"Go-structures" are focused on reaching people who are living "far from God"

At our recent "Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60" seminar, our seminar leaders encouraged us to develop some "Go-structures."  Most established churches probably place a greater emphasis on "Come-structures."  "Come-structures" are our worship services, and Sunday School, and children's, and youth, and other programs to which we invite people to "come" as we seek to attract them to become involved in the ministries we have in our church.  "Go-structures" are ministries and outreaches which seek to take the love of Jesus Christ beyond the walls of the church building into the community as we follow our missional calling to "go" into all of the world, beginning in our own neighborhood.  "Go-structures" are focused on reaching people who are living "far from God" and are not inclined to look for a church to come to.  "Go-structures" create the opportunity for people to be touched by God's love and perhaps to become open to hearing the gospel.

This past Sunday a good number of folks gathered for our "Go-structures" meeting.  We talked about a number of possible "Go-structures":  Ministries in partnership with our Hispanic Fellowship; Increased participation in community ministries such as ECHO and FACETS;  A church presence at community events such as Spring-field Days;  Community services such as clothing distributions, a food pantry, block parties, and auto clinics;  Involvement in our neighborhood schools in a variety of ways;  Servant evangelism projects which seek to "share God's love in practical ways with no strings attached";  Hand-in-Hand Ministry Days;  Mission teams such as "Builders for Christ" and the Lake Placid team and the formation of teams for other mission projects;  and Home opportunities such as home Bible studies, reading clubs, and backyard Bible clubs.

Participants at the meeting on Sunday expressed particular interest in the creation of a food pantry, increased involvement with neighborhood schools, assistance with community emergency preparedness, and the development of a basketball league for youth with special needs.  Perhaps you see a need in the community and you have an interest and even a passion to help us as a church to respond to this need with the love of Jesus Christ.  The possibilities and opportunities are many!

As we continually seek to provide effective "Come-structures," we need the investment of folks throughout the congregation in the creation and development of "Go-structures."  Let us know of your community ministry ideas and your willingness to be involved in reaching out into the community with the good news of Jesus Christ!  Folks are also needed who can help to communicate our ministries to the community and to keep the congregation informed about ministry needs and opportunities to serve.  Folks who are willing to lead in prayer support are also key.  God calls all of us to be his witnesses and missionaries.  How is God leading you to "go" in ministry in His name?