A local church should not be just a local church. . . Pray for Eric on his missions trip.
With a very busy schedule these days, that involves a bit of traveling, sometimes I ask myself why not just do the minimum?
Or, I could ask the same question from the point of view of Eric. He texted me last night from LAX. He was preparing to fly to Shanghai on a missions trip. Anyone who has ever flown internationally knows that he has a long trip in front of him.
Why should Eric invest so much in going to China on a missions trip?
It would be so much easier to stay at home – – to never do any special preaching series – – or to not worry about speaking to people in China. From my end, it certainly would be less work to not write.
So, I ask myself, why not just worry about our local church?
But, then I remember – “A local church is not supposed to be a local church.” The New Testament envisions Christians involved in local assemblies of believers. But, the mandate, the Great Commission that Christ gave to local assemblies was to make disciples not only across the street (though we must do that as well) but also across the ocean. Christ said, “Go into all the Word to make disciples.” If a local church is simply local, then it is not being obedient to the mandate given by our Lord to go into all the world (Matthew 28:18-20
).
So, a local church (one that looks inwardly only to itself) is not a local church. Nothing invigorates and energizes a local church like being involved in global ministries. And, it’s no wonder, because that’s what God intended.
Never has there been an opportunity for a local church to be less of a local church then there is today. The internet alone offers breathtaking possibilities for communicating with people all over the globe.
Is your “local church” just a local church – – -if so, then it’s not hearing the commission Christ gave to his people.
See also:
People Who Understand What is More Precious Than Gold and Sweeter Than Honey
I am asking my wife and children to watch this video
