Embrace your community

By Dr. BR Johnson

Most every church has some statement of purpose to embrace their community for change. After all, we are called to be salt and light to the bland and the dark. As pastors we remind our congregations that our job is to prepare people for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12). Often we view this as teaching from the pulpit, discipleship classes, or special training opportunities. In many churches, though, a missing link exists between what is taught verbally and what is modeled by leadership.

Part of the mission of the church is to be Christ to its community. So the question comes: how much is the pastor involved in the community? Is our involvement mainly with those who attend our churches? We know we work long hours and are “on call” 24/7, but isn’t there a point where we must leave the office and rub shoulders with the community for which God has called us to serve? Members work full-time jobs and still volunteer to serve the community through the local church. Shouldn’t we do the same? Where are we volunteering? What do we do for the Lord in our communities that the church doesn’t pay us to do? How do we model what we challenge our congregations to do and be?

I will never forget one day as a teenager I was involved in my youth group preparing a musical. As we were building sets the minister of music came by to watch and give direction. Knowing we had deadlines to meet and much work left to do, I asked him if he could help us. I will never forget his negative response, “A screwdriver doesn’t fit my hand.” Over the years, God has reminded me of that incident to help me serve the way I ask others to serve. When God called me into the ministry, I promised Him that I would do whatever He asked, and whatever I challenged the church to do, I would try to lead by example. Pastors need to take off the tie, roll up their sleeves, and be genuine servants in the community. After all, ministry is all about relationships.

Here are a few ideas of service in the community that I’ve experienced as a pastor. Remember that God has given you talents and abilities to use in service beyond the pulpit. Be creative, but most of all, be involved.

Chaplain: Serving as chaplain of local athletic teams and other groups can be a great community service. If you really want to embrace the community, then consider volunteering as a police chaplain or fire chaplain, but please get the training needed. You will be called upon at the darkest hour of your community. NAMB offers chaplaincy training, visit www.namb.net/chaplain.

Athletic clubs/Booster clubs: Being part of a booster club or a little league organization can be challenging and rewarding. Working in the concession stand and rubbing elbows while flipping burgers is a great way to get to know people. Coaching or helping the local school coaches can provide great avenues of service. 

Announcer: Every community has events that require an announcer—football games, basketball games, and even rodeos. A good voice is required and a sense of professionalism will help. It’s amazing the opportunities that can come your way just by being willing to use your voice.

Construction: Many mission opportunities exist in your community through volunteer construction teams. You may not be a carpenter by trade, but you can assist those with knowledge and learn a great deal. And by all means, if your church is remodeling or building an addition using laymen, work alongside them. It may be sweat equity, but it’s definitely worth every minute. Go on construction mission trips and work side-by-side with the men and women. Resist the temptation to be the “preacher” for the trip. Just be a co-laborer.

These are just a few of the opportunities that can get you out from behind the desk and into the field. Use your imagination and find ways to serve. We know that much of Jesus’ ministry took place outside the walls of the church with common people of the day. His sermons were preached as He walked alongside people. As pastors, we must walk alongside the members of our congregations and communities. We have to earn the right to be heard, and our best sermons may just be in blue jeans and a T-shirt. And hey, taking the tie off isn’t so bad.