Why are outreach ministries important? We look at the book of Acts and talk about the importance, purpose and need of the upcoming “Back 2 School Bash” on Augusts 23.
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This week, instead of continuing our series on 1 Corinthians, we’re going to be looking at selections from the book of Acts. I know, it’s a bit of a whiplash. Usually when we start a series, it doesn’t get abandoned on week two. Especially the type of series we have been doing for the past 2 school years…where we study alongside the Teen Bible Quizzing program.
I have to be honest with you and myself. It’s not always going to come together. When I study the chapter in preparation for writing a sermon, sometimes things just don’t click. Sometimes they need to simmer a little before we can get into them.
And so today we are going to be taking some time in this post to talk about the work of the Church. Specifically we are going to talk about the early church and how we are living out God’s call in our context today.
And so as we are only 20 days away from this big event, we’re going to talk about our next outreach event: the “Back to School Bash.”
Where did this idea come from?
This year our District Superintendent led a conversation with our leadership and myself. This is a review that happens 2 years after a pastor is called to serve, and then every 4 years after…assuming both church and pastor want to continue on in the relationship.
One of the encouraging things DS Andy suggested was doing something to connect and bless our community. The concern, for us, that usually gets in the way of doing more than Sunday services and classes is a matter of volunteers.
For an event-style outreach, we need more folks than currently come on Sunday.
DS Andy suggested that people across the district would come and help. The theme he has been sharing with the whole district is that we (churches) are “better together.”
We can support each other in what we are doing and in that, we’re being missional.
Our church is a prime recipient of such outside help: the roof, the gutters, the remodel of the parsonage and additional work at the church.
The West wing classroom. We did some things ourselves, but having individuals from other churches giving of their time made the work much more feasible and made for a better end result.
So DS Andy has put the word out to the district. I was able to talk to people in person at District Assembly. Inviting them to come and help in various ways at this event.
Anyway, with that encouragement for outside help, we were open to dream and pray about what outreach activity we could do…
We had already decided to donate locally to help with lunch debt in the Viroqua school system.
But what else could be done to reach our neighbors?
In addition to encouraging circumstances of outside help, this event came out of a time of prayer.
Here in the book of Acts, the followers of Jesus, those who just spent a great deal of time with him after his resurrection, had no other plans than to stay in Jerusalem and WAIT. In the waiting, they were praying. They were unified in that time of prayer. They were waiting for the Holy Sprit, though they probably were very surprised how the Spirit came. But they weren’t surprised by the
spirit’s arrival. They were expecting it. They trusted, believed what Jesus said.
Back to us today. The idea for the Back to School Bash came out of prayer. We would host an outdoor back to school event. Besides activities, food and fellowship at this event, we would make school supplies available for those in need to take and use in the upcoming school year.
How are we able to do this?
Read Acts 2:42-45 – Care for each other’s needs
Here in chapter two, they’ve got the Holy Spirit and they are giving themselves to the teachings of the Apostles and caring for others out of selfless giving.
Why do you think believers give so that no one among them is in need?
We do it not just for the virtue of helping others. We do it because we recognize “our stuff” isn’t really our stuff.
- Our possessions
- Talents
- Skills
- Gifts
- Interests
- And yes money…
It’s all from God. We just steward or manage it. We’ve got to hold on to it with a loose grip.
I’ve already said, we have folks from other churches supporting us. They’re praying. They coming to help. They’re lending us equipment. But another element is your faithful giving to this local church.
As God has blessed you, provided for you…He calls us to give back, to join Him in the work he is doing. And to participate in the harvest and experience the spiritual dividends of that participation.
In our church, members are encouraged to participate in storehouse tithing. This is a form of percentage based giving, 10% of what you regularly receive. As these donations come into the local church, the church is able to plan a budget based on this giving. A budget that includes also supporting missions, evangelism, and compassion around the world.
[For more information about how local giving works within out local, district and denomational lines, I’ve included the following info graphic PDF.]
Because of consistent, faithful and generous giving, we are confident in stepping out to reach the community.
You might think your tithe is insignificant.
I’ll tell you: it is not. Everything adds up.
But most importantly, it involves you in the work God is doing in a very tangible way.
I’ll say it again, the level at which we are comfortable to invest in this event is linked to the giving that comes into the church.
We’ve covered where the idea came from, how we are able to do it, but…
What are we doing? Gathering kindling.
...Ate together with glad and sincere hearts…God gave them favor of all the people. People were added to those being saved…
What are we doing?
We’re gathering kindling. We are preparing for a fire, for God to come through and draw people to him through this local church.
By the way, we aren’t lighting the fire. The Holy Spirit does this.
Our job comes after: how will we respond? Will we faithfully feed the fire, stoke it, add larger sticks then logs?
We’ve got to respond to whatever the Holy Spirit does through this event and not waste it.
Acts 3 tells about Peter and John heading to the temple at the time of prayer. They were about God’s work, meeting with him faithfully in prayer. Along that way was a beggar who couldn’t walk. He expected a handout, he received a “hand up”. Peter and John healed him in Jesus’ name.
While Peter and John were doing their normal everyday stuff, an opportunity came.
Opportunities like that add fuel to the fire.
What can I expect & How can I help?
Expect: People. Different people with different needs and expectations.
- Some might just want to be around other people, just sit and talk
- Some come for the free food. They are in need, hungry. We can meet that need so far as hot dogs and chips can satisfy.
- Some come for the activities and community. They like playing yard games, but want a chance to meet new people and make friends. Games and such are an open door for conversations to take place among people of similar places in life (young parents, parent of teens, grandparent)
- Some may even come because of the free school supplies. Again, perhaps there is someone who will come who will be in need and we can help meet that need.
How can you help? Variety of ways
- Be available to greet folks, being friendly and welcoming. Try to at least learn their first name and say it when you say goodbye.
- Be knowledgeable. Like if someone asks you where the bathroom is or the line for the food, walk them there instead of just pointing and giving directions.
- Additionally Be willing to…
- Serve food
- Make snow cones
- Monitor the obstacle course
- Invite a new acquaintance to play a game with you.
- People are watching us
Gather Dry Kindling
Right now, we are gathering dry kindling.
- Praying.
- Gathering volunteers. Inviting other churches on our district to share in this event. Support our efforts, inspire them to similar actions.
- Collecting donations of school supplies or the money to buy them.
- Every event needs people who will show up and be willing to do whatever is needed, but if some has a particular skill or interest, I’d rather use that. Maybe you’re not so great with chitchat but you are a solid grill master, I’d love to talk to you about cooking up the hotdogs for the meal.
Read: Acts 5:12-16
I don’t know about you, but I would love to see lives restored! It all starts with a spark. A spark that uses the fuel that is provided. Let’s prepare for a bonfire started and sustained by the Holy Spirit! Let’s go into this event expecting and trusting God to move and work.
Viroqua Naz 