Equip
Equip: “To supply with necessities such as tools or provisions. To furnish with the qualities necessary for performance.”
One of the most important parts of the vision of Living Hope Church going forward is to equip people to do what God made them to do, and release people to go where God has called them to go. Our vision is: “to simply, authentically, and passionately, help people know and follow Jesus Christ”
As you look at the great commandment and the history (the first 30 years) of the church in Acts, it is simple to see four things that matter. It was very important that people experienced Christ. That is why our weekend matters so much. That is why 40% of everything we spend and do is about helping people experience Jesus. The first chair at our Living Hope table is “Experience Christ”.
80% of the first century population could neither read nor write so everything they learned about Jesus was through what the Apostles told them of their own experiences. The first century church had a culture of reaching everyone with the gospel of Christ.
The second thing that mattered was that people were committed. They were devoted. It is at chair two where we help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Jesus never asked for a fan club, but rather followers. The early church had a culture of connecting and committing. In the early church they were committed to the point of death. Our second chair is “Engage in commitment”. We believe the Bible teaches us to help people get committed and engage. In a culture saturated with mediocrity, our commitment is to help people return to the true essence of radical Christianity where people are serving each other.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. Acts 2:42. The people in the first century were devoted to each other and to Jesus. That happens best through small groups, and through serving (volunteering).
The Third chair is about equipping the church. Ephesians 4:12 says of leaders: “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ."
Michelle, along with many of our staff and pastors are so excited to see people equipped and discipled. Currently, EQUIP is mostly on Thursdays. In January, we have many options, classes and opportunities to learn, grow and be equipped.
I am beginning to disciple three of our young pastors, and believe this will be one of the most important things I will personally do in regards to investing in next generation leaders.
I remember when I was a new Christ follower, and hungry to learn. The more I was equipped by Pastor Neal and others, the more passion I had to continue doing what God was calling me to do. Part of that journey was going to Seminary and learning. It has always been a passion of Michelle and myself to be students of the Word of God. It is my hope and prayer that many of you will develop a similar passion, and that all of us will make it a priority to be daily in His word.
The fourth thing we see in was the importance on reaching their community. Look at what Jesus said about it: “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:37-40.
Our fourth chair at living hope is called “Extend to Community’. This is where we turn away from the table and see the needs of those around us, and serve in any way we can “The least of these.” Through mission’s trips to Joplin and Mexico, crusades in India and Nicaragua, or feeding and clothing the homeless in our own neighborhood, there are many ways we can serve Him, through serving others.
To be transformed by the renewing of our minds should be a life long pursuit of every Christ follower. I encourage each of you to look at the classes and training options as they come available and take a class if you can. We will do all we can to help equip you for the work of the Lord.
I look forward to running the race together with each of you!
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