Sermon Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Sermon Excerpt
Texas was my home from birth until I moved to Florida in 2007. After so many years in one place, my adjustments were many: from big city to small town, from a stable annual population to a community that swells several months each year, and from weather worries centered on tornadoes to those focused on hurricanes.
Within days of arriving, I had several conversations about hurricanes and learned that I had arrived right in the middle of something known as hurricane season. Since I started my time here living in a high-rise condo on the beach, I paid close attention to those who offered tips on being prepared.
I heard many stories of storms past, including Wilma, Charlie, and Donna. I started paying more attention to weather news than I ever had before. If bad weather was forecast somewhere in the world, I was among those in the know.
Less than a year after I arrived in Florida, Hurricane Ike hit the Texas Gulf Coast. A few months later, I found myself helping lead a mission trip unlike anything I had ever participated in. It was an amazing experience of Risk-Taking Mission and Service.
That phrase is one I don’t use lightly.
- It is one of the five practices of fruitful congregations.
- It is the guiding theme for today’s worship service.
- It is a challenge we are called to live into together as a community of faith . . . (read full manuscript)
So What?
Risk-Taking Mission and Service should be a central part of the identity of every community of faith that seeks to order itself according to the way of Jesus. Being actively engaged in making a difference in the local community isn’t simply one more ministry opportunity to add to a menu; it is something every member should participate in.
- Ministries of compassionate outreach are direct responses to Jesus’ call Ministries of feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and those who are sick, and give shelter to the shelterless. List as many of these ministries as possible that you know your congregation supports financially and/or with volunteers.
- How does your local congregation encourage volunteerism with outside organizations, especially those that seek to provide compassionate outreach in your local community?