Week three of my current message series on outreach and evangelism invited hearers to consider the importance of having a “close-proximity” faith. If we are going to be the “salt of the earth,” as Jesus called us to be, we have to get “out of the saltshaker” once in awhile (to borrow the title of an classic on the topic). We have to be prepared to make space in our lives to be with people (in the best sense of that term)…not viewing them as “evangelistic targets” but being open enough that we can develop the kind of relationships in which listening, loving service and good news are shared.
This is a real challenge for me as a pastor, as I confess in this message. My personality and my job description make it all too easy for me to invest all my time with church people doing church things. But I truly am attempting to find ways to connect with a broader ranger of people in my community. I’d love to hear from others about the ways in which other pastors are doing that.
So, with the help of a dinner plate from my wife’s good china (you’ll have to read the message to know what that’s about), here is A Close-Proximity Faith.
Thanks be to Pastor Alex, and God speaking through him!
This is a message that is neither given nor heard often enough — simple acts of compassion, caring, really listening, not judging on a daily basis can build a solid foundation on which relationships with others, the church and God are formed. Yes, you have to put yourself out there in order to do that, but we are never alone in this effort. God is always with us, and if we listen, He will guide us as we help others. And in helping others we learn, we grow in our faith, and often find blessings and gifts in surprising ways.
We don’t have to all be church scholars, great students of the Bible – able to quote chapter and verse, nor do we have to have all the answers to be good Christians and to share that blessing with others. I think it’s just important that we share whatever we’ve got. (Even if it isn’t the best china!)