To be honest I have never thought of myself as a blogger. Don’t get me wrong I always have plenty of thoughts and always plenty to say, just never thought anyone would want to listen. A friend of mine is a great blogger and I really get inspiration from reading his blogs. So I thought maybe I could inspire someone.
For 10 years I had the privilege to pastor an urban church in Kansas City, KS (where I was raised). Over those 10 years I learned a lot and hopefully taught (or inspired some). I am no longer a pastor of a local congregation, but I am still a minister. I now work in the district office for the Assemblies of God Kansas (AGK). I work alongside our District Superintendent as his Executive Assistant. I am also the District Outreach Director. I am anticipating that this is where most of my Post 10 blogging will come from.
One of the things God helped us to do in our Kansas City church was reach our community. I truly believe we were a community church. We did everything we could to help meet the needs of our community (physically, emotionally, and even financially at times). We actually started in Jerusalem, before we went to Judea and Samaria. Don’t get me wrong we gave, supported and went on mission trips, but our purpose from God was to reach out to our multi-cultural community, and that we did. A lot of what we did was benevolence type outreach: We were in an urban area and there were always plenty of people needing benevolence.
Ministering in the area I was raised in was a big plus for me and our church. I understood the people, because I was one of them. Now, I don’t live in an urban area, but I find myself still drawn to the needs of others. With the economy today there are people hurting in all walks of life. They may not need a free meal or free school supplies for their kids, but they do need something; they need someone to listen and understand their hurt. The pains of life are not restrained by social or economical status. The attacks may be different, but the pain is real.
Look around and see where you can be involved in your community and begin meeting the needs of others as you look to meet your own needs. Sometimes all it takes is a look.
Well said friend. Now you’re a blogger and the whole world is going to expect a lot from you. Don’t let us down!
Welcome to blogosphere Andy. I hope that you get to help other church reach their community. You’re the real deal. Glad to be counted as your friend.
Keep the blogs coming.