On Meeting the Needs of the Community

Year ago I led a sectional at a pastors’ conference. The committee asked me to talk about meeting the needs of our communities in these difficult times. (This was years ago. Interesting, the times are always difficult.)

While ministries like coat distribution, food pantries, after school youth center and so on meet some of the needs, there is another way to look at what the community needs from the Church.

Maybe the following will give you something to think about.

The COMMUNITY needs US to read our Bible. 

While I have emphasized the importance of Bible reading for personal spiritual growth previously (and there is no surer pathway), the community needs us to read our Bible. If Christians are going to be witnesses in the community, then we need to be sure witnesses of truth—and that comes from knowing the Word. 

The COMMUNITY needs US to pray– a lot.

One of the greatest powers that the Church has is its direct access to the throne of Grace. The Church should regularly and aggressively be praying for its community:

• Public safety and health workers
• Educators
• The poor and needy
• Government officials
• The unemployed and the underemployed

All of these have special challenges which we can take straight to the God of all creation! Prayer is a work that we can do for our community.

The COMMUNITY needs US to tithe plus.

Generally, people think that tithing is to meet the “needs” of the Church. Not so!

Tithing forces Christians to rely of God instead of being money oriented. The community needs to see Christians trusting in God instead of money. That will give them hope in troubled economic times. They will see there is another way.

Tithing will keep the Church from acting like merchandisers, non-profits and beggars. Instead of being receivers, we will have resources to give to the community!

The COMMUNITY needs US to quit talking like Rush Limbaugh and Bill Maher.

The political conversation and tone in our land is:

• Cynical
• Sarcastic
• Caustic
• Bombastic

It doesn’t help the community if the Church speaks with the same kind of voice!

The COMMUNITY needs US to quit expecting non-Christian people to behave Biblically.

Of course the Church grieves at the coarse, immoral and unhealthy behavior of so many in our society.  But we have to be careful about how we react.

Imagine coming across a terrible automobile accident. If you react with shock and horror at what you see, you will be of little help to the people in need.

The Church should calm down, take a breath, and then gently share with individuals who may be far from Christ, that there is a God who loves them in spite of their behavior (just as he does us!). Our goal is not behavior modification for the community; it is to win an opportunity to introduce the Savior. 

And while we are, let’s make sure that we turn off all scorn or mockery. It is not funny for Christians to make fun of others. It makes it hard for the community to hear our message of love.

The COMMUNITY needs US to behave Biblically.

While we should not expect non-Christians to live like Christians, they need to see Christians living as Christians. Jesus saved his harshest words for those who knew better!

As you know, non-Christians in the community have a hard time hearing our message when they see our words not matching our actions. Early Christians drew others into the Church because they were distinctively different people.

The COMMUNITY needs US to love its children.

The Government can’t. 

Too many parents are unable or won’t.

Jesus does. 

So should we.

The COMMUNITY needs US to quit selling Jesus.

Sharing Jesus is more than talking people into a few religious talking points.  Studies indicate that most people know the story of Jesus, but they’re not buying it.

Instead of introducing Jesus as if he is a product to buy, let’s share him as a dear friend of ours who is a friend of sinner. We want, by the power of the Spirit, to win people, not sell them.

Which leads us to the next point.

The COMMUNITY needs US to be in proximity.

Make sure that you are engaged with neighbors and fellow workers. Walk in your neighborhood. Coach little league. Participate in a community endeavor. Hang out with friends at a coffee shop. Engage strangers.

Practice unchurchmanship: connecting with people outside of the Church community to share through words and deeds the love of Jesus.

The COMMUNITY needs US to love each other in the Church.

Christian congregations always need to have reputations of being havens of peace and joy. Unbelievers get confused about discord between believers. Within the Church we must work at getting along with the others.

Do you know the word from Jesus about not casting pearls before swine? This does not mean don’t waste your breath on people who do not appreciate what you have to offer. Commonly people understand it that way. Biblically “pearls” are a reference to the people of God. What Jesus meant about not casting pearls before swine was that Christians should not rip on other Christians in front of unbelievers. A modern phrase would be “don’t throw fellow Christians under the bus.” Jesus said, “All people will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

This world and your community have many needs. Chief among them is the need for the Christ centered ministry of Christians and their congregations.