This week as we continue looking at community, I have questions…
Are we committed to community?
Do we think our church family as having an inward focus?
Making disciples is the focus. We strive to make our Sunday morning time cozy and comfortable. We don’t rock the theological boat, Marion is comfortable and people are welcome as long as they don’t cramp our comfortable.
Do we think of our church family as having an outward focus?
We are quick to talk about the Great Commission. Our primary focus should be advancing the gospel of Jesus… period. We are focused on inviting extended family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers to church. When we think of church, we have images of Sunday mornings that would be full of people we don’t know.
You can have strong opinions on whether the church should be inwardly or outwardly focused. And like most passionate discussions, we use scripture to defend our position…
Galatians 6:9-10 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.
Matthew 28:16-20 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Do you see the benefits of being an inward focused community?
Do you see the benefits of being an outward focused community?
Do you think Marion is an inward focused community, an outward focused community, or a healthy balance?
This week, I hope we can talk honestly about who we are and are we open to the Spirit, transforming this community into a more complete picture of the “church”.
I think we are called to be a healthy balance of inward focused and outward focused.
I think it all starts with being upward focused.
Let’s talk about it on Sunday.
We get to celebrate a beautiful part of our community this Sunday as Jae Strausbaugh will be baptized.
~ Pastor Dustin
