The Role of the Church in Community
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
New Church
Bill Benton, Taken from the Mobile Home News
A small town had experienced rapid growth, and the local church congregation had outgrown their building. The members formed a committee to plan and build a new church. The committee told the minister to take care of the flock and they would handle the details of church construction. The minister complied with the request and kept his distance.
As the new building was nearing completion, the committee chairman invited the minister to view their new house of worship. Entering through the main doors, the minister noted only the last row of pews had been installed.
"Since people always fill the last row of pews first, we had a special feature installed," the chairman said. He pressed a button on the wall and the pew moved forward and another popped up. The minister was impressed.
The big day finally arrived for the first service in the new church. The minister peeked out as the pews filled from the back and then moved forward. He was ecstatic.
When the time came for the sermon, the mister was so filled with joy and goodwill, he delivered his prepared message and then some.
At 12 o'clock, he was still sharing the good word when the church bells began to ring...and the pulpit and the minister slowly descended from view.
• Contextualize Acts 2:42-47 Discuss the early church's practices and how they fostered a strong, supportive community.
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
• Relevance Today: Bridge the gap between the early church's context and the modern community's challenges and opportunities.
Key Verse: Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)
Summary: Reflect on the early church's practices and their relevance to our lives today, emphasizing unity, sharing, and prayer.
Being the Light of the World
Being the Light of the World
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
• A Call to Visibility: Emphasize the importance of the Church being a visible, positive influence in the community.
• Practical Application: Share examples of how the Church can shine its light through community service, social justice, and being an example of moral and ethical leadership.
Reflection: In what ways can you be a light in your community?
Action: Identify one act of service you can perform this week.
Reflect on moments when someone else's kindness was a light in your darkness. How did it change your perspective or situation?
How can you be that light for someone else?
Fostering Unity and Support
Fostering Unity and Support
Galatians 6:10 Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
• Building a Supportive Community: Discuss the importance of supporting one another within the church and extending that support to the broader community.
• Actionable Steps: Encourage involvement in local outreach programs, support groups, and initiatives that address the needs of the vulnerable.
Reflection: In what ways can you be a light in your community?
Action: Identify one act of service you can perform this week.
Consider a time when you felt truly supported by your community. What did that support look like, and how did it make you feel?
How can you offer the same sense of belonging and support to others?
Serving with Compassion
Serving with Compassion
James 1:27 1 John 3:17-18
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
• Pure and Faultless Religion: Highlight the biblical mandate to care for the orphans, widows, and those in distress.
• Living Compassionately: Offer ways the congregation can practically express compassion in today's context, including volunteering, donations, and advocacy.
Reflection: Reflect on the needs of your community. How can you serve those who are vulnerable or in distress?
Action: Volunteer for or donate to a local charity that serves the widows, orphans, or those in need.
Reflect on the needs present in your community. How can your actions, no matter how small, make a significant difference to someone in need?
Can you recall a moment when a simple act of compassion touched your life?
Utilizing Our Gifts for Service
Utilizing Our Gifts for Service
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
• Diversity of Gifts for Common Good: Explore the variety of gifts within the Church and how they can be used to serve others and glorify God.
• Encouragement to Serve: Motivate the congregation to identify and use their gifts in service to the community, both within and outside the church walls.
Reflection: What gifts have you been blessed with, and how can you use them to serve others?
Action: Offer your time, skills, or resources to a church ministry or community project.
What are the gifts you've been given, and how often do you use them to serve others?
Reflect on how you might better use your talents to benefit those around you, both within and outside the church.
Daily Commitment to Community
Daily Commitment to Community
And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
• A Lifestyle of Generosity: Stress the importance of daily acts of kindness and generosity as a reflection of our faith.
• Examples of Generosity: Share stories or testimonies of how small acts of generosity have made significant impacts in the community.
Reflection: What are small, daily acts of kindness you can incorporate into your routine?
Action: Make a conscious effort to perform at least one act of kindness each day.
How can small, daily acts of kindness transform our community?
Think about the routine aspects of your day. Where can you incorporate acts of kindness, and what might they be?
Conclusion
Conclusion
• Reflect on Acts 2:42-47 as a Model: Reiterate how the early church's example provides a blueprint for the modern Church's role in the community.
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
• Call to Action: Encourage the congregation to commit to being more involved in their community, reflecting on how they can personally contribute to being a light in the world.
• Prayer: Close with a prayer for guidance, strength, and compassion as the congregation seeks to live out these principles in their daily lives.
Reflection: Reflect on how the early church's example can inspire our modern Church's role in the community.
Action: Write down a personal commitment to how you will contribute to being a light in your community.
As you reflect on the early church's example, how does it inspire you to act within your own community?
What specific steps can you take to live out the principles of Acts 2:42-47 in your daily life?