Inside Out:
With reference to a get together at a satellite work in Monkton, West Wales:
It was November 2005, and the enthusiasm from the folks who greeted us with their mission slogan – impacted us to a degree – which still moves us today.
“Touching lives, changing people, building hope – not building steeples!” was their exuberant cry!
It became a moment which Rachel and I would never forget!
Nope! Never!
What a slogan!
Without doubt, it’s all about reaching from the INSIDE OUT – with the inside facing outward.
I know this may seem self-explanatory, but we will never win the world if we’re self absorbed!
So let me explain anyway:
Church is more than building-blocks with power-point presentations on “pack-a-pew” Sunday!
Not a place, a location, or a building.
Such structures are only there to “facilitate” God’s people.
Admittedly, a place for congregational worship assists – making easier the progress and improvement of our faith.
But it’s not where we should concentrate all of our time, energy and resources!
Why?
Because our faith doesn’t happen in services, classes, meetings, events, and programs.
Well, not completely anyway!
That may surprise you.
But Christian, remember, there are 168 hours in every week, a small percentage of which we spend together.
This could prove to be quite a conundrum!
Now listen!
A structure has a roof and walls and stands permanently in one place
It’s static!
But God isn’t!
He’s not contained in a building.
Think about it.
But then, “travelling” along the Christian pathway enables us to share with family and friends our experiences of faith in everyday life, including leisure times and those run of the mill activities!
It also gives us numerous opportunities to share our lives with others at the grocery store and market-place.
Beyond any doubt, at home, at work, at school, at play, is where our faith grows the most.
Sure, it’s touching lives, changing people, building hope – not building steeples!
That’s church in motion.
Reaching from the INSIDE OUT.
Moving in a new direction.
Turning things upside down.
Extending outward.
Making connection.
And what makes a difference is faith energized by love.
So, be passionate.
Focus your energy.
Be vibrant with life.
Have fun, and be impactful again.
Look beyond the obvious.
Be creative in your uniqueness.
Build-up hope.
Live out of the INSIDE OUT.
Support the cause.
Grow stronger in the smallness.
Celebrate in the bigness.
Then, from the top of your lungs – shout the slogan!
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
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