The Church in the WorldThe Church in the WorldImpacting Our Communities Through the Power of the Gospel

IntroductionIntroduction

The ACC Church◦ In the world, not

of the world◦ Reaching out in

our communities to affect positive change in a lost and fallen world through the power of the Gospel

Approach to the TopicApproach to the TopicA sincere love for this churchA firm belief that we approach worship

with a sincere desire to serve the LordAn honest look at who we are as a

body, with respect to our influence/impact in our local communities

A belief that an important component of the church is to reach the lost in our communities

Understanding that there is a severe lack of understanding of who Christ is and what the gospel can offer

Impact on the ChurchImpact on the Church

Church Impacting the Church Impacting the WorldWorld

Community DefinedCommunity DefinedHow do we define the community?

◦A group of people living and interacting in a common location

◦In a highly mobile society our community begins to expand

◦In a society that is increasingly driven by technology our community begins to reach beyond geographical barriers

◦Our community is everyone we come in contact with through a variety of means

InfluencesInfluencesInfluences impacting our

communities◦Media◦Pop Culture◦Technology

Ever increasing the reach of outside influences

◦Education System◦The Community Itself◦False Teachers

InfluencesInfluencesThe Constant Bombardment

The average American watches 4 hours of TV per day

The average American spends 28 hours per month online

The average American teenager spends 31 hours per week online

On average, a child between the ages of 8-18 spends 7.5 hours per day using some form of electronic media\device

InfluencesInfluencesWhat do these influences have to

offer?◦A focus on self◦A focus on materialism◦Empty/False idols◦A perspective on life that is devoid of

meaning◦No true purpose in life

Why Be Concerned?Why Be Concerned?Why should we be concerned

about the community?◦John 3:16 – For He so loved the world◦Luke Chapter 15 – His love and

concern for those who are lost◦Mark16:15 – The great commission

Prepared to ServePrepared to ServeHow do we as a body prepare

ourselves to be in a position to positively impact our communities◦Draw on the strength of the body◦The Power of Prayer◦We grow and mature as believers◦A spirit of service for the Lord◦A foundation in the Word of God

Preparation - The Strength of Preparation - The Strength of the Bodythe Body

As the body of Christ, we must leverage the strength and support of the brethren

Develop and foster a strong sense of community within our own congregations

We must develop the spiritual gifts found within our congregations

Open dialogue with our congregations with regards to their efforts in the community

Preparation - The Power of Preparation - The Power of PrayerPrayerWe must be actively praying for

our communitiesWe must actively pray for God’s

guidance in where we can join Him in His work within the community

We must actively pray for the church and our involvement in this work

Prayer groups

Preparation - Spiritual Preparation - Spiritual MaturityMaturityHow are we growing and maturing

as believers within our church walls?◦Foster spiritual growth so that our body

may be better prepared to serve ◦Provide opportunities for believers to be

actively involved within the church◦Draw on the strength of mature

believers within the congregation◦Mentorship program

A Spirit of ServiceA Spirit of ServiceWe must be

actively looking for areas to serve◦Bible study◦Small group

gatherings◦Actively serving in

the community◦Encourage a passion

to serve the Lord where He is working

A Spirit of ServiceA Spirit of ServiceStepping Up

◦Believers committed to service◦Be willing to serve

Matthew 9:37-38 Philippians 2: 1-4

◦The Lord provides strength Philippians 4:13

◦Encourage others to serve◦Push our comfort zone…

Pushing our Comfort ZonePushing our Comfort ZoneChrist set the exampleHe’s asking us to dedicate our

lives for His Kingdom◦The Apostle Paul◦The Apostle Peter

A Foundation in the WordA Foundation in the WordIt is crucial that we stand on the

foundation of the Word of GodWe must continue to stand for the

Truth, regardless of the circumstances

For the sake of “numbers”, churches can fall prey to the notion that a watered down version of the gospel will be more attractive

We must preach Christ crucified

Breaking ThroughBreaking ThroughHow do we as a body break

through the tremendous power of the influences of the world?◦Do we have a tangible presence in

our communities?◦What impact, if any, have we had on

the community around us?◦How do we respond to the needs of

our communities?

A Tangible PresenceA Tangible PresenceTo have an impact on our

communities we must have a tangible presence

Other than the sign outside, what is our presence in the community?

Identify our strengths and ask the Lord to use us for His purpose

Shining the light of Christ so that others may see

ImpactImpactServing in our communities can be a

powerful witness of the love of ChristService may be represented from

the Church body◦Outreach programs◦Volunteer efforts

Service may be represented from the individuals within the Church◦Shining the light of Christ through our

experiences with those in the worldWe may not see the end result of

our labor, but there will be an impact

Responding to the NeedsResponding to the NeedsThe world around us is in desperate

need of the message of the gospelWhen we are presented with a need

from the community, we must respond with the love of Christ

Involvement in our communities helps us to understand and identify where we can do His work

Impact on the ChurchImpact on the ChurchWe grow closer to the LordWe grow closer together as a

family of believersWe grow spiritually as a bodyWe gain a better understanding

of who we are in ChristWe gain the blessing of joining

the Lord in His work

The Church in the WorldThe Church in the World

Q&A