A Conspiracy of Needs and Responses

 

I was overwhelmed the first part of the week by the response of our congregation to the invitation to let us know of their needs or ability to meet needs. We received a larger than expected number of responses, which indicates how Sunday’s worship spoke to so many at both ends of the spectrum. As I looked at the cards, I was amazed at how many of the needs matched up so well with the willingness of others to meet them. During this week, we have connected those parties so that ministry might take place.

 

This Sunday you will see a board in the vestibule that contains the cards that we were not able to match up. I am confident that as people peruse the board, they will see needs that they can meet or they will see responses that speak to needs they have. You will then be able to make connections on your own that will result in life-changing ministry. 

 

The problem with doing something like this on one Sunday means that only those who were present were able to participate. For those of you who weren’t with us Sunday, you can still be a part of our “breathing together” (the meaning of “conspiracy”) the breath of Jesus. First, read Acts 2:42-47 in order to understand the biblical basis for this ministry effort. Then, come by the church to fill out a card or go online to submit a need or response. We will update the “Barnabas Board” (see Acts 4:32-37) over the next couple of weeks to give enough time for us to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit in being a transforming community of believers in Jesus Christ, just like the Early Church.

 

As I said Sunday, I’ve never known of a church to try something like this, so we’re learning as we go along. But we’re not alone in the journey. The Spirit of the Risen Jesus is with us, drawing us closer together toward becoming the church that He desires us to be. Perhaps other churches will take notice and try something similar so that our self-centered culture might see a different and better way of life, and in the process the Lord will add to our number those who are being saved – materially, spiritually, and vocationally, which is what salvation is ultimately supposed to be.