Look For God Outside The Church
We need to look for God outside the church. Get out of the habit of thinking the only place where God works is in the church. Jesus modeled a different ministry style, and He calls us to follow Him.
Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations … I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
We can find God’s presence in the church, because Jesus said that wherever two or more of us gather in His name, He is there. But there is another side of God’s presence that we will not find until we step outside the sanctuary
1) Study the life of Jesus. Begin with his stories in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Notice how Jesus ministered. He often found ministry opportunities at the dinner table or with strangers on the streets. If you follow Him, He will lead you into similar ministry opportunities.
2) Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Ask Him to teach you. He taught the twelve disciples, teaching them not just with sermons but also by example. This worked for twelve disciples, and it can also work for us. We need to spend time listening as we pray because as we do, He will show us practical ways we can connect with people outside the church.
3) Lead people often beginning with a simple conversation. Jesus’ ministry to the woman at the well began when He asked for a drink of water; by the time the conversation ended, He was in a two-day citywide revival. Notice that He didn’t start by asking the woman at the well if she knew where she would spend eternity. He could have, and we all can; but sometimes a very human and unreligious conversation is where spiritual ministry begins. We need to be human. Be natural. But expect Christ in you to flow out at unexpected times. We need to listen as people answer our small talk; at the same time, listen with the ear of your spirit for the wisdom of God. Based on what He shows us; you can lead many people to Christ.
4) Ask God to teach you how to start conversations with people you don’t know. He may give you a question that will get the other person talking. It begins with a simple conversation. Begin as Jesus did with the woman at the well – talk about nothing important. If God takes the conversation to something more important, follow the Holy Spirit by offering to pray or minister to the person. But if God doesn’t take it any further, simply love and enjoy the person you are with. Wait for God’s timing; don't push it on your own. You can’t accomplish anything without Him. But with Him, nothing is impossible. When we were younger, we were told to shut up and listen; you might learn something. That still works as adults. Sometimes we just need to show humility and listen to someone's problems and wait for the holy spirit to give us the time when to say something and what to say. Sometimes we just don't need to say anything and just keep our opinions to ourselves and just be there for a person to have a shoulder to vent on. I have learned a lot by being silent and just listening.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we are asking for your guidance, wisdom, and support. Fill us with your grace, continue to remind us that all that we do here today is for you, all that we accomplish, is for the greater glory of You, and with guidance from you. We ask these things in your name, Amen.