Every individual and organization has five major points of influence in their community. Three of those points are common to all followers of Christ. At the Ministry of Leadership and Communications the goal is to recognize that God gives all of us various areas of "sweet spots" to operate with and thank God we live in communities with lots of personalities, character, and talent. At MLC we try to work with leaders in recognizing their talents and then guide them in ways to use their gifts in acts of worship that build up the community.
Common-Union
Both privately and publicly God uses people to reach other people. Corporately the community should fellowship together in areas of evangelism (communicating the message of Christ.) There is also the matter of planning through out-loud, prayer and praise. This accomplishes two things 1. We meet together and agree to bring our thoughts, needs and thanks to the table. 2. We listen for God's direction in planning and in that way many a great plan has been tweaked and endorsed by God. This is the reason why Paul writes, "Don't forsake the fellowship." We need one another and when we meet in the presence of God prayer becomes a strong point in the process of building community. "When we get together in prayer and worship we can agree with one another and when we are honest with God and one another we are practicing good faith and the act of "loving God with all our heart soul and mind and loving one another as we would like to be loved."
Matt 22:40- Something to hang your briefs on!
Jesus says that "Love is the fulfillment of the law. "On it hang all the law and the prophets." It gives that image from Gilbert and Sullivan's "Trial by Jury" when the judge croons to the lawyers; "put your briefs upon the shelf- I will marry her myself." In community building when you have people who love one another and God so much that they commit a routine of prayer together: good things happen!
Integration is integrity in action
When prayer becomes public relations and campaigning it is being manipulated through political means. The results are often a case of "getting what you paid for." God knows when you are praying your agenda and not so much your heart and mind. Yet when prayer is practiced in private and in public and it is integrated in your daily life at home, at work and in your community, it is a point of character development. It is a sign of leadership and more importantly servant leadership. It is also a sign of excellence in leadership. The praying leader, the praying husband and wife, the praying family, and the praying community integrates prayer (including God in the plans) in everything. By definition that is integrity. Show me a community whose leader's private policy and public policy align with God's plans, and watch a leader with integrity and character emerge.
Identify the solution
The Biblical standpoint,systematic theological living, and evangelical lifestyle are three sciences that we write and practice at MLC. While we don't always get it right we don't abandon the foundations. At Advent we wrote a study of the elements of preparing for the arrival of the baby Jesus. At Lent we prepare the elements of the risen Christ, and throughout our time of the year we prepare one another for his return. The elements of Advent are studying what God says about "hope," "peace," "love" and "joy." As we wait in the waiting rooms of our culture, at terminals, hospitals, institutions, and car repair shops, we can choose to grumble at our delays, or we can recall the promises of God's plan for you and me, "a plan of hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11), a plan of peace, "The Lord gives strength to his people" he sings, "the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11). A law of love in a place where they say "you can't legislate morality or immorality," Jesus says our approach is, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself ," (Matt 22:39-40), and then there is the process of transformation in Romans 12 ("renewing your mind and heart as a living sacrifice), when we do that day in and day out we also fill and refill with the Holy Spirit which makes our joy complete. (1: John 14).
Likewise and Mission Coffee
At Mission Coffee we are meeting every Tuesday morning for Prayer Points at 6:30-8:20 in the morning. On Wednesday from 11:30 to 12:30 join us for the new Likewise interview program where we will interview community leaders, authors, pastors and others. On Wednesday nights from 6-8:30 Mission Coffee is hosting a new couple's study, relationship and outreach series open to all area churches. On Mondays you can read about Evangelism, Tuesday, Prayer Points, Wednesday, Media that feeds culture, Thursday, Special Needs Ministries, and on Friday, Community Building on the Front Range. Starting Monday, March 18, bring a copy of this syndicated column and get a free cup of drip coffee when you buy a handcrafted barista Drink at Mission Coffee Roasters. To register for Mission Coffee Gatherings please e-mail Missioncoffee@juno.com. Mission Roasters opens next week March 18 and is located on Ridgeline east of Voyager parkway and three blocks north of Interquest. For information and to order coffee for home, work or church no matter where you are please call 888-673-4069.
Mission Coffee Roasters near Colorado 80920
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- 11641 Ridgeline Dr
- Colorado Springs
- (719) 203-5163
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