Doing Things That MatterSample

"LIVE DIFFERENTLY – PART TWO:

We planted OKC Community Church in 2012 and when we first began dreaming about the church, I kept coming back to this simple hope that we would be a community of people who desires to be the church the best way we know how. The goal wasn’t to do something different or even new, but instead it was to embody what the church was always supposed to be. 

Most of us are aware that the church in America is struggling to find its place in our changing culture and as a result is shrinking and losing influence, especially among young people. This leaves us wondering if we should fight against the culture that is pushing the church to the margins of society, or do we look ourselves in the mirror and ask, “what must we do differently?”

The story of the early church in Acts is an incredible example to learn from. They were radically generous, wholly devoted to scripture, completely united in community, and deeply committed to Christ—to the point of persecution—all for the sake of the gospel! They changed everything for Jesus and thus embodied what the Church must be. Today, we are sometimes hard pressed to ask Christians to change where they sit when they come to church! 

So how do we do better? What must change so people can taste and see how good God is? First of all, we aren’t just talking about your local church—we are talking about being the Church (capital C) and it begins with identity. You don’t go to church… you are the Church. It’s a constant state of being that has purpose and character that shapes your identity.

You can be a great neighbor, a humble servant at your child’s school, an inclusive and encouraging friend, a forgiving and patient parent, a caring and sacrificial employee, and a person who cares for those who are hurting and broken. This is the work of the Church—to be people who bring life and give away our love. Perhaps you can capture this simple and hopeful ache to be the Church the best way we know how.

What’s one thing you can do differently in order to be the Church the best way you know how?