Churches often see themselves as "providers of religious goods and services" in their location. They relegate themselves to society's "faith and religion" aspects and do their best to stay in their lane. However, the Church of Jesus Christ is called to make an impact on the world it is a part of. For centuries, the church has seen itself as a solution provider, creating hospitals and universities and responding to humanitarian needs. Today, where your church is located, there are problems and needs that your church can address.
Here's how your church can be a solution provider in your community.
Get to know fellow community builders. As a pastor, you are a community builder. You aren't just relegated to spiritual issues; you want to see the community as a whole being lifted up and people living their best lives. This is why you need to form relationships with your mayor, city councillors, first responders, educators, business community and more.
Get out and join a community league or attend council sessions. Make appointments with people and listen. Be an encouragement and listen to the needs that are out there.
Partner with community organizations. Many organizations in your community are trying to make your community a better place to live. They aren't all Christian. That's ok. You can partner with community organizations and help them achieve their goals. You can become a community builder by partnering with other agencies addressing your community's needs.
Pray for your community. Don't just pray for your church people. Get out and pray for the needs that you are hearing about in your community. Physically, go and pray for your community. Pray for schools. Pray for homes. Pray for government buildings. Pray for the peace of your city. God will hear your prayer.
Listen and respond. Here's the thing about being a solution provider: you need to be a listener first. Listen to the people in your community. Listen to other community builders. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Once you hear from God, respond. And it doesn't need to be a big planned-out thing. Just do something, even if it's a one-time response. This will lead to other things.
So, what are you doing to be a solution provider in your community? How can you increase the quality of life by your presence as a church?
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.