Christian psychologists say people attend church in order to fulfill four basic needs:
• A universal fear of death
• Life is empty without Jesus regardless of economic status
• Everyone wants his or her life to have value and count
• We all have a need to be loved and accepted

Historically, the church has been successful in revealing Christ Jesus, giving people eternal security and making people feel loved. There is, however, one key component that has been overlooked: finding people a place of purpose for each person who attends the church. A study by George Barna shows four primary reasons why people stop attending church:

• They believe churches only want their money.
• They become bored with routine services
• They view church as irrelevant to real life.
• Pastors make people feel guilty.

Attending church will become irrelevant and routine if the core leadership fails to provide people with purpose that is gained by serving in an area of ministry. When people do not find a cause to support, they remain disconnected from the need to give of themselves, relinquish the guilt, and stop attending.

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people; for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)

In the above Scripture, notice that after the Apostle Paul states the five positions of leadership, the job description ends with the statement, “to prepare God’s people for works of service.”

In the book of I Samuel, David faced a similar situation. God’s army was stuck. Israel had been paralyzed for a long time. Their leadership saw the task of taking the land as much too great. The Lord knew what Israel needed was a faith-filled leader. Then along came David who asked, “Is there not a cause in Israel?” Through David’s willingness to step out and fight, God inspired His people to launch out of their “comfort zones”. Because of this one man’s boldness to step out, a giant was defeated and it inspired the people to fight the Philistines and take the land.

Here is some good news! As I travel for the Dream Center, I am meeting leaders who realize their calling to their communities and cities. They value that calling, as well as their commitment to the congregations they oversee. These leaders realize the local church is not a hiding place for closet Christians, but rather a base for area operations. They have the opinion that the Great Commission is not just a cliché, but a direct mandate from Christ for today’s church.

There has been a shift in opinion on missions in this 21st century. This is an hour in history when God is calling us as His people to step out of the box. A wind is blowing across our land, drawing leaders to a common cause and purpose—

A Holy Spirit Great Awakening is taking place again. Calling people to their Jerusalems, (representing their communities) adding their Samarias (representing neighboring urban areas) and targeting their Judahs (representing regional areas)
As God calls His church to do such uncommon acts, He now fulfills all four areas of the Great Commission domestically and abroad. This will serve to ignite a mighty revival that will sweep throughout our land.

IN EVERY AGE THERE COMES A TIME WHEN THE LORD CALLS HIS PEOPLE TO A COMMON PURPOSE.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Questions for Reflection
• What opportunities do people have in your church to serve?
• How much emphasis do you place on making your community a mission field?
• How will your congregation respond to reaching out of its four walls?
• How will your members respond when new people begin to attend?
• Would your congregation adjust well to new people of a different culture, race or economic background?

It is good to sit down with your core leaders and discuss topics such as these and develop strategies for your community. By starting with your core leadership and expanding to a broader base, you will develop strategies on how your congregation can start reaching its community as a church. When your entire church congregation as a whole takes hold of the vision that a church is not confined to its walls, they will see their community with a totally different mindset.

My staff and I would be more than happy to assist you in your endeavor in any way that we can. Please feel free to contact our office. We look forward to an opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,
Bill Craver
DCI Word Studies
www.dcimissiontrips.com
email:dcimissiontrips@gmail.com

“Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell.” —C.T. Studd