Talking Points with Pastor Lucas: Go First! Outreach

The Christian Church often talks about the importance of outreach. But what does outreach mean?

Intentional outreach is one of the four tenets of the MN South District Go First initiative. It’s acting upon the conviction that Christ has called us to be light bearers and hope mongers in a broken and dysfunctional world.

The third quadrant of the Go First! logo shows an ichthus, the early church symbol and code used to identify hope-filled Christians living in a chaotic and dangerous world. The color is purple, used during the season of Lent. It’s the symbol of Christ’s royal sacrifice on the cross (at the center of the logo) for the sins of the world—and a reminder of how He reaches out with His love and mercy for all humankind.

Therefore, the Holy Christian Church reaches out to both the lost and the found with the hope and love of Jesus. But exactly what does that look like and sound like? What activities and behaviors might outreach include? The Apostle Peter tells us one way: “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

In our individual daily stations and vocations of life, we stand ready to reach out with the hope of Christ, especially to those who ask why we live with such hope. Many are longing for a compassionate word, a welcoming smile, or a kind gesture. In a broken and chaotic world, the love of Christ in word and deed is a welcome relief for hurting and wondering souls.

In fact, Jesus told the Pharisees what outreach in God’s name would look like: “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matt. 9:13). Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 as a reminder how the Old Testament Israelites thought obedience to ritual laws (making sacrifices at the temple) was more important than the practice of mercy. Likewise, the Pharisees were simply going through the motions of ritual worship while they ignored those in need of mercy. Jesus called them to reflect on the life of faith and what it means to reach out with mercy in God’s name.

For us, it’s as simple as looking around our community. What are the needs of people? Do they need food, shelter, care, an advocate, companionship, hope? The Holy Christian Church is poised to reach out with such mercy in the name of Jesus. However, we are no mere social service. We bring the mercy of Jesus Christ rooted in His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. He reaches out with love and mercy and inspires us to do the same.

So, consider what resources your congregation has. Do you have people who can visit and bring a word of encouragement? Do you have space to provide a food bank or community classes? Maybe members who could house those in need? Do you have people with skill sets to show mercy and compassion in the name of Jesus—evangelists, medical professionals, carpenters, landscaping, mechanics, financial advising, or housing?

Look to network with like-minded community members to enhance your outreach potential, all the while being intentional about sharing the hope you have through the shed blood of Jesus.

The Go First initiative is meant to unleash the potential of the Holy Christian Church in our local communities. We trust Jesus to inspire us to action, which allows us to trust others and inspire them to action.

Dream big! Think large. Collaborate. Try something new. One circuit is joining together with the district to create an urban outreach center at Jehovah Lutheran in St. Paul—a safe space to meet the needs of the community, including teaching English as a second language and partnering with POBLO to house an International Friendship Center. Another congregation is beginning a food pantry. Another has recognized the opioid crisis and purchased land to build a treatment center for addiction and chemical dependency, while another simply went door to door to invite the community children to an extended Christ-centered VBS program.

The opportunities for outreach are countless. My challenge to you and your congregation is Go First!