Rev. Skip Seibel

 

One of my favorite sayings is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Share the Gospel always and if necessary use words.” I believe the vision for a local church’s mission work should be, “We make God’s love real.”

 

John the Baptist from his prison cell sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who was to come or should we expect another?”  Jesus responded by pointing to the things he did, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor,” Luke 7:22. On the eve of his death Jesus taught his disciples, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing,” John 14:12. Corporately and individually we are to do the things Jesus did. We are to reveal our faith through acts of compassion, charity and service. We are to give witness to Jesus Christ through the things we do.

 

Service To Others

The number one characteristic of a local church’s ministry to the community and world is service to others. We must live God’s love by compassionately serving others. As a community of faith we must make God’s love real through concrete, tangible and visible acts of service and compassion.

 

Mission Partnerships

I am convinced that a church’s mission outreach is done best in long-term partnerships, whether they are local or international. We must seek and establish mission partnerships that will grow and last for a lifetime. The local church must leverage its gifts, talents and resources by partnering with those doing front line mission work. Through partnerships, a local church’s impact in the community and world will be increased.

 

Personal, Hands-On Ministry

I believe all those who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior must be involved in some manner in mission and service. Personal ministry and short-term mission trips transform lives. A church’s mission outreach must provide its members with opportunities and encouragement to engage in hands-on mission experiences.  

 

Transform Lives

I am convinced that the local church must impact its community and the world. It is imperative that the work of the church transform lives. Through the local church its members have the opportunity to be part of something far greater thanmerely themselves. It is essential that the vision of the church be to impact the local community with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ and to transform lives through the power of faith in Jesus.