Last Sunday, eight local congregations cancelled their normal services and met together for CareFest ’11. This is the second time we have done this. And it truly is an overwhelming day.
It starts with a worship service which launches us into serving the community at 16 different project sites. CareFest is one way love God by loving people.
Reflecting on the morning, I came away with some thoughts.
The power of the body of Christ. When churches combine their efforts to live on mission with God, greater power is on display than if each church went off on its own. Yes there is strength in numbers. But there is also a broader cross-section of gifts, ideas and wisdom that would not otherwise be available.
The power of single exposure. Having eight churches together in the same place at the same time listening to the same sermon and serving in similar ways is incredibly valuable. Even though these eight churches may not meet together for another year, each person was exposed to the same truth at the same time.
The power of the outside voice. Perhaps it’s like the kid who won’t respond to a parent’s instruction on playing the piano but will respond well to a teacher’s piano instruction. Hearing the truth from someone else’s lips outside our normal circles can bring authority to the concept.
The power of Christ's reputation. As stated by some of my colleagues, it is great to see the reputation of Christ connected with serving, with no strings attached. Often Christians are known more for what they are against instead of their love and compassion.
So in thinking about future CareFests and other opportunities to be on mission together, I wonder how the church at central DuPage County can work together to provide multiple opportunities for every man, woman and child to see and hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church must exist for the world.
It starts with a worship service which launches us into serving the community at 16 different project sites. CareFest is one way love God by loving people.
Reflecting on the morning, I came away with some thoughts.
The power of the body of Christ. When churches combine their efforts to live on mission with God, greater power is on display than if each church went off on its own. Yes there is strength in numbers. But there is also a broader cross-section of gifts, ideas and wisdom that would not otherwise be available.
The power of single exposure. Having eight churches together in the same place at the same time listening to the same sermon and serving in similar ways is incredibly valuable. Even though these eight churches may not meet together for another year, each person was exposed to the same truth at the same time.
The power of the outside voice. Perhaps it’s like the kid who won’t respond to a parent’s instruction on playing the piano but will respond well to a teacher’s piano instruction. Hearing the truth from someone else’s lips outside our normal circles can bring authority to the concept.
The power of Christ's reputation. As stated by some of my colleagues, it is great to see the reputation of Christ connected with serving, with no strings attached. Often Christians are known more for what they are against instead of their love and compassion.
So in thinking about future CareFests and other opportunities to be on mission together, I wonder how the church at central DuPage County can work together to provide multiple opportunities for every man, woman and child to see and hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church must exist for the world.
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