Which is it?

Outreach - Discipleship - Community

Why does it seem churches choose one area to concentrate on? Is evangelism a strength? Is discipleship a strength? Do churches that don't choose one or the other dabble in both and not succeed? Can a growing church have great discipleship base? Can a Bible based church have a strong outreach ministry?

I have been encouraged by a couple of things Tim and Jay have mentioned recently at Westview. We need to be aware of those around us. Inviting them into relationships with us. I don't think it is as much about inviting them to an event or program, it REALLY is about connecting and building meaningful relationships with others. Then inviting them into relationship with their LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Genesis Ch 11 the people of Babel were trying their best to please God by building a magnificent tower. God used their efforts and ambition to confuse them - which led them to spread out eventually created a greater impact for God's Kingdom than they could have ever imagined.

As we go about our busy church lives, maybe we need to refocus on our 'vertical relationship' (House of Prayer) and our 'horizontal relationship' (Serving Church) with GOD. That is how we can become better disciples and witnesses and in time impact the greater community.

kjw 1.28.08