Doing good for those in need is a given for every Christian and every church – that’s who we are. It’s incredible to see how the church of Jesus continues to be at the forefront, serving the needy and vulnerable all across our land.
The cost of living crisis has meant that the needs of our community have really grown, and we have been receiving far more referrals for help than ever before, who we continue to serve by way of cooked meals, our free drop-in café, shower and laundry facilities, as well as greater advocacy services.
However, in our quest to do good, we must never forget our foremost mission – the Great Commission, and like the early church, who “preached Jesus everywhere they went” (Acts 8:4), we can use the platform and connections that our good works give us to share with people the greatest gift any human being can receive, that of knowing Jesus. Paul reminds us in Romans 1:16, “the gospel message of Christ alone is the power of God that draws people unto salvation”.
So how can we fulfil our mission in sharing Jesus using the platform of good works we do?
1. Don’t hide who we are
Right from day one, let people know who we are – Christians – everyday people, with everyday challenges and shortcomings, yet ones who have found the Saviour. Not that we preach a five-point sermon to them the day we meet them, but we make a conscious effort in not hiding our distinct identity. Matthew 5:15 says “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket”. If we hide our cards on day one, we’ll find it very difficult when we decide to show them several months later. Put your cards on the table from day one. Let people know Who you are, and most importantly, whose you are.
2. Look out for those ‘God opportunities’
We are not alone on this mission. The Holy Spirit is constantly orchestrating divine connections with people who are ready to have those God conversations. As we work closely with Him, we’ll sense His gentle leading, both in leading us to these individuals, as well as giving us the right words to share with them. People are looking for hope, answers and comfort. Be open to offering prayer, be open to sharing your own story, be open to moving in the gifts of the Spirit – words of knowledge, the prophetic, healings and miracles – and make room for God to then do what He alone can do.
3. Create the right atmosphere
Creating God-filled atmospheres in our gatherings, drop-in centres, breakfast clubs, outreach centres, and wherever we serve non-Christians who come in cannot be understated. I’ve always recognised how important this aspect is, and therefore at our own drop-in café, we start the day with a short time of worship and prayer. By doing that, not only do we fill the atmosphere with God’s presence, but we also prepare the hearts of our serving teams. Recruit team members who demonstrate the life, love and joy of God as they serve. Also, be quick to address any behaviours or attitudes, both in visitors or servers, that might make the atmosphere heavy or toxic.
4. Be intentional
In Ephesians 6:15, Paul instructs us about having “your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”. At all times, we have to be intentional about our mission, so that sharing Jesus becomes a conscious aspect of our everyday lives, the culture of the churches we serve in, an essential part of orienting our teams, and a visible priority in our vison and strategy communications.
When a farmer faithfully does what he has to do during sowing time, going out there and sowing seeds, then during the harvesting time, he can expect a harvest. No seed, no harvest. More seed, more harvest. Likewise, when we do what we can do, we give God opportunities to do what He alone can do. Mark 16:20 says, “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.”
"At all times, we have to be intentional about our mission, so that sharing Jesus becomes a conscious aspect of our everyday lives, the culture of the churches we serve in, an essential part of orienting our teams, and a visible priority in our vison and strategy communications."
5. Trust God
Once we’ve played our part, we then look to God with expectation, believing in faith that He will do incredible things. William Carey, the great British missionary to India said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God”. Let us raise our level of faith and expectation. Perhaps we’ve been discouraged in the past, not having seen many results, but as Peter responded to Jesus saying, “Lord, we have toiled all night and caught nothing, but at your word we will launch again”, I encourage you to launch again. Step out in faith again. Preach Jesus intentionally again. We are in such an exciting and opportune time right now as the church of God in our land. Let us stand confidently in our identity, and share our message boldly. As we trust the Lord of the harvest, He will do “exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or imagine”.
How we see the people we are helping is really important and affects how we love and serve them. We should see each individual as a child of God, created in His image and likeness, who deep inside is longing for love, a sense of identity and purpose. Therefore, we carry on helping them, even if they don’t respond in the way we hope for. Those seeds we plant will always be there – with the potential to one day be harvested for eternal glory.
You may be reading this article and don't know where to start in your community. Have a look at the following resources which may help you think through this more for yourself:
Stories of Hope: Cost of Living
How the church is bringing hope to communities across the UK during this cost of living crisis Find out more
