Church body like this. By the way I enjoyed the service and the excitement the family has for Jesus and the concern they have for their community. It is a rare deal to see and feel what I experienced this morning in America.

BUT THE QUESTION STILL LOOMS IN MY MIND...

How are believers engaging the world?

*Do we just invite our friends to church on Sunday?
*Do we have our neighbors over for a dessert night or bar-b-Que?
*Do we stop and speak with those in hotel lobbies or restaurants?
*Do we invest in people when we can noticeably see that they are hurting?
*Do we participate in a local church event to attract people?
*How do you engage the world?


HOW are believers engaging the world?

These are good questions (maybe) but there looms a larger question in my mind.

Are we around the world as the Body of Christ engaging the world corporately through the ministries of the church OR are we as believers personally engaging the world through our own passions and gifting? Or both?

HOW are you engaging the world? Are you expected to engage the world by your church leadership? Are you held accountable to do it? Or, do you hide behind the corporate structures and programs of your church to do it all?

I presume (a dangerous thing to do) that a majority of believers around the world do not do both corporate and personal world engagement. I would also dare to say that over 95% of believers especially in America do the corporate gig pretty well while neglecting personal responsibility to get in the trenches with the world and with great sacrifice at that.

I'm saddened, no reference to the church above, that believers do not understand the mandate to learn how to make disciples and then go out and do it themselves.

After 100 sermons, 50 Bible Studies and thousands of hours at church (the building) how can NOT every Christ follower know how to make disciples themselves? And, how can they NOT know that it is their personal responsibility to do so with strong accountability.

I fear we would rather invite people to church than engage people in the world. While we are focusing on inviting people to our church we miss being the Church that invites them to Jesus.

At lunch today, I engaged a beautiful family who recently moved to Washington State from Texas. They attend a Jehovah's Witness Church. Will you pray for this family?

By the way, I was reading Matthew 23:15 where Jesus said, (Bear with me if you are a K.J.V. lover) "Yes, how terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn them into twice the son of Hell as you yourselves are."

Remember: Jesus said it, not the Planter.