This Sunday, we come to the fourth essential practice of fruitful congregations, what Schnase calls Risk-Taking Mission and Service. He says that “Risk-Taking Mission and Service includes the projects, the efforts, and work people do to make a positive difference in the lives of others for the purposes of Christ, whether or not they will ever be part of the community of faith.” (p.109) And he warns us that “Risk-taking Mission and Service is so fundamental to church life that failure to practice it in some form results in a deterioration of the church’s vitality and ability to form disciples of Jesus Christ. When congregations turn inward, using all resources for their own survival and caring only for their own people, then spiritual vitality wanes and the mission of Christ suffers.” [p.110] St. Andrew’s has a rich history of mission and service. May we continue to find new and effective ways to make a difference.
blessings, Ernie
To listen to this week’s message, click on “Risk-Taking Mission and Service”
